Despite being seen as a natural substitute for opioids, kratom still has the potential to cause dependence and withdrawal effects. Individuals must identify the signs of kratom withdrawal and seek the necessary support, as these symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe physical and psychological distress. Remember that recovery is not just about stopping kratom use—it’s about building a fulfilling, healthy life without dependence on substances. This process takes time, patience, and often professional support, but countless individuals have successfully overcome kratom addiction and gone on to live rewarding lives in recovery. Understanding the kratom withdrawal timeline is crucial for anyone struggling with opioid or kratom dependence in Tennessee.

Kratom Withdrawal Relief Techniques

While often marketed as a natural supplement, kratom carries the potential for dependence and withdrawal, especially with regular or high-dose use. For many, breaking free from kratom can feel overwhelming due to the range of symptoms and the uncertainty of the withdrawal timeline. Most people experience peak withdrawal symptoms within 3–5 days, but mental cravings can last weeks without treatment. If you take kratom, there’s a chance you’ll experience withdrawal when you cut back or stop, especially if you take a lot or use it often. In most cases, you can manage the symptoms on your own, but don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or home treatments aren’t effective. Many people turn to kratom because they believe it’s a “natural” or safer alternative to opiates or opioids—but that doesn’t mean withdrawal is easy.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. Compassionate evidence-based addiction care that delivers results.Find your peace and strength with us. The right combination of support can make withdrawal feel less overwhelming—and help set the stage for lasting change. They can affect both your physical health and your emotional well-being.

FAQs About the Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

I’m about 2 weeks out (only about 4 days completely free of kratom) and still feeling enough withdrawal symptoms that I don’t feel great. While the physical symptoms may begin to lessen after the first two weeks, anxiety, depression, and cravings may still persist for some time. During the second half of the first week, symptoms typically begin to subside, though they may still be significant. Physical symptoms gradually reduce in intensity, and sleep patterns start to improve, though disruption continues. Mood changes persist but may become less severe, while cravings remain ongoing but less intense than during the peak phase. At Bakersfield Recovery Center, we understand the unique challenges of managing kratom withdrawal and offer evidence-based treatment that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery.

With professional support and monitoring, and sometimes with the use of medications, this can be the fastest way to detox. However, abruptly stopping a substance can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. For a more exact look, a collaborative study performed by the Universiti Sains Malaysia and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany seems to be definitive on this matter. They surveyed 293 regular kratom users and found that of those who used kratom for more than 6 months, more than half developed severe dependence.

Telemedicine Addiction Treatment: Accessible and Convenient

Kratom withdrawal occurs when someone who has been using kratom regularly either reduces their dose significantly or stops using it altogether. Kratom acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, much like prescription painkillers, which is why its withdrawal symptoms resemble those of opioids, though typically milder. As with other substances with opioid-like effects, kratom can cause tolerance, cravings, and dependence. Eventually, this can lead to physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when people stop using it. Kratom withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, but it can be physically and emotionally intense.

How Kratom Withdrawal Compares to Opioid Withdrawal

• For more insights and guidance, be sure to visit our blog, where we offer valuable information on kratom addiction and recovery.
• By familiarizing yourself with the typical stages and symptoms of kratom withdrawal, you can better prepare for the journey toward recovery and seek the appropriate support when needed.
• Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM is a dual board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine.
• In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about kratom withdrawal, from symptoms and phases to treatment and relief options.
• This page may contain sensitive or adult content that’s not for everyone.

Also known as PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome), this stage involves mostly emotional and psychological symptoms. Some individuals may experience fatigue, irritability, and cravings for several weeks. However, the intensity generally lessens over time with appropriate care. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has gained attention for its pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects.

• Not everyone who regularly uses kratom becomes dependent on it or experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.
• Older individuals may experience longer withdrawal periods, while overall physical fitness and general health can affect recovery time.
• Perhaps most importantly, medical detox provides psychological support through counseling and emotional support during the challenging withdrawal period.
• Kratom withdrawal is unlikely to be dangerous, although it can cause mild to moderate effects that may be unpleasant and uncomfortable.

We’d love the opportunity to help you during this overwhelming and difficult process. The Summit Wellness Group is located in Metro Atlanta, Georgia and all of your calls will be directed to one of our local staff members. Our sincere passion is helping people overcome addiction to live full, meaningful, and healthy lives.

Research suggests that withdrawal symptoms generally appear within 12 to 48 hours of stopping kratom use and typically last 1 to 3 days, though some individuals may experience symptoms for up to a week. Physical symptoms during this phase include muscle aches and pain throughout the body, joint stiffness, and significant fatigue with low energy levels. Many people experience runny nose and watery eyes, similar to having a cold, along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Support Groups and Peer Support

At Healthy Life Recovery, we understand that kratom addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive, individualized treatment. Older individuals may experience longer withdrawal periods, while overall physical fitness and general health can affect recovery time. Pre-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may worsen during withdrawal, making professional support particularly important. Having a strong social support system can Kratom Withdrawal Timeline significantly improve outcomes and make the process more manageable.

The size of your last dose will also impact when the effects wear off and when withdrawal symptoms set in. The symptoms may feel intense in the moment, but they fade with time, and there are ways to make the process easier. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to quit kratom, but safety and support can make a big difference in how manageable the process feels. Knowing what to expect—and how it compares to other substances—can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and recovery. Learning how to not be codependent can be crucial for family members supporting someone in recovery. Some users also find temporary relief in supplements such as magnesium (for muscle cramps) or L-theanine (for calmness), but these should be used with medical advice.

Hot and cold flashes accompanied by sweating are common, as are tremors or shaking, headaches, and severe sleep disturbances including insomnia. During the final withdrawal phase, typically lasting one to two weeks after the last dose, most physical symptoms have either disappeared or reduced significantly. People may continue to have episodes of anxiety, depression, and mood changes, as well as periodic desires for kratom. In this timeframe, it is crucial to prioritize mental health assistance and cultivate positive coping techniques to avoid recurrence. Successful recovery from kratom addiction extends beyond managing withdrawal symptoms. Long-term recovery involves addressing underlying issues such as mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, or trauma that may have contributed to kratom use.

If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom dependence, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and can prevent the progression to more severe addiction. Alternatively, people can gradually taper off the substance, slowly reducing their dosage. The content provided on this website is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Recovery Care is a Tennessee state-licensed virtual OBOT addiction treatment provider.TennCare BeSMART and BMAT Certified. Not everyone who regularly uses kratom becomes dependent on it or experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.

12 Those who have underlying mental health issues or a history of heavy use may face more severe symptoms. The intensity of kratom withdrawal symptoms is linked to the length of time it was used and the amounts used. Depending on the amounts used, kratom withdrawal can be expected to fall somewhere in the range of 4 to 7 days. The less kratom used, the less intense the withdrawals were and the shorter the symptoms persisted.