Kratom addiction is rising fast—and it’s not as harmless as the marketing sounds. Sold at gas stations and online as “natural,” kratom can hook the brain like an opioid while speeding up the heart like a stimulant. In recent years, poison control centers and medical examiners have tied kratom to increasing emergency visits, severe health events, and confirmed overdose deaths. If you or someone you love is struggling with kratom addiction, you’re not alone—and real help is available. Start by searching our treatment directory or call our 24/7 hotline at (866) 578-7471.
What Is Kratom and Why It’s Risky
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain active alkaloids—most notably mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—that bind to opioid receptors. In low doses, people report a stimulant-like buzz; in higher doses, sedating and pain-relieving effects take over. Over time, the brain adapts, tolerance grows, and daily use becomes substance abuse—often sliding into dependence and addiction.
Street names & product slang: ketum, biak-biak, ithang, thom, kakuam, “Maeng Da,” “Bali,” “OPMS/OPM’s,” “K-shot,” “Mitra,” “Krazy Kratom,” and “gas-station heroin” (for concentrated/synthetic-like shots or vapes). It’s sold as powders, capsules, teas, resins, “energy” shots, gummies, and vapes.
Why the buzz is dangerous:
- Potency is inconsistent. One scoop can hit like several.
- Many products are concentrated extracts, making overdose more likely—especially when mixed with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.
- Reports include liver injury, seizures, dangerously high blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, and severe withdrawals similar to opioids.
- In U.S. data sets, kratom has been detected in overdose deaths, sometimes alongside other drugs—and the trend line is up, not down.
Signs & Symptoms of Kratom Addiction
Use this checklist to spot problems early. Even a few boxes checked may signal developing kratom addiction.
Behavioral signs & symptoms
- Needing more to feel “normal” (tolerance); using throughout the day
- Failed attempts to cut down; anxiety about running out
- Skipping work, school, or family events to use or recover
- Spending excessive money/time sourcing specific strains or shots
- Hiding capsules, powders, vapes, or “tea kits”
Physical signs & symptoms
- Nausea, constipation, sweating, flushed face, itching
- Rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, tremors
- Small pupils, drowsiness after heavy doses
- Poor appetite or weight changes
- Sleep disturbance (wired at low dose, wiped out at high dose)
Psychological signs & symptoms
- Irritability, depression, or panic when not using
- Brain fog, memory issues, mood swings
- Cravings that override priorities and relationships
If stopping leads to muscle aches, stomach cramps, gooseflesh, runny nose/eyes, yawning, insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness—those are classic withdrawals and a red flag for dependence.
Risks, Overdose & Withdrawals
Health risks
- Cardio-neuro risks: heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, seizures
- Liver toxicity: jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine after weeks or months of use
- Infections/contaminants: some products have been found contaminated (e.g., bacteria or heavy metals)
- Poly-drug danger: mixing with alcohol, opioids, benzos, or stimulants dramatically raises overdose risk
Overdose—what it can look like
- Extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Slowed or irregular breathing
- Vomiting that won’t stop
- Seizure, severe agitation, or dangerous blood pressure spikes
If an overdose is suspected: call 911 immediately. If you have naloxone (Narcan), use it—especially if any opioid use is possible. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Withdrawals—what to expect
Kratom withdrawal often mirrors opioid withdrawal in intensity and pattern. Symptoms can start within 12–24 hours of the last dose, peak at days 2–3, and improve by days 5–7—though sleep, anxiety, and cravings can linger longer. Common symptoms include chills, sweats, diarrhea, nausea, body aches, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and depressed mood. Trying to “taper yourself” without guidance often drags out discomfort and leads to relapse.
Fast facts
- Poison centers have documented a steep rise in kratom-related calls over the last decade.
- Medical examiners have confirmed kratom’s presence in overdose deaths, often with other drugs; some cases involved kratom alone.
- Emergency departments increasingly report severe events tied to concentrated shots, extracts, and combinations with alcohol or sedatives.
Treatment: Detox, Rehab & Insurance Accepted Rehab
You don’t have to white-knuckle this. Evidence-based care can shorten withdrawals, reduce overdose risk, and help you rebuild your life.
- A clinician assesses dose, frequency, co-use (alcohol, opioids, benzos), and medical/psychiatric history.
- A medically supervised detox manages symptoms with non-addictive supports (e.g., anti-nausea, anti-diarrheal, non-opioid pain relief, sleep/anxiety aids).
- If there’s co-occurring opioid or alcohol use, protocols adjust to keep you safe.
- Residential/Inpatient Rehab: 24/7 support for severe dependence, risky home environments, or co-occurring conditions.
- Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient (PHP/IOP): Daily or several-times-weekly therapy, skills training, and medical follow-up while you live at home or in sober housing.
- Outpatient Rehab: Weekly therapy plus medical management for stable cases.
3) Therapies that work
- CBT & DBT: Cut through triggers, cravings, and negative thought loops.
- Motivational Interviewing: Builds motivation and a personalized recovery plan.
- Trauma-informed care: Addresses PTSD, anxiety, or depression that often drive use.
- Relapse prevention & recovery coaching: Craving management, lifestyle design, and support groups.
4) Medications & symptom relief
There isn’t an FDA-approved medication specifically for kratom use disorder yet. Clinicians may use short-term, non-addictive medications to calm anxiety, help sleep, and ease GI or muscle symptoms. If opioid or alcohol use is in the mix, FDA-approved medicines may be considered for those conditions.
5) Aftercare that sticks
- Recovery groups: SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, 12-Step, or faith-based options
- Mental health care: Ongoing therapy and medication management for mood, anxiety, ADHD, or pain conditions
- Lifestyle supports: Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management to stabilize the nervous system
Insurance & affordability
Many programs are insurance accepted rehab providers. We’ll help you verify benefits and find the right level of care—without surprise bills.
Your next step (we’ll walk with you):
- Search our national directory for kratom-capable detox and rehab programs tailored to your needs.
- Or call (866) 578-7471 to talk with a compassionate specialist right now.
