Last Updated: September 02, 2021
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree. Its leaves produce a complex stimulant and an opioid-like pain-relieving effect. The plant is indigenous to Southeast Asia, where it has been used for medicinal purposes over the years. Some of its curative uses include managing pain, diarrhea, and warding off fatigue. Traditionally, the leaves were brewed into a beverage, chewed, or mixed with food.
Kratom has now become popular and widespread in the US as a recreational drug. People take it by smoking or sniffing it as a powder. It is also commonly sold in pill form. The effects of kratom depend on the dose taken. Kratom causes stimulant effects when used in small amounts. This can be characterized by increased energy levels, alertness, and sociability. When taken in large amounts, it causes a state of sedation. The user may also experience euphoria and a possible dreamlike state.
This substance is still under research despite being classified as an opioid. However, it is known to act on the brain by attaching itself to the opioid receptors. Kratom causes dependence and negative consequences with its long-term use.
Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
Kratom withdrawal symptoms are identical to opioid withdrawal symptoms. One is also likely to experience unpleasant side effects, even without withdrawing from kratom.
The symptoms may be identified by:
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Muscle pains
- Insomnia
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
Some users tend to experience severe and possibly dangerous symptoms. This depends on how long they have used the substance.
These symptoms include:
- Feelings of depression
- Craving kratom
- Severe vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle spasms
- Feelings of agitation
- Fever and chills
- Increased blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Delusional thoughts
- Reduced sex drive
However, psychological withdrawal symptoms persist compared to physical symptoms.
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline
The clear timeline for kratom withdrawal is not known. This is because the substance is still being studied. Nonetheless, it is presumed to mirror the timeline associated with opioid withdrawal. The withdrawal length is believed to be about 7 to 10 days before the substance completely leaves the body.
1. Acute Stage
The acute stage begins about 24 hours after the last dose. One experiences intense physical symptoms during this stage. These include excessive sweating, dizziness, and chills. The user’s eyes also tend to become watery, and they have a runny nose. Symptoms tend to intensify after 2 or 4 days. The individual has an ordeal of stomach cramps accompanied by severe diarrhea and vomiting. The acute stage lasts for about seven days.
2. Intermediary Stage
This stage is likely to begin after the seventh day of use. The withdrawal symptoms become mild, and the person begins to feel much better. One is likely to experience muscle cramps, anxiety, and fatigue. These symptoms start to die off after 7 to 10 days of use.
3. Post-acute Stage
Psychological symptoms manifest during this stage. Individuals who have battled with long-term kratom addiction experience these symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms last for six months to one year, depending on the individual. The user may also experience some physical symptoms such as nausea and weariness.
Kratom Detox
Detox is when toxins are removed from the body. A patient cannot suddenly stop using kratom due to its psychoactive and addictive nature. Instantaneous withdrawal would cause the brain to suffer a rebound effect. This would lead to severe withdrawal symptoms as the brain struggles to regain balance.
The most effective way to detox is tapering off the substance. This is when the dosages of the drug are gradually minimized to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Owing to kratom’s effect on brain chemistry, tapering allows the brain to regain its natural balance slowly.
Detox programs offer a physical and emotional environment to help the patient detox successfully. Medical professionals monitor the mental and physical health of the patient. They also offer treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
Rehab for Kratom Withdrawal
The next step to your recovery journey is joining an addiction treatment program. Therapists in rehab centers help you address the underlying cause of your addiction. This is a vital phase of recovery as it guarantees optimal wellbeing. Relapse is likely to occur if the root of the problem is not identified and solved.
While kratom is a new drug in the US, some rehab and treatment centers have taken an initiative to help individuals struggling with its addiction. One such center is The Detox Center of Los Angeles.
The Detox Center of Los Angeles
The Detox Center of Los Angeles is a fully licensed drug & alcohol detox, rehab, and PHP center. We are located in Los Angeles, California. The staff at The Detox Center of Los Angeles work to help individuals struggling with alcohol and other substance abuse acquire full recovery. Our treatment programs are administered depending on the severity of the addiction.
Patients at The Detox Center of Los Angeles can safely detox in a supervised environment. This is crucial for individuals who experience chronic and severe withdrawal symptoms. We also offer inpatient addiction treatment for long-term users. The patients have a chance to focus on their recovery away from life’s distractions solely. Our outpatient treatment program provides enough support for individuals who have used kratom for a short while.
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction, contact us today and let us help you live a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Kratom is a tropical tree whose leaves produce an opioid-like compound. It is a native of Southeast Asia where it is used for medicinal purposes. Recently, kratom has become popular in the US, and most people use it as a recreational drug. The effects of kratom depend on the dosage taken. When taken in small amounts, it acts as a stimulant. In large amounts, it acts as an opioid. The substance is still being studied. However, kratom has proven to be addictive with long-term use.
Users tend to experience unwanted side effects as early as 24 hours after use. Kratom withdrawal symptoms are classified into three stages. The first stage is the acute stage. During this stage, the individual experiences physical symptoms. This stage lasts for about seven days. It is then followed by the intermediary stage. The user begins to feel much better, and the symptoms subside after ten days. The post-acute phase is the final stage. It only occurs in long-term kratom users. Withdrawal symptoms can last for about six months to 1 year.
The first step to recovery is detoxing from kratom. The body eliminates toxins, and withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. These symptoms may be severe, depending on the duration of use. One is advised to taper off the drug. This helps the brain regain its natural balance.
Rehab is also essential for recovering addicts. Therapists help you identify the root of your addiction. This is a crucial step in ensuring that you get full stabilization. It also ensures that you do not experience any relapses or progression into other addictions after detox. One rehab center that helps kratom addicts is The Detox center of Los Angeles.
The Detox Center of Los Angeles is a fully licensed drug & alcohol detox, rehab, and PHP center in Los Angeles, California. We offer detox programs for patients with severe withdrawal symptoms. Our center is inclusive of inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Treatment is conducted according to the severity of the addiction. Our clients are monitored and given a safe place to recover fully.
Contact us today. Your optimal recovery is our primary concern.
