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Kratom use is becoming increasingly common across the United States. An estimated 1.5% of U.S. adults reported lifetime kratom use, with about 20.7% of those users reporting use within the past month. As kratom becomes easier to access and more widely promoted as a “natural” option for pain relief, energy, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal, many people are left wondering how safe it really is.

While kratom is often perceived as a low-risk herbal supplement, its effects on the brain tell a more complicated story. Kratom interacts with opioid receptors, meaning it can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction—especially with frequent or long-term use. Because it is not regulated and is commonly misunderstood, kratom abuse can quietly progress before someone realizes there’s a problem.

This guide breaks down what you need to know about kratom addiction, its potential dangers, and what recovery can look like for those who need help.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant-based substance that comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, people in countries like Thailand and Indonesia have used kratom leaves for their stimulant and pain-relieving effects. In the United States, kratom is more commonly sold as a powder, capsule, tea, or extract and is often marketed as a “natural” remedy.

Many people try kratom to help with pain, low energy, anxiety, or even opioid withdrawal. At lower doses, kratom can produce stimulating effects, such as increased alertness and energy. At higher doses, it can act more like an opioid, creating feelings of relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria.

Although kratom is sometimes advertised as a safe or herbal alternative to prescription medications, that label can be misleading. The active compounds in kratom interact with opioid receptors in the brain, which means it can affect the body in powerful ways. Because kratom products are not regulated by the FDA, the strength and purity can vary widely from one product to another, increasing the risk of side effects and dependence.

Is Kratom Addictive?

Yes, kratom can be addictive. While it is often marketed as a natural or herbal product, kratom affects the brain in ways that are similar to opioids. Its active compounds bind to opioid receptors, which can lead to physical dependence and addiction, especially with regular or long-term use.

Some people start using kratom casually or for self-treatment, such as managing pain or easing anxiety. Over time, the body can begin to rely on it to feel “normal.” As tolerance builds, higher doses are often needed to get the same effects, which increases the risk of dependence. When someone tries to cut back or stop, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, a common sign of addiction.

Some research suggests 10%–15% of kratom users meet criteria for a kratom use disorder, meaning they showed signs of dependence or addiction.

Kratom addiction doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Some people may feel emotionally dependent, using kratom to cope with stress or mood changes, while others develop physical dependence with clear withdrawal symptoms. Because kratom products vary in strength and are not regulated, it can be hard to know how much is being used, which can further increase the risk.

If kratom use is starting to feel hard to control, or if stopping leads to uncomfortable symptoms, it may be a sign that addiction has developed.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Kratom addiction can develop gradually, which makes it easy to miss the warning signs at first. What may start as occasional or “as-needed” use can slowly turn into a pattern that feels difficult to control. Knowing the signs of kratom addiction can help people recognize when it’s time to seek support.

Common signs of kratom addiction include:

Needing more kratom to feel the same effects – As tolerance builds, a person may take higher doses or use kratom more often than they intended.
Strong cravings for kratom – Thinking about kratom frequently or feeling a strong urge to use it, especially during stress or discomfort.
Difficulty stopping or cutting back – Trying to quit or reduce use but finding it hard to follow through, even when there’s a desire to stop.
Withdrawal symptoms when not using kratom – These may include irritability, anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, nausea, trouble sleeping, or restlessness.
Using kratom to cope emotionally – Relying on kratom to manage stress, mood changes, anxiety, or emotional pain rather than addressing the root cause.
Changes in behavior or priorities – Spending more time, energy, or money on kratom and less on work, relationships, or responsibilities.
Continued use despite negative effects – Using kratom even after it causes problems with health, mental well-being, or daily life.

Kratom addiction doesn’t always look severe from the outside, and many people using kratom don’t realize they’ve become dependent.

Why Kratom Abuse and Addiction Can Be Dangerous

Kratom may seem harmless because it’s plant-based and easy to buy, but abusing kratom or using it long term can carry real health risks. Because it affects the brain’s opioid receptors, kratom can impact both physical and mental health, especially when used frequently or in high doses.

One of the main dangers of kratom addiction is physical dependence. As the body adapts to regular use, stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable and hard to manage alone. This often keeps people stuck in a cycle of continued use, even when they want to quit.

Kratom abuse can also cause a range of side effects, including:

Nausea
Constipation
Loss of appetite
Dizziness
Headaches
Difficulty seeping

Some people experience increased anxiety, mood swings, or irritability, which can worsen mental health over time rather than improve it.

Another concern is the lack of regulation. Kratom products are not approved or monitored by the FDA, meaning the strength, purity, and ingredients can vary widely. Some products may contain contaminants or higher concentrations than expected, increasing the risk of overdose or toxic effects.

From 2011–2017, poison control centers reported over 1,800 kratom-related exposures in the U.S., and hospital admissions occurred in about 32% of cases.

In more serious cases, heavy kratom use has been linked to liver problems, heart issues, seizures, and breathing difficulties, especially when combined with other substances like alcohol, opioids, or prescription medications. Mixing kratom with other drugs significantly raises the risk of dangerous interactions.

Because kratom is often used as a self-treatment for pain or opioid withdrawal, people may delay seeking proper medical care. This can allow addiction or underlying health issues to worsen. Getting professional support can help address kratom addiction safely while also treating the reasons someone started using it in the first place.

What to Expect When Getting Treatment for Kratom Addiction

Getting help for kratom addiction can feel overwhelming, especially for people who believed kratom was a safer or “natural” option. The good news is that treatment is supportive, structured, and focused on both physical and emotional healing. A professional addiction treatment program can help people stop using kratom safely while building tools for long-term recovery.

Detox

Detox is often the first step in treatment for kratom addiction. During detox, the body clears kratom from its system while withdrawal symptoms are carefully monitored and managed.

An estimated 10%–12% of kratom-using adults reported withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, insomnia, or irritability when stopping use. Kratom withdrawal can include symptoms like:

Anxiety
Restlessness
Muscle aches
Nausea
Sweating
Sleep problems

In a medical or clinically supervised setting, detox is safer and more comfortable than trying to quit alone. Healthcare providers can offer support, symptom relief, and monitoring to reduce discomfort and address complications if they arise. Detox also helps stabilize someone so they can fully engage in the next phases of treatment.

Counseling & Behavioral Therapy

Detox alone is usually not enough to address kratom addiction. Counseling and behavioral therapy play a key role in long-term recovery by helping people understand why they started using kratom and what keeps the cycle going.

Therapy may focus on identifying triggers, managing stress, and developing healthier coping strategies. Individual and group counseling can help address anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic pain that often exist alongside substance use. These therapies also provide education, accountability, and emotional support throughout the recovery process.

Holistic Care

Holistic care looks at the whole person, not just the addiction. Many treatment programs include supportive services that promote overall well-being and balance. This may involve:

Mindfulness practices
Stress management
Nutrition support
Movement or exercise

Holistic approaches can be especially helpful for people recovering from kratom addiction, as they provide natural ways to manage discomfort, improve mood, and rebuild healthy routines. When combined with medical care and therapy, holistic treatment can support lasting recovery and improved quality of life.

Kratom Recovery Track at Eleve Behavioral Health

At Eleve Behavioral Health, we recognize that while many substance-use disorders follow known pathways, some emerging substances like Kratom introduce unique barriers to recovery that conventional programs may overlook.

Our Kratom Recovery Specialty Track is a targeted, evidence-based program designed for clients whose primary or significant secondary substance is kratom—offering clinical, medical, and psychoeducational support tailored to the unusual features of kratom dependence, withdrawal (PAWS), and relapse risk.

Located in Voorhees Township, we offer specialized addiction treatment in a calm, supportive setting for individuals across South Jersey and the greater New Jersey area. Our Kratom Recovery Track is built to address the realities of kratom addiction—something many people struggle with after being told kratom is “safe,” “natural,” or easy to stop.

This specialty track includes medically informed detox support, ongoing monitoring for post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), and therapy that focuses specifically on the psychological patterns tied to kratom use, such as using it for energy, mood regulation, pain relief, or anxiety management.

To learn more about our kratom addiction treatment program in South Jersey, please contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Addiction

How long does it take to become addicted to kratom?

There is no set timeline. Some people develop dependence within weeks of regular use, especially if they take higher doses or use kratom daily. Others may take longer, but addiction can still develop over time.

What happens if someone mixes kratom with other substances?

Mixing kratom with alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs can increase the risk of serious side effects, including breathing problems, heart issues, and overdose. Polysubstance use is especially dangerous.

Do you need treatment even if kratom use started for pain or anxiety?

Yes. Even when kratom use begins for understandable reasons, addiction can still develop. Treatment can address both kratom dependence and the original pain, anxiety, or stress in safer, more effective ways.

When should someone seek professional help for kratom use?

If kratom use feels hard to control, causes withdrawal symptoms, or starts to interfere with daily life, relationships, or health, it’s a good time to reach out for professional support.

References:

NIH: Kratom exposures reported to United States poison control centers: 2011-2017

Is Kratom Addictive? What You Need To Know About Kratom Abuse