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Is Kratom Addictive? Rising Concern Around Kratom Addiction

Medical Providers:
Dr. Randy Gelow, MD, FASAM
Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Last Updated: May 21, 2025

Over 1.7 million Americans reported using kratom in the past year, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. While some view it as a natural alternative to opioids or a way to manage pain and anxiety, the medical reality is more complicated.

Kratom is increasingly linked to patterns of substance abuse, withdrawal, and long-term health risks. Despite being legal in many areas and sold as a dietary supplement, kratom behaves like an opioid in the brain—making dependence and addiction not only possible, but clinically documented.

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What Is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, traditionally used for pain relief and mood enhancement. In the United States, it’s widely sold in powder, capsule, or extract form and marketed as a kratom product for boosting energy, improving focus, and easing symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

The plant’s active ingredients—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—bind to opioid receptors in the brain. These compounds mimic the effects of opioids, including sedation, euphoria, and pain relief. Although kratom is not classified as a controlled substance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings citing serious side effects including addiction, liver damage, and respiratory depression.

Question Box: Is Kratom Addictive?

Yes—kratom is addictive, especially when used in higher doses or over long periods. While some believe it to be a safer option than prescription opioids, its pharmacological effects say otherwise.

 Kratom engages the brain’s reward pathways similar to morphine or heroin. This leads to physical dependence, tolerance, and compulsive use over time. Many users report withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, including both physical and emotional distress. The addictive potential is real, and it’s well-documented in medical literature and case reports.

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Is Kratom As Addictive As Opiates?

Kratom and opiates both affect the brain’s opioid receptors, but their potency and risks differ. Understanding these similarities and differences helps clarify why kratom addiction is a serious concern, even if it’s sometimes viewed as a safer option.

Kratom is less potent than substances like fentanyl or heroin, but it still binds to the same opioid receptors in the brain. This means it can produce similar effects and carry addiction risks.

Repeated kratom use changes the brain’s natural chemistry, making the body rely on it to function normally. This dependence increases the chance of developing an addiction over time.

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Overdoses from kratom are less common compared to strong opiates, but serious health complications can still occur. Mixing kratom with other substances increases these dangers significantly.

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Addiction treatment focuses on the harm a substance causes rather than just its classification. Kratom’s effects on brain and behavior make it a substance of concern for healthcare professionals.

While kratom may not carry all the dangers of stronger opiates, its potential for addiction and life disruption remains significant. It is important to treat kratom addiction with the same seriousness as other substance use disorders.

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Why People Use Kratom Despite the Risks

Many people begin using kratom for what they perceive as therapeutic reasons. Often, it starts as a self-managed solution for discomfort, stress, or medical conditions without professional oversight.

Common Reasons Why People Use Kratom

Some people turn to kratom to relieve ongoing pain after losing access to opioid medications. While it may provide temporary relief, this self-medication can quickly lead to dependence.

Kratom is sometimes used as a way to self-treat emotional distress. However, relying on it to manage mood can worsen mental health symptoms over time.

Many use kratom as a “natural” substitute when trying to taper off stronger opioids. Without medical guidance, this can replace one addiction with another.

Because low doses of kratom act as a stimulant, some use it for productivity. Regular use for this purpose often escalates into dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

These intentions are not inherently harmful, but the lack of regulation and guidance can quickly shift well-meaning use into dependence. What starts as relief often turns into risk.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Signs of kratom addiction can appear gradually, often going unnoticed until the pattern is well established. Identifying the warning signs early can lead to better outcomes and easier recovery.

Symptoms of Kratom Misuse

icon muscle pain

Body aches

mood change are a common symptom of addiction

Mood swings

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Sweating/chills

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Nausea/vomiting

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Insomnia

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Cravings/anxiety

If these behaviors are familiar, it’s a signal to seek help. Addiction doesn’t have to be extreme to warrant professional support.

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Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Kratom withdrawal typically mirrors opioid addiction withdrawal, though symptoms can vary in severity. Most users begin to feel symptoms within 12 to 24 hours after their last dose.

icon muscle pain

Muscle aches or body pain

mood change are a common symptom of addiction

Irritability, mood swings, or low mood

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Runny nose, sweating, or chills

nausea and vomiting

Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or vomiting

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Insomnia or difficulty relaxing

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Cravings and Anxiety

The kratom withdrawal timeline usually spans 5 to 7 days, with peak intensity around the second or third day. While not typically life-threatening, withdrawal can be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and often requires medical monitoring.

Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Kratom?

The answer is clinically and scientifically: yes.

 Even though kratom is legal and often marketed as natural, its abuse potential is clear. The body adapts to kratom quickly, developing tolerance and dependence. Users trying to quit often encounter both physical discomfort and emotional instability. Over time, kratom can become central to a person’s routine, affecting relationships, work, and overall health.

 This pattern reflects classic signs of substance abuse and fits the diagnostic criteria for addiction.

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Kratom Addiction Treatment: What Works

Effective kratom addiction treatment requires a multi-faceted approach. While kratom presents unique challenges, its treatment often parallels that of other opioids.

Key components of successful treatment programs include:

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Evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT help address the root causes of addiction and teach healthier coping skills.

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Treating mental health issues like anxiety or depression alongside kratom use improves the chances of long-term recovery.

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Ongoing support, care plans, and lifestyle changes help reduce the risk of relapse and support lasting recovery.

Recovery is not just about stopping use—it’s about building a healthier, more sustainable way of living. Tailored care improves outcomes and restores quality of life.

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Kratom Addiction Treatment in Arizona

At Hart Rehab in Arizona, we specialize in addressing the full spectrum of substance use disorders, including emerging threats like kratom.

Our team offers personalized, medically supported care that addresses both the physical and psychological sides of addiction. We provide safe detox, therapy grounded in evidence-based practices, and compassionate support for long-term recovery. If you’re concerned about kratom use, help is available—and recovery is possible.

Contact Hart Rehab today at (480) 351-5146 or email us at contact@thehopehouse.com. You don’t have to face addiction alone.

Hope and healing are within reach. Let us help you find your way.