Kratom use has grown quickly in the United States, including in New Jersey. Many people start using it to relieve pain, manage chronic pain, or cope with opioid withdrawal symptoms. But over time, kratom use can lead to physical dependence, kratom addiction, and difficult withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is made from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is often sold as a powder, capsule, or tea and is commonly marketed as a dietary supplement. While kratom is not FDA-approved for medical use, it is widely available and sometimes promoted for pain relief, mood support, or help with opioid use.

Kratom contains active compounds called kratom alkaloids. These alkaloids interact with mu opioid receptors in the brain, which are the same opioid receptors affected by classic opioids. Because of these opioid-like effects, kratom can cause opioid tolerance, opioid dependence, and symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal.

Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting benefits, research suggests kratom can cause serious adverse events, including drug dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms.

Can Kratom Cause Addiction?

Yes. Regular kratom intake, especially daily dose use or higher doses, can lead to kratom dependence and kratom abuse. People with a prior opioid addiction or opioid use disorder may be at even higher risk.

Over time, the brain adjusts to kratom’s effects, leading to physical dependence and intense cravings when use stops.

Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal

Kratom withdrawal symptoms can include both physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms may be mild for some people, but intense symptoms are common in long-term or high-dose users.

Common physical symptoms include:

Muscle aches
Runny nose
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Chills
Pain sensitivity and difficulty managing pain

These symptoms of kratom withdrawal are similar to opioid withdrawal symptoms because kratom acts on opioid receptors.

Psychological withdrawal symptoms can be just as challenging:

Mood swings
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Restlessness
Poor focus
Intense cravings

These mental symptoms can increase the risk of relapse, especially when kratom was used to cope with mental health concerns or other substances.

Kratom Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect

The kratom withdrawal timeline can look different from person to person. How severe the withdrawal process becomes depends on several factors, including daily dose, how long kratom use lasted, whether low doses or higher doses were used, and whether there was prior opioid use or opioid dependence.

Because kratom affects opioid receptors in the brain, the timeline often resembles opioid withdrawal, though it may be shorter or less intense for some people.

6–24 Hours After the Last Dose

Withdrawal symptoms often begin within the first day after the last dose. Early symptoms may feel mild at first, but can increase quickly.

Common early symptoms of kratom withdrawal include:

Anxiety or restlessness
Runny nose and watery eyes
Sweating
Trouble sleeping
Mild cravings

At this stage, many people feel uncomfortable but may not yet realize they are entering withdrawal. Those who use kratom to relieve pain or manage chronic pain may notice pain returning or worsening.

Days 2–5: Peak Withdrawal Symptoms

This is usually the most difficult phase of the kratom withdrawal timeline. Physical and psychological symptoms often reach their highest intensity during this period.

People who took higher doses or used kratom daily are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms during this phase.

This stage carries a high risk of relapse, as cravings and discomfort can push people to return to kratom or turn to other substances.

Days 6–10: Symptoms Begin to Ease

For many people, physical symptoms start to fade after the first week. However, this does not mean withdrawal is over.

During this phase:

Muscle aches and stomach issues may improve
Sleep may still be disrupted
Energy levels remain low
Cravings may continue
Mood changes and mental symptoms may persist

Psychological symptoms often last longer than physical symptoms, especially if kratom abuse was tied to mental health concerns or stress.

Weeks 2 and Beyond: Ongoing Recovery

Some people experience lingering symptoms, especially after long-term kratom dependence or heavy kratom intake.

These may include:

Low motivation
Anxiety or depression
Trouble focusing
Sleep problems
Occasional cravings

This stage is sometimes called post-acute withdrawal and is common in drug dependence and opioid addiction. Support during this time is critical to prevent relapse and help rebuild healthy routines.

Is Kratom Withdrawal Dangerous?

Kratom withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable and hard to manage alone. Severe withdrawal symptoms may lead people to relapse or turn to other drugs, alcohol dependence, or opioid use.

Because kratom affects opioid receptors, some treatment providers use tools similar to those used in treating opioid addiction, such as the clinical opiate withdrawal scale, to monitor symptoms.

Treating Kratom Withdrawal and Addiction

Managing withdrawal safely and effectively often requires professional support. A comprehensive treatment approach focuses on both physical and psychological symptoms.

Medical Support

In some cases, medications used in treating opioid use disorder may help. These can include buprenorphine naloxone, which is FDA-approved and commonly used for opioid dependence. A medical team can help relieve pain, reduce cravings, and support the body during withdrawal.

Behavioral and Mental Health Care

Counseling and therapy help address:

Drug abuse patterns
Underlying mental health concerns
Triggers linked to substance abuse
Coping skills for cravings and stress

This support is especially important for people with drug and alcohol dependence or use disorder involving other substances.

Aftercare

Effective treatment goes beyond detox. Long-term care may include:

Addiction counseling
Relapse prevention planning
Support for opioid tolerance and past opioid use
Help rebuilding daily routines

This type of comprehensive treatment improves outcomes and lowers the risk of returning to kratom or other drugs.

Get Help for Kratom Withdrawal in Vorhees Township, NJ

Kratom addiction is real, and so is recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom dependence, opioid addiction, or drug and alcohol issues, help is available. A personalized treatment plan can help manage withdrawal symptoms, support mental health, and guide you toward lasting recovery.

You don’t have to go through kratom withdrawal alone. At Eleve Behavioral Health, 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 supports tailored to the unusual features of kratom dependence, withdrawal (PAWS), and relapse risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Withdrawal

Is kratom considered an opioid?

Kratom is not a classic opioid, but it acts on the same mu opioid receptors in the brain. Because of these opioid-like effects, kratom can cause physical dependence, opioid tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal. This is why many health professionals treat kratom addiction in ways similar to opioid use disorder.

Why do people use kratom in the first place?

Many people begin kratom use to relieve pain, improve mood, or manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Some use it for chronic pain or as an alternative to prescription drugs. While anecdotal evidence often claims kratom is safe, research suggests that regular use can lead to kratom dependence, drug dependency, and addiction.

How long does kratom stay in your system?

Kratom can stay in the body for several days, depending on the amount used, frequency of kratom intake, and individual metabolism. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin after the last dose wears off, often within 6 to 24 hours. People who take higher doses or use kratom daily may experience longer and more intense withdrawal.

Can kratom withdrawal be treated at home?

Mild symptoms may feel manageable at home, but many people struggle with cravings, mental symptoms, and pain during withdrawal. Without support, relapse is common. Professional treatment offers medical monitoring, emotional support, and safer ways to manage withdrawal, especially for people with drug and alcohol dependence or prior opioid addiction.

Can medications help with kratom withdrawal?

In some cases, medications used for treating opioid addiction may help reduce symptoms. Drugs such as buprenorphine can ease cravings and stabilize opioid receptors. Any medication should be used under medical supervision, especially when opioid dependence or other substances are involved.

When should someone seek professional help?

If kratom use feels out of control, if withdrawal symptoms interfere with daily life, or if there is a history of opioid use, substance abuse, or mental health struggles, professional treatment is strongly recommended. Early help can shorten the withdrawal process and reduce the risk of relapse.

References:

Science Direct: Beneficial and adverse health effects of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A critical review of the literature
National Institute of Health (NIH): Kratom withdrawal: Discussions and conclusions of a scientific expert forum
Frontiers in Pharmacology: Kratom safety and toxicology in the public health context: research needs to better inform regulation
Science Direct: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) dependence, withdrawal symptoms and craving in regular users

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Detox Treatment