Kratom Addiction: Definition, Signs, Effects, and Treatment

Kratom addiction occurs when individuals develop a dependency on these effects, often using the substance to manage pain or opioid withdrawal. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that kratom exposure calls to U.S. poison control centers increased from 13 in 2010 to 1,807 in 2018, showing the rapid rise in kratom use and misuse across the country.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) refers to a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, known for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. A survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that in 2021, over 1.7 million people in the United States reported using kratom for its stimulant effects or self-treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Signs of kratom addiction include mood swings, poor concentration, social withdrawal, and neglecting responsibilities. As individuals continue to use kratom, these behaviors become more pronounced.

The effects of kratom addiction include nausea, weight loss, legal issues, psychosis, constipation, vomiting, anxiety, and depression. These effects are severe, with individuals needing kratom to function. 

Treatment for kratom addiction involves medical detoxification and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, combined with support groups. These treatments are essential in providing long-term recovery and reducing cravings. 

What is Kratom Addiction?

Kratom addiction is a condition that occurs when individuals develop an intense craving or dependency on the active compounds in the Mitragyna Speciosa plant, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing both stimulant and opioid-like sedative effects. Continued use leads to tolerance, where larger doses are needed to achieve the same effects, increasing the risk of addiction. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has raised concerns about kratom’s potential for abuse and addiction, particularly in the context of opioid dependence management.

A study from the National Poison Data System (NPDS) reported a rise in kratom-related calls to poison control centers, from 13 in 2010 to over 1,800 in 2017, showing the growing misuse of the substance. While the exact prevalence of kratom addiction remains unclear, these statistics demonstrate the increasing risk and demand for further regulatory oversight and research into its effects and addiction potential.​

What Is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, primarily in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. For centuries, laborers in Southeast Asia have used its leaves to enhance energy, alleviate pain, and reduce fatigue during long work hours. They traditionally chewed or brewed the leaves into a tea. 

The FDA has expressed concerns regarding the use of kratom, particularly due to its potential for addiction and abuse. While not classified as a controlled substance in the U.S., the FDA has placed kratom on its list of Drugs of Concern, citing reports of adverse effects and deaths linked to its use. 

Kratom’s effects are similar to opioids because the active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing both stimulant and opioid-like sedative effects. 

These alkaloids contribute to their addictive potential, especially with prolonged use, as users experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those associated with opioid addiction. The ability of kratom to reduce cravings and ease opioid withdrawal further underlines its opioid-like properties, making it a substance of concern for health authorities.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Kratom Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of kratom addiction include small pupils, tremors, sweating, mood swings, poor concentration, social withdrawal, and neglecting responsibilities. These symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the frequency, dosage, and duration of kratom use. They occur as a result of kratom’s interaction with opioid receptors, which alter brain chemistry, nervous system activity, and gastrointestinal function.

The signs and symptoms of kratom addiction are explained below:

• Small pupils: Kratom causes miosis (pupil constriction) due to its opioid-like effects on brain receptors, which are responsible for reduced sympathetic nervous activity. This symptom is particularly evident in individuals consuming high doses of kratom regularly, mimicking the response seen with opioids like morphine.
• Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling occurs as kratom disrupts neurological pathways by interacting with opioid and adrenergic receptors in the brain. According to a study by Henningfield et al. 2022 published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, tremors are a recognized withdrawal symptom in heavy kratom users, indicating physical dependence​.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating happens as a result of the body’s overstimulation caused by kratom’s alkaloids, particularly mitragynine. It is observed during withdrawal phases when the nervous system overcompensates for the absence of kratom.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia and fragmented sleep occur due to kratom’s stimulating effects at lower doses, which interfere with normal sleep patterns. Chronic use exacerbates dependency-related withdrawal, leading to restless nights and prolonged fatigue.
• Irritability: Kratom’s influence on brain neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, leads to irritability during both usage and withdrawal. The imbalance caused by frequent kratom use impacts emotional regulation, making individuals prone to agitation. A report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights irritability as one of the most common symptoms during kratom withdrawal​.
• Mood swings: Rapid and extreme changes in mood occur as kratom affects the brain’s opioid receptors and neurotransmitter balance. Users experience temporary elation followed by irritability, sadness, or anxiety as the effects wear off or tolerance builds.
• Nausea and vomiting: Kratom’s effects on the gastrointestinal system can cause nausea and vomiting, mainly when consumed in high doses. According to a study by Prozialeck et al. (2012), published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, kratom disrupts the smooth muscle activity of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to these symptoms​.
• Poor concentration: Kratom impairs cognitive function, making it difficult for individuals to focus or maintain mental clarity. Long-term use exacerbates this effect as dependency develops, affecting daily productivity.
• Fatigue: Chronic kratom use disrupts energy regulation in the body, leading to persistent fatigue. Fatigue is particularly common during withdrawal as the body struggles to regain balance without kratom’s effects on opioid receptors.
• Social withdrawal: Individuals addicted to kratom isolate themselves from family, friends, and responsibilities to prioritize use or cope with its effects. This behavior stems from physical cravings and psychological dependence, leading to neglect of social obligations and relationships.

What Are The Causes Of Kratom Addiction?

The causes of kratom addiction include biological factors, neurological factors, psychological factors, social and environmental factors, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These causative factors increase the likelihood of dependence and misuse.

The common causes of kratom addiction include:

• Biological Factors: Genetic predispositions and family history of substance abuse increase vulnerability to addiction. Individuals with a genetic susceptibility to opioid addiction are more likely to develop a dependence on kratom due to its opioid-like effects​. According to a study by Henningfield et al. titled “Kratom Abuse Potential 2021: An Updated Eight Factor Analysis,” published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022), individuals with a genetic risk for opioid addiction are more likely to develop a dependency on kratom due to its opioid-like properties.
• Neurological Factors: Kratom’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, activating the reward pathways responsible for pleasure and pain relief. This interaction alters brain chemistry, reinforcing compulsive use and contributing to physical dependence​. A report by Prozialeck et al. titled “Pharmacology of Kratom: An Emerging Botanical Agent,” published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (2012) highlights that these compounds mimic opioid effects, promoting dependence over time​
• Psychological Factors: Stress, unresolved trauma, and inadequate coping mechanisms push individuals toward kratom use as a means of temporary emotional relief. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), individuals with underlying psychological issues turn to substances like kratom for self-medication, increasing the risk of addiction​.
• Social and Environmental Factors: Peer pressure, easy access to kratom, and a lack of social support normalize its use, particularly in regions where kratom is seen as a traditional remedy. Social isolation or environments promoting substance use accelerate dependency.
• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD frequently drive individuals to kratom use as a self-medicating tool to reduce symptoms. However, this temporary relief creates a cycle of dependency, as individuals become reliant on kratom to manage their mental health symptoms.

What Are The Effects Of Kratom Addiction?

The effects of kratom addiction are physical health issues, psychological disturbances, and social impairments. In the short term, kratom causes nausea, vomiting, sweating, and fatigue as the body reacts to its stimulant and opioid-like properties. Long-term use leads to more severe effects, including gastrointestinal problems, liver toxicity, and cardiovascular complications. 

Psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and cognitive impairments, intensify with prolonged use, making it difficult for users to focus or function daily. According to Henningfield et al., in their report “Kratom Abuse Potential 2021,” published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022), individuals addicted to kratom experience long-term neurological changes that reinforce compulsive use and heighten dependency risks​. 

The duration and intensity of these effects depend on usage patterns, with higher doses and frequent use significantly increasing the severity of kratom’s physical and psychological impact.

Physical Effects Of Kratom Addiction

The physical effects of kratom addiction include:

• Gastrointestinal Problems: Kratom addiction frequently causes nausea, vomiting, and constipation due to its interaction with opioid receptors that regulate the digestive system. Chronic use disrupts normal gastrointestinal function, leading to prolonged discomfort and potential complications such as bowel obstruction.
• Liver Toxicity: Prolonged kratom use can impair liver function, causing symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain. According to a study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2017), kratom-induced hepatotoxicity has been reported in chronic users, highlighting the risk of liver damage from long-term misuse​.
• Cardiovascular Complications: Kratom’s stimulant properties at low doses increase heart rate and blood pressure, which, over time, lead to arrhythmias and other heart-related issues. Heavy users experience palpitations and hypertension, which elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Fatigue and Muscle Pain: Chronic kratom use leads to persistent fatigue and muscle pain, especially during withdrawal. As kratom dependency develops, the body struggles to maintain energy levels without the substance, causing overall physical exhaustion and aches.
• Tremors and Sweating: Kratom’s impact on the nervous system causes tremors and excessive sweating, which are common signs of dependency and withdrawal. These symptoms are particularly severe in individuals using high doses or attempting to reduce their intake abruptly.
• Respiratory Issues: At higher doses, kratom’s sedative effects suppress the respiratory system, leading to shallow or labored breathing. This risk increases significantly when kratom is combined with other substances, which further depress respiratory function and pose life-threatening risks.

Psychological Effects Of Kratom Addiction

The psychological effects of kratom addiction include:

• Anxiety: Kratom dependency causes heightened anxiety, particularly during withdrawal, as the brain struggles to function without the substance. Users experience restlessness, excessive worry, and difficulty relaxing due to disrupted neurotransmitter activity.
• Depression: Long-term kratom use interferes with the brain’s reward system, leading to low mood and emotional numbness. Chronic users rely on kratom for temporary relief, creating a cycle that exacerbates depressive symptoms during periods of abstinence.
• Mood Swings: Kratom’s impact on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin causes abrupt emotional changes, ranging from euphoria to irritability or sadness. These fluctuations are common during both active use and withdrawal, impairing emotional stability and relationships.
• Cognitive Impairment: Kratom addiction reduces focus, memory retention, and decision-making abilities, as it affects the brain’s cognitive functions. Chronic use slows mental processing, making it difficult to perform complex tasks or maintain mental clarity.
• Psychosis: In severe cases of prolonged high-dose kratom use, individuals experience hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. According to a study by Prozialeck et al. titled “Pharmacology of Kratom: An Emerging Botanical Agent,” published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (2012), psychotic episodes have been reported in individuals with kratom dependency​.

Social Effects Of Kratom Addiction

• Neglect of Responsibilities: Individuals addicted to kratom fail to meet personal, professional, or academic obligations as their dependency takes priority. Tasks are delayed or ignored due to impaired focus, fatigue, or time spent obtaining and using the substance.
• Social Isolation: Addiction to kratom causes individuals to withdraw from family, friends, and social activities. According to Henningfield et al. in “Kratom Abuse Potential 2021,” published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022), social withdrawal stems from shame, irritability, and the desire to use kratom without judgment​.
• Financial Problems: Prolonged kratom addiction leads to financial strain as individuals spend increasing amounts of money to maintain their supply. This expense, combined with potential job loss due to poor performance, worsens economic instability.
• Legal Issues: In regions where kratom is banned or regulated, possession and distribution can result in legal consequences. Users also face legal trouble due to impaired judgment while under the influence, leading to criminal behavior or risky activities.
• Strained Relationships: Kratom addiction causes irritability and mood swings, which erode trust and communication in relationships. Loved ones suffer emotional distress as they witness the addicted individual’s behavioral changes and neglect of responsibilities.

What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Kratom Addiction?

The withdrawal symptoms of kratom addiction are disturbed sleep, jerky limb movements, anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms occur as the body adjusts to the absence of kratom, with individuals experiencing physical discomfort, irritability, and intense cravings, similar to opioid withdrawal effects.

Common withdrawal symptoms of kratom addiction are given below:

• Jerky movements of the limbs: Sudden, involuntary limb movements occur due to kratom’s impact on the central nervous system, which disrupts motor control during withdrawal. This symptom is common in individuals with prolonged use and physical dependence.
• Disturbed sleep: Kratom withdrawal frequently causes insomnia, vivid dreams, and fragmented sleep as the brain adjusts to the absence of the substance’s sedative effects. According to a study by Prozialeck et al. titled “Pharmacology of Kratom: An Emerging Botanical Agent,” published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (2012), disturbed sleep is a hallmark symptom during kratom withdrawal​.
• Loss of appetite: Withdrawal from kratom suppresses appetite, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss. The body’s physical distress and nausea contribute to a lack of interest in eating during this period.
• Abdominal pain and cramping: Gastrointestinal discomfort, including abdominal pain and cramping, occurs due to kratom’s effects on the digestive system. These symptoms are common in opioid-like substance withdrawal, including kratom​.
• Cravings: Intense cravings for kratom occur as the brain’s reward pathways, disrupted by chronic use, seek the substance to alleviate withdrawal discomfort. These cravings are a significant barrier to abstinence and recovery.
• Runny nose and watery eyes: These flu-like symptoms are common during kratom withdrawal and result from the body’s physical dependency, similar to opioid withdrawal effects. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that such autonomic symptoms occur as the body attempts to rebalance neurotransmitter levels​.
• Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling occurs due to the nervous system’s overstimulation during withdrawal, particularly in chronic users or those quitting high doses abruptly.
• Depressed mood: Kratom withdrawal causes sadness, hopelessness, and emotional numbness as the brain struggles to regain balance in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This symptom persists for weeks, impacting daily functioning and mental well-being.

What Are The Treatments For Kratom Addiction?

The main treatments of kratom addiction are medical detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and support groups. These approaches help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and address the psychological aspects of addiction to ensure long-term recovery.

The treatments for kratom addiction are explained below:

Medical Detoxification

Medical detoxification is the process of safely removing kratom from the body under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. It includes a controlled environment where healthcare professionals monitor the patient’s vital signs, provide medications to alleviate symptoms like nausea, tremors, and insomnia, and offer nutritional support. 

This treatment is necessary for kratom addiction as it helps reduce the physical discomfort of withdrawal, preventing complications and relapse during the early stages of recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), medical detoxification is a necessary first step in treating substance dependence, as it prepares individuals for further therapeutic interventions by stabilizing their physical health.​

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of FDA-approved medications alongside counseling and behavioral therapies to treat kratom addiction. It includes medications like Buprenorphine and Naltrexone, which help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block kratom’s effects on opioid receptors. 

MAT is helpful for kratom addiction because it addresses both the physical and neurological aspects of dependence, improving treatment retention and reducing relapse rates. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT is an effective approach for opioid-related substance use disorders, providing a comprehensive path to long-term recovery​.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies focus on addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of kratom addiction by modifying harmful thoughts and behaviors related to substance use. These therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms, and contingency management, which reinforces positive behaviors through rewards. 

Behavioral therapies are necessary for kratom addiction as they promote self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and build skills to prevent relapse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), behavioral therapies are a cornerstone of addiction treatment, offering long-term tools for maintaining recovery and improving overall mental health.​

Support Groups

Support groups provide a community-based approach to help individuals recover from kratom addiction through shared experiences and mutual encouragement. 

These groups, such as 12-step programs or peer-led support meetings, offer emotional support, accountability, and strategies to maintain sobriety. Support groups are helpful for kratom addiction as they create a sense of belonging, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to overcome challenges during recovery. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), participation in support groups significantly enhances recovery outcomes by fostering long-term commitment to sobriety​.

Can You Overdose On Kratom?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on kratom, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other substances. Kratom contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which act on opioid receptors, and excessive use leads to severe toxicity, respiratory depression, seizures, and even death. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2016 and 2017, kratom was detected in 152 overdose deaths in the United States, with kratom being the sole substance in 91 of those cases. 

The CDC emphasizes that most kratom-related overdoses occur when it is mixed with other drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol, increasing their dangerous effects. These statistics emphasize the potential severity of kratom misuse​.

What Are The Symptoms Of Kratom Overdose?

Kratom overdose symptoms include severe drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, and respiratory depression. In more serious cases, individuals experience seizures, liver damage, and unconsciousness, which are life-threatening without immediate medical intervention. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kratom overdose mimics opioid toxicity, particularly when consumed in high doses or combined with other substances, increasing the risk of respiratory failure and death. 

What Are The Dangers Of Mixing Kratom With Other Drugs?

The dangers of mixing kratom with other substances include serotonin toxicity, heart problems, seizures, and vomiting. Kratom’s alkaloids interact with the brain chemical serotonin. When combined with other serotonergic drugs, it causes serotonin syndrome, leading to confusion, rapid heart rate, and potentially life-threatening seizures. 

Combining kratom with depressants or stimulants increases cardiovascular stress, raising the risk of arrhythmias and heart failure. Additionally, such mixtures worsen gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, which leads to severe dehydration and other health complications.

How Dangerous Is Mixing Kratom With Alcohol?

Mixing kratom and alcohol is very dangerous and causes complications that include severe sedation, respiratory depression, liver damage, and an increased risk of overdose. Kratom acts as both a stimulant and sedative, depending on the dose, while alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. 

Together, they amplify each other’s sedative effects, which slow breathing to dangerous levels and impair motor functions. Chronic use of both substances also places immense stress on the liver, increasing the risk of toxicity and failure. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 29.5 million people in the United States reported alcohol misuse in 2021, highlighting the widespread risk of combining alcohol with substances like kratom. 

This combination is perilous as it masks the true effects of each substance, increasing the likelihood of accidental overdose and severe health consequences​.

Is It Safe To Mix Kratom & Opioids?

No, it is not safe to mix kratom and opioids, as it significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, overdose, and death. Both kratom and opioids act on the brain’s opioid receptors, and when combined, their effects are amplified, leading to suppressed breathing and unconsciousness. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2021, nearly 2.1 million people in the United States misused prescription opioids, contributing to over 80,000 opioid overdose deaths. 

Mixing kratom with opioids compounds their sedative effects, making it challenging to gauge dosages and increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose. This combination is particularly dangerous for individuals using kratom to manage opioid withdrawal, as it unintentionally worsens dependency and health risks​.