Kratom is widely considered a natural supplement that boosts energy, relieves pain, and enhances mood. Users also claim that it is a natural way to get high, and it can help alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. However, research suggests that the drug is unsafe and ineffective.

Although kratom is legal in the U.S., it is also highly addictive and a hazardous and unregulated substance readily available on the internet. Fighting kratom addiction can be overwhelming because of the kratom withdrawal symptoms.

At Pathfinders Recovery Center, we offer a wide range of treatment programs for you or a loved one battling kratom addiction. Keep reading to learn more about kratom rehab and why our program forms a top choice for getting help!

What Is Kratom?

Kratom Rehab Near Me

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa korth) is a tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia and some parts of Africa. This coffee family tree has bitter leaves that contain a psychoactive opioid compound known as mitragynine, which can induce stimulant or sedative effects.

Many people are drawn to kratom because of its alleged effects on sexual endurance and performance, ability to induce euphoria, and pain relieving characteristics. The drug is also affordable and widely available without a medical prescription.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory on kratom in 2017. Kratom drug goes by other names such as:

  • Ketum
  • Herbal speedball
  • Thang
  • Biak

Southeast Asians initially used kratom to treat fever, wound care, and drug withdrawal symptoms. Some Americans use kratom leaf products for pain relief and mental health issues like anxiety.

How Does Kratom Work?

Kratom acts as a stimulant at low doses. Low-dose users often report having more energy, being more alert, and sociable. Higher doses of kratom induce a sedative, causing euphoric effects and dull emotions.

The active components in kratom are alkaloids with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-relaxant properties. They include:

  • Mitragynine
  • 7-hydroxymitragynine
  • Speciociliatine

The plant’s dark green leaves are often dried, crushed, powdered, and smoked. Some users chew the leave, while others brew kratom with tea or gel it into capsules. Fortified kratom powders are available, usually green or light brown, and other plant extracts are also present in these powders.

The effects of kratom on physical and mental health begin 5 to 10 minutes after administration and persist for 2 to 5 hours. Nausea, itching, sweating, and dry mouth are acute side effects. Kratom also causes constipation, increased urination, and appetite loss. Long-term kratom use may cause anorexia, weight loss, sleeplessness, and skin problems.

Is Kratom Addictive?

Chemical compounds in kratom bind to opioid receptors in the brain to induce a similar effect to opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. Because of this mode of action, kratom can cause physical and psychological dependence and addiction. Chronic abusers with significant dependence experience withdrawal signs when they stop taking the drug.

Kratom addiction has many similarities with opioid use disorder (OUD). Quitting cold turkey may be difficult.

Mixing Kratom with Other Substances

Some kratom users use kratom tea as the base of a cocktail containing cough syrup and Coca-Cola. These users often blend the drink known as “4×100” with benzodiazepines, which is a primary source of concern.

Most kratom-related deaths involve mixing substances with other drugs or prescription medicines, including alcohol, caffeine, fentanyl, cocaine, and diphenhydramine.

Kratom is Still a Source of Controversy

Kratom is Still a Source of Controversy

Kratom has not been thoroughly studied, so it is not officially recommended for medical use. Clinical trials are critical in the development of new drugs. These studies help identify consistently adverse effects and potentially harmful interactions with other medications. These studies also help identify effective yet non-hazardous dosages.

Kratom can have a powerful effect on the body, containing nearly the same amount of alkaloids as hallucinogenic mushrooms or opioids. Alkaloids have a significant physical impact on humans. While some of these effects may be beneficial, others may be concerning. This is among the main reasons why more research on this drug is required. There are significant risks of negative consequences, and safety is yet to be established.

According to one study, mitragynine, the primary psychoactive alkaloid in kratom, may have addictive properties. Side effects of addiction can include nausea, sweating, tremors, insomnia, and hallucinations.

Kratom production is also unregulated. The FDA does not inspect herbs for safety or purity, so there are no established standards for producing this drug safely.

What are Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms?

A Kratom high can induce exhilaration and relaxation, but the inevitable crash can leave users feeling anxious or depressed. One of the most challenging aspects of beating an addiction is resisting the temptation to seek out that high again, leading to a vicious cycle.

Six to twelve hours after the last use, a kratom user may feel compelled to increase their drug use to stave off the adverse psychological effects of withdrawal. After a while, people develop a tolerance and need to take it more frequently throughout the day to achieve the same effect. Realizing one can experience pleasure without it is the first step in the withdrawal process.

Initial Withdrawal Symptoms

The first withdrawal signs typically appear within 12 hours following the user’s last dose and can stay for up to three days. Some of the more common symptoms are:

  • Muscle aches and pains.
  • Anxiety and trouble sleeping.
  • Excessive perspiration.
  • Runny nose.
  • Watery eyes.

At this point of kratom detox, withdrawal symptoms can become severe, and the individual may experience intense cravings to resume use. Electrolyte shortage is a potential side effect of kratom withdrawal due to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Peak Withdrawal Symptoms

Peak symptoms appear within three to five days and can last from a few days to a week; they are the most challenging aspect of the process. Nausea and stomach pain are the most prevalent symptoms and often lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Medical support is essential to minimize suffering during this withdrawal phase. Help from others is also crucial to prevent relapse and maintain momentum toward recovery.

Withdrawal Decline

Some lesser symptoms may persist, but the worst of them should pass after a week. These milder symptoms can linger for another week or two after the main effects have worn off, depending on factors like drug use frequency. The Journal of Opioid Management reports that the shorter the duration of milder, the less severe the peak symptoms were.

Continuous Recovery Is Crucial

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

While the most severe withdrawal symptoms from kratom are manageable, the less severe ones might linger for months after the detox has ended. These signs include

  • Fear and social anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Mood swings.
  • Fatigue and inability to sleep.
  • Physical signs and symptoms.
  • Cravings to resume drug use.

Seeking medical attention is essential because of the persistence of these symptoms. Having access to ongoing therapy can reduce the likelihood of relapse.

After kratom detox, the patient will have lost some tolerance they had developed to the substance use disorder. Therefore, overdoses frequently occur when people revert to drug use to alleviate symptoms, and their body no longer tolerates the doses they once did. This is why getting help from a professional is crucial if you want to stay clean.

Detoxing from kratom on your own can be dangerous. Attempting to quit cold turkey increases the risk of relapsing and electrolyte imbalance. Call us at (877) 224-0761 for more information about kratom detoxification.

Do You Need Help With Kratom Addiction?

With millions of Americans using the drug, kratom addiction is more common than you think. If you are unsure whether you or a loved one is addicted to kratom or other opioids, look out for the following warning signs:

  • Using kratom to get through a typical day.
  • Putting off other commitments to use the drug.
  • Continued drug use even though kratom has adverse health effects.
  • Dangerous behavior when intoxicated.
  • Loss of interest in your hobbies or socializing with friends.
  • The need to take more of the drug to feel the same effect.

Any of the signs above are a strong indication of addiction.

Treating Kratom Addiction

The three main components of drug abuse and addiction treatment programs are physical stabilization followed by therapy and eventual recovery. The first step toward a safe and comfortable kratom withdrawal is a medically supervised detox, which may include the use of detox drugs. Detox is the first step of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan that may involve behavioral therapy and medication.

After a thorough assessment, your licensed medical professionals can develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. Kratom addiction treatment usually involves the steps below:

  • Medical detox: This process stabilizes your health and prepares you for further addiction treatment.
  • Inpatient treatment: Inpatient rehabilitation entails staying at the facility where you receive therapy. You’ll receive therapeutic services to help you overcome your addiction under around-the-clock supervision.
  • Outpatient treatment: Patients in outpatient rehab can continue living at home while making regular trips to a facility for therapy. You’ll also be involved in counseling and other forms of rehabilitation support.
  • Aftercare: Also called continuous care, aftercare helps you remain clean and avoid relapse after formal treatment. Aftercare may involve individual therapy or joining a support group while maintaining medication.

Recovering drug abuse patients frequently take medication to aid in their process. By reducing or eliminating opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can increase your likelihood of maintaining sobriety.

FDA-approved drugs like Suboxone and naloxone act as opioid agonists, blocking the effects of opioids. They prevent you from feeling high or experiencing unpleasant withdrawal signs. If you receive Suboxone, you should abstain from all opioids and kratom.

Kratom addiction treatment strategies are comparable to opioid addiction treatment strategies. Kratom addiction treatment often involves the following approaches:

  1. Contingency management (CM): This technique is based on positive reinforcement concepts. Positive behaviors, such as passing drug tests, get tangible rewards.
  2. Motivational therapy: Enhancing your desire to take your medication is one goal of motivational therapy.
  3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT teaches you new healthy thought habits, actions, and coping mechanisms. It provides knowledge and tools to support you in your recovery so you can avoid relapse.

How Does Kratom Detoxification Work?

Detoxification is a safe and effective method to achieve sobriety. You may get your life back on track with the help of a Kratom detox program that includes professional addiction treatment, takes place in a secure setting, and has the backing of a supportive community.

With the help of aftercare programs, you can restore relationships, reestablish financial stability, and restore a sense of wholeness. Committing to a kratom detox program quickly increases your chance of full recovery.

Medical Kratom Detox

Family Therapy

The goal of the Pathfinders Recovery Center’s kratom detox program is to ensure that patients are safe, secure, and well-cared for throughout the procedure. Here’s what to expect:

After lab work and physical and psychological assessment, you will get a customized treatment plan. You will then get shown to your comfortable room with various amenities. Our trained personnel will help you take medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. The prescriptions lessen the discomforts associated with kratom detox, which reduces the patient’s to resume drug use.

In inpatient rehab facilities, staff will be available around the clock to check up on you and give them any additional medications you might require. After the kratom detox, you will be led through a counseling program to help ensure sustained sobriety. Below are a few of the therapies you may receive:

  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Recreational therapy
  • Expressive therapy
  • Motivational therapy

Kratom Detox Benefits

Detoxing from kratom has various advantages, including:

  • Short completion time.
  • Personalized medication-assisted treatment reduces cravings and withdrawal.
  • Collaborate with kind, compassionate professionals.

Considerations When Choosing a Kratom Detox Program

Many people avoid Kratom detox because they worry about withdrawal symptoms. They also fear ridicule, making them avoid seeking assistance. People may also feel like the prospect of restoring all the harm done is impossible.

No effort will be made to overcome addiction if the individual doubts they can succeed. Here are the top factors to consider while picking a kratom detox program:

Levels of Healthcare Support

Physical and mental discomfort during withdrawal poses a significant threat to health. No one should attempt a medical detox on their own. Consult a professional if you experience withdrawal symptoms during the recovery process. Professionals should be there during the entire Kratom detox process to keep track of vitals, give any necessary medications, and help you take the initial steps toward recovery.

A Safe and Supportive Community

Nobody enjoys being in a group when everyone is always attempting to correct everyone else. You should seek company among those facing similar issues because they can relate to your situation. Being among those who have gone through the same struggles as you yet emerged clean is crucial to your sobriety. If you get in touch with them, they will provide you with a detailed plan of action for regaining your footing and staying there.

An Individualized Strategy for the Future

Everyone faces unique emotional and financial challenges. The physical and mental health, as well as the tolerance levels and triggers of each individual, vary. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that around half of all people battling addiction also have unique mental health conditions that can influence the addiction treatment process and the period needed for recovery.

Selecting a kratom detox program that doesn’t consider your unique needs would be detrimental. Ensure the program asks about and considers the substances you’ve been using, the dosage and duration of use, and your complete medical history. They should use that information to create a personal plan for you.

The above factors will help you choose the proper treatment to match your needs.

How Long Does Rehab Take?

Program durations might vary widely, and rehabilitation centers typically provide varying time commitments for their programs. In general:

  • Drug detox lasts between 7 and 10 days.
  • A residential treatment program can take anywhere between 21 and 90 days.
  • Long-term care programs in a residential setting often last between three and twelve months.
  • Outpatient treatment program timelines can vary from one week to three months.

Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders with Kratom Use

Dual-diagnosis treatment

When you become addicted to kratom or any other substance, it rarely happens as an isolated occurrence. An underlying issue or mental health disorder frequently contributes to drug abuse. For example, when it comes to kratom, someone may have underlying anxiety issues that led them to look for ways to self-medicate with kratom. Looking for a rehabilitation program that provides dual diagnosis treatment options is critical.

With dual diagnosis, not only is the addiction treated but so are the underlying mental disorders. The ultimate goal of dual-diagnosis treatment is to help people be as successful as possible after completing rehabilitation.

Choosing a Professional Kratom Treatment Provider

Recovery from substance abuse or addiction might be challenging but achievable. It is possible to achieve lasting sobriety with the help of professional therapy at licensed treatment centers. Across its several facilities in peaceful settings, Pathfinders provides excellent substance abuse treatment options.

Our caring and professional staff are qualified and experienced in treating substance abuse disorders plus dual diagnoses. The team at Pathfinders is committed to ensuring your full and speedy recovery from addiction or mental health problems.

The Road to Kratom Recovery is Found at Pathfinders

If you or a loved one is fighting kratom addiction, rehab is the road toward recovery. We offer medically-supervised and socially supportive kratom addiction treatment options to prevent relapses. Detoxification services are available at our Arizona and Colorado facilities for other substances, including alcohol, opioids, prescription painkillers, and other drugs.

If you are struggling with Kratom or any other form of substance use issues, please give yourself the break you deserve and reach out to our welcoming Admissions team. Relief and help are ready and waiting!

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  • 7580 E Gray Rd Suite 201 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
  • (877) 224-0761
  • Mon-Sun: 24x7
  • Mon-Fri: 8:00AM – 4:00PM

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