Kratom Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

Kratom has gained attention in recent years as a natural product marketed for pain relief, mood enhancement, and relief from opioid withdrawal. While some people view it as a safer alternative to prescription opioids, growing evidence shows that kratom addiction and dependence are real and potentially serious health concerns.

At Eleve Behavioral Health, clinicians increasingly encounter individuals struggling with kratom dependence, substance abuse, and related mental health challenges. Understanding the effects of kratom, the warning signs of misuse, and available treatment options for kratom addiction can help people recognize when it is time to seek professional support.

How Kratom Affects the Body

The primary active compounds in kratom—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—bind to opioid receptors in the brain. Because of this interaction, kratom can produce dose-dependent effects.

At lower doses, users may experience:[1]

• Mild stimulant effects
• Increased energy
• Improved focus
• Reduced fatigue

At higher doses, the effects occur more like opioids:[1]

• Sedation
• Euphoria
• Decreased pain
• Relaxation

Because kratom interacts with opioid receptors, regular use can lead to physical dependence and addiction, particularly in people who already struggle with opioid use disorder or other substance abuse issues.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021.[2] Researchers also warn that misuse can result in serious adverse health effects, including respiratory depression, kratom overdose, and even death when combined with other substances.

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom’s legal status is complex and continues to evolve. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists kratom as a “drug of concern,” meaning it has potential for misuse and addiction but is not currently listed as a scheduled substance under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level.[3]

However, several states and municipalities have banned kratom or classified it as an illegal substance. Regulatory agencies remain concerned about its safety because kratom products are often sold as herbal supplements without standardized dosing or quality control.

Medical professionals and researchers continue to evaluate kratom’s medical use and potential medicinal purposes, but current evidence suggests the risks may outweigh the benefits for many individuals.

Why People Use Kratom

Many kratom users initially begin taking kratom for reasons that appear medically motivated. Common reasons include:

• Seeking pain relief for chronic pain
• Attempting to relieve pain without prescription opioids
• Self-treating opioid withdrawal symptoms
• Managing anxiety disorders or mood symptoms
• Using it as a recreational drug for relaxation or euphoria

While some individuals report temporary relief, research published in journals such as Current Drug Targets and the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (J Psychoactive Drugs) suggests regular kratom use can lead to drug and alcohol dependence, drug addiction, and worsening mental disorders.[4]

Signs of Kratom Abuse

Like other psychoactive drugs, kratom can produce both psychological symptoms and physical symptoms when misused.

Behavioral and Psychological Signs

Common signs of kratom abuse include:

• Using kratom more frequently or in higher doses than intended
• Craving kratom or feeling unable to quit kratom
• Continuing use despite adverse effects
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
• Using kratom alongside other drugs or alcohol
• Increased irritability, anxiety, or mood swings

Some individuals may also develop co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety disorders or depression, alongside their substance use.

Physical Symptoms of Kratom Misuse

Physical symptoms associated with frequent kratom use may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Constipation
• Sweating and chills
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Insomnia

In more serious cases, kratom misuse may lead to respiratory depression, seizures, liver toxicity, and kratom overdose.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Because kratom affects the brain’s opioid receptors, people who develop physical dependence often experience kratom withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it.

Withdrawal symptoms can resemble opioid withdrawal and may include both psychological and physical symptoms.

Common Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

People experiencing withdrawal may report:[5]

• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Abdominal pain

In some cases, individuals may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including intense cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to stop using kratom without professional support.

Withdrawal typically begins 12–48 hours after the last dose and may last several days or longer, depending on the level of dependence.

Risk Factors for Kratom Addiction

Not everyone who uses kratom develops dependence, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of addiction.

These include:

• A history of opioid addiction or opioid use disorder
• Previous drug abuse or alcohol dependence
• Chronic pain conditions requiring frequent pain relief
• Co-occurring mental disorders
• Use of kratom with other substances, including alcohol or prescription opioids

Individuals with these risk factors may be particularly vulnerable to drug addiction and substance abuse involving kratom.

How Kratom Addiction Is Treated

The good news is that kratom addiction treatment is available, and recovery is possible with the right level of care.

At Eleve Behavioral Health, treatment programs are designed to address both the physical dependence and psychological symptoms associated with substance use disorders.

Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management

For individuals experiencing kratom withdrawal, medical supervision can help manage symptoms safely and comfortably.

Doctors may prescribe medications to ease withdrawal, including buprenorphine naloxone, which is commonly used to treat opioid use disorder and reduce cravings.

This stage focuses on stabilizing the body while minimizing painful withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Care

For individuals with severe addiction or complex mental health needs, inpatient care may be recommended.

Inpatient treatment provides:

• 24-hour medical monitoring
• Structured therapy and counseling
• Support for co-occurring disorders
• Safe management of withdrawal symptoms

This level of care can be particularly helpful for people who have struggled with opioid addiction, alcohol dependence, or polysubstance use involving other drugs.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Many individuals benefit from outpatient treatment or outpatient care, which allows them to receive therapy while continuing daily responsibilities.

Outpatient programs at Eleve Behavioral Health may include:

• Individual therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Group counseling
• Medication management
• Relapse prevention strategies

These programs help individuals build coping skills and maintain recovery while addressing underlying mental disorders or anxiety disorders.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people struggling with kratom dependence also experience co-occurring disorders, such as depression, trauma, or anxiety.

Effective treatment addresses both the substance use disorder and mental health concerns simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery.

At Eleve Behavioral Health, clinicians develop personalized treatment plans that address each individual’s unique needs.

When to Seek Treatment for Kratom Addiction

If someone is unable to stop taking kratom, experiences withdrawal symptoms, or notices worsening mental or physical health, it may be time to seek treatment.

Warning signs that professional help may be needed include:

• Increasing tolerance and use of higher doses
• Strong cravings for kratom
• Experiencing withdrawal when trying to stop
• Using kratom to cope with emotional distress
• Mixing kratom with other substances
• Health problems related to kratom use

Early intervention can prevent serious complications and improve the chances of long-term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Addiction

1. Is kratom considered an opioid?

Kratom is not technically classified as an opioid drug, but it produces opioid-like effects in the body. The primary compounds in kratom interact with opioid receptors in the brain, which is why the substance can produce pain relief, sedation, and euphoria at higher doses. Because of this mechanism, regular kratom use can lead to physical dependence and symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal. For individuals with a history of opioid use disorder, kratom may increase the risk of developing another substance use disorder.

2. Can kratom cause an overdose?

Yes, a kratom overdose is possible, especially when the substance is taken in higher doses or mixed with other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or prescription opioids. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, extreme drowsiness, nausea, seizures, and respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Because kratom products are often sold as unregulated herbal supplements, potency can vary widely, increasing the risk of dangerous effects.

3. How long does kratom stay in your system?

The exact amount of time kratom remains in the body can vary depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health. In general, the active compounds in kratom may remain detectable for several days after use. People who take kratom frequently or in large amounts may experience lingering withdrawal symptoms after stopping, particularly if physical dependence has developed.

4. Can someone become addicted to kratom if they are using it for pain?

Yes. Some people begin taking kratom for chronic pain or pain relief, believing it to be a safer alternative to prescription opioids. However, repeated use can still lead to kratom dependence and addiction, especially when doses gradually increase over time. When individuals rely on kratom to manage ongoing pain, they may unintentionally develop tolerance and begin using larger amounts, which increases the likelihood of drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

5. What makes professional treatment important for kratom addiction?

Stopping kratom without support can be difficult because withdrawal symptoms and cravings may lead people to relapse. Professional kratom addiction treatment programs provide medical monitoring, therapy, and support to address both physical dependence and psychological symptoms. Treatment centers such as Eleve Behavioral Health can also help individuals manage co-occurring mental health conditions, identify triggers for substance use, and develop long-term strategies for successful recovery.

6. Can kratom addiction occur alongside other substance use disorders?

Yes. Many people who struggle with kratom addiction also have a history of substance abuse involving other drugs, alcohol, or opioids. This is sometimes referred to as polysubstance use. When multiple substances are involved, the risk of adverse health effects, overdose, and mental health complications increases. Integrated treatment programs that address both drug addiction and mental health conditions are often the most effective approach for recovery.

References:

1. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Kratom
2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA and Kratom
3. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Fact Sheet: Kratom
4. Science Direct: Exploring the cognitive effects of kratom: A review
5. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Kratom withdrawal: Discussions and conclusions of a scientific expert forum
6. Frontiers: The acute adverse health effects of kratom: an evaluation of case reports