Fear of what may happen during withdrawal can keep people trapped in the downward spiral of kratom addiction. But when you understand the kratom withdrawal timeline, and when you get professional care to help you complete this process, you can eliminate this fear and start living a healthier life, free of compulsive kratom abuse.
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal is one of the classic signs of addiction. When a person’s body becomes dependent on kratom, it adapts to the presence of the substance. When the person is unable to use the substance – or when they try to stop using it – their body may react with a variety of distressing symptoms.
The specifics of withdrawal can vary from one person to the next. But in general, the kratom withdrawal timeline typically looks like this:
- The first symptoms usually begin to appear within 12-24 hours after a person stops using kratom.
- Initial physical symptoms often include abdominal cramping, nausea, fever, and pain in the muscles and bones. Some people develop temporary vision problems during the initial phase of the kratom withdrawal timeline.
- Early psychological symptoms during kratom withdrawal may include anxiety and extreme mood swings. These can be exacerbated by an inability to sleep (insomnia), as well as by powerful cravings for kratom.
- Between 24-48 hours after a person stops using kratom, they may begin to develop tremors and struggle with impaired coordination.
- During the second and third days of the kratom withdrawal timeline (24-72 hours after last kratom use), many people begin to symptoms of depression.
- The most intense symptoms of kratom withdrawal usually peak around day 4 (96 hours after a person’s last kratom use). These symptoms should then begin to taper off over the next few days.
- By the end of the first week of the kratom withdrawal timeline, most symptoms should have dissipated. However, some lingering symptoms — especially psychological distress such as cravings, anxiety, and depression — may persist for several weeks.
When a person tries to stop using kratom on their own, the intensity of withdrawal can quickly push them back into active substance abuse. This underscores the value of completing kratom withdrawal in a reputable detoxification (or detox) program, where patients benefit from professional care and 24/7 support.
What Is Kratom?
Now that we’ve established what happens during the kratom withdrawal timeline, let’s take a few steps back and discuss what this substance is, and how it can affect people.
Kratom is an extract of leaves from a Southeast Asian tree called Mitragyna speciosa. It has been incorporated into herbal medicine in that area for centuries. In recent decades, it has become a somewhat popular recreational substance in the United States.
Kratom’s effects can be similar to what a person experiences when they use some stimulants or opioids. However, because kratom is currently classified as an herbal supplement in the U.S., its sale and possession is not regulated.
This lack of regulation may mislead people into believing that kratom is harmless. This is unfortunately not true. As we will discuss in the next few sections, people who use kratom may be exposing themselves to considerable harm, including addiction.
Potential Effects of Kratom
According to a September 2022 article in the journal Cureus, experts estimate that about two million Americans used kratom in 2018. Surveys indicate that the most popular reason for using this substance is to alleviate pain. Many people who use this substance report that they did so in order to end or reduce their use of opioids, which are present in many prescription painkillers.
Regardless of why a person chooses to use kratom, they may experience a variety of distressing effects, including:
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Seizure
- Elevated blood pressure
- Breathing difficulties
- Liver damage
- Addiction
When a person’s use of kratom changes from a choice to a compulsion, the potential harm that a person may experience can increase significantly. The danger can also be elevated if a person uses kratom in combination with other substances (a practice that is commonly referred to as polysubstance abuse).
More: Coping Mechanisms During Withdrawal
Signs of Kratom Addiction
Begin able to identify the signs of kratom addiction can help you realize if you have developed a problem or put you in position to help someone else who may have become depending on the drug. Possible signs and symptoms of kratom addiction can include:
- Exhibiting dramatic shifts in mood, attitude, and energy
- Devoting large amounts of time to acquiring and using kratom
- Prioritizing kratom use over personal and job-related responsibilities
- Becoming agitated or irritated when prevented from using kratom
- Using kratom in clearly hazardous ways, such as mixing it with other addictive substances
- Lying to friends or family about the amount and frequency of one’s kratom abuse
- Needing to use larger amounts of kratom to achieve the desired effects
- Developing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using kratom
When a person enters treatment for kratom addiction, they significantly reduce their risk for these and other forms of harm. During treatment, they can also begin to heal from the damage that kratom addiction has already inflicted on their life.
With proper care, a concerted effort, and effective support, people who have become addicted to kratom can end their use of this dangerous substance and achieve lasting recovery.
Find Kratom Addiction Treatment in Nashville
If you have become dependent on kratom or any other addictive substances, Nashville Treatment Solutions may be the perfect place for you. Our team understands that addiction impacts each person in unique ways, and we are committed to providing the personalized services that promote true healing and successful recovery.
Features of care at our addiction treatment center in Nashville, Tennessee, include detoxification, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program (OP). At each of these levels, your care will be provided by a team of skilled professionals within a respectful and supportive environment.
Untreated addiction can take you to a dark and hopeless place. But when you choose Nashville Treatment Solutions, you can discover your path to the healthier future you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call our center today.
