What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have been used for centuries as a traditional medicine. [1] The active compounds in kratom, called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to opioid receptors in the brain. People typically consume kratom by chewing the leaves, brewing them into tea, or taking powdered supplements.

Kratom produces different effects depending on the dose. [2] At lower doses, it acts like a stimulant, increasing energy and alertness. At higher doses, kratom produces sedating and pain-relieving effects similar to opioids. Many people initially use kratom to manage chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms.

The substance exists in a legal gray area in most states, including New Jersey, where it’s currently legal but unregulated. This means kratom products aren’t tested for purity or potency, creating additional health risks. Despite being marketed as a natural alternative to prescription medications, kratom can be addictive and cause serious side effects, especially with regular use or high doses.

Statistics About Kratom Abuse

An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021, according to federal health data. [3] Between 2011 and 2017, the national poison center reporting database documented 1,807 calls concerning kratom exposure, with reports increasing tenfold from 26 in 2010 to 263 in 2015. [4] Among these calls, 73.8 percent involved intentional use, and 71.7 percent of cases were male with a median age of 28.

Between 2016 and 2017, kratom was detected in 152 out of 27,338 overdose deaths examined by the CDC’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System, representing less than one percent of all overdose deaths studied. [5] Kratom was determined to be a contributing cause of death in 91 of these cases, with only seven cases where kratom was the only substance detected. The majority of kratom-related deaths involved multiple substances, particularly opioids like fentanyl.

However, recent research indicates that dozens of people have died from kratom exposure alone. [6] Medical outcomes from kratom exposure reported to poison centers range from minor effects in 24.5 percent of cases to life-threatening effects in 7.4 percent. The most commonly reported symptoms include rapid heart rate, agitation, drowsiness, nausea, and high blood pressure.

Can You Get Addicted to Kratom?

Kratom can be addictive, despite being marketed as a natural alternative to prescription drugs. [7] The active compounds in kratom bind to the same opioid receptors in the brain as prescription painkillers and heroin. Regular use leads to tolerance, meaning you need higher doses to achieve the same effects. Physical dependence can develop within weeks of consistent use.

Studies show that more than half of regular kratom users experience severe dependency. People who stop using kratom report withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal, including muscle aches, nausea, fever, diarrhea, mood swings, and intense cravings. These symptoms can persist for days or weeks, making it challenging to quit without professional assistance.

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Kratom?

Kratom dependence can develop surprisingly quickly with regular use. Some people report experiencing withdrawal symptoms after just a few weeks of daily kratom consumption. [8] The timeline varies based on factors like dosage, frequency of use, individual brain chemistry, and whether you’re using kratom to replace other substances. People who take higher doses multiple times per day may develop dependence faster than those who use smaller amounts less frequently.

The progression from casual use to dependence often happens gradually, making it difficult to recognize when the line has been crossed. Many people don’t realize they’ve become dependent until they try to stop using kratom and experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

If you find yourself needing kratom to feel normal, using it more frequently than intended, or feeling anxious when you can’t access it, these are signs that dependence may be developing. Professional treatment can help address kratom dependence safely and effectively.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Recognizing kratom addiction can be difficult because it often develops gradually and may seem less obvious than addiction to other substances. These warning signs suggest that kratom use has progressed into dependency: [9]

• Needing higher doses to feel the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
• Using kratom multiple times throughout the day
• Prioritizing kratom use over meals or sleep
• Persistent nausea, constipation, or digestive issues
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Being unable to function normally without kratom
• Continuing to use despite negative consequences
• Feeling anxious or irritable when kratom isn’t available
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
• Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop use

The Treatment of Kratom Dependence

Breaking free from kratom dependence takes courage — especially when use began as a way to manage pain or anxiety. You might feel stuck between needing kratom to function and knowing it’s controlling your life.

The truth is, kratom withdrawal can be challenging and uncomfortable. You don’t have to face it alone. Our team helps you safely detox from kratom while building the tools and support system you need for lasting recovery. We understand that stopping kratom is only the first step — real recovery happens when you address the reasons behind your use in the first place.

Levels of Care

• Detox Placement: We connect you with medically supervised detox programs that safely manage kratom withdrawal symptoms and monitor for complications.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A full-day program (5–6 days per week) providing intensive therapy, structure, and clinical support while allowing you to return home at night.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible morning and evening sessions that allow you to maintain work and family responsibilities while continuing treatment.

Treatment Modalities

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and changes thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to kratom use while developing effective coping strategies.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Teaches practical tools for managing emotions, reducing stress, and improving relationships without relying on substances.
• EMDR Therapy: Processes underlying trauma once you have the tools and stability to safely address painful experiences.
• Family Therapy: Involves loved ones in the healing process and helps repair relationships affected by addiction.
• Group Therapy: Builds community through small, supportive groups focused on identifying triggers, developing coping skills, and sharing encouragement.
• Individual Therapy: Provides personalized, one-on-one sessions addressing your unique needs, mental health challenges, and recovery goals.
• Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT): Available to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings under professional medical supervision.