Kratom Addiction & Abuse
The “Natural” Drug with Real Risks: Understanding Kratom Addiction and Finding Help
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds producing both stimulant and opioid-like effects. While marketed as a “natural” remedy for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, kratom has addictive properties that can lead to dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and severe health consequences.
In the U.S., kratom is sold in various forms, including powders, capsules, teas, and extracts, and is often advertised as a safe, herbal supplement. However, the reality is far more complex. Kratom affects the same brain receptors as opioids, leading to similar risks of dependency, misuse, and withdrawal.
Why Is Kratom Addictive?
Though many users view kratom as a harmless herbal remedy, its chemical structure allows it to bind to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to mood enhancement, pain relief, and, over time, physical dependence.
At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, increasing energy and alertness. At higher doses, it mimics opioid-like sedative effects, leading to euphoria, drowsiness, and pain relief. This dual nature can make kratom particularly dangerous, as users often escalate doses in search of stronger effects — paving the way for dependency and addiction.
Repeated use can cause the body to develop a tolerance, leading to increased consumption and a greater risk of adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms.
The Misconception of Kratom as “Safe”
One of the most concerning aspects of kratom is its marketing as a “natural” and “safe” alternative to prescription opioids. Because it’s legal in many states and sold in health food stores and gas stations, users often underestimate its risks.
However, the FDA has issued multiple warnings about kratom’s potential for abuse, and some states have banned its sale entirely. While it may not be as potent as traditional opioids, kratom still carries serious risks, including addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and even fatal overdoses when mixed with other substances.
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Signs of Kratom Misuse
Abusing Dilaudid can have both immediate and long-term consequences. Due to its potency, even short-term misuse can lead to dangerous side effects.
Physical Signs of Misuse:
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating and itchiness
Constipation
Insomnia or restlessness
Loss of appetite
Muscle tremors or body aches
Behavioral Signs of Misuse:
Using higher doses to achieve desired effects
Combining kratom with alcohol or other drugs
Mood swings or irritability
Withdrawal from social activities
Financial strain due to frequent purchases
Kratom Withdrawal: What to Expect
Muscle aches and joint pain
Restlessness and insomnia
Nausea and vomiting
Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
Intense cravings
Depression or suicidal thoughts
The Legal Gray Area of Kratom
Kratom occupies a legal gray area in the United States. While it’s federally legal, several states and municipalities have banned its sale due to rising concerns about its safety. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and has issued warnings about its potential for addiction and adverse health effects.
States that have banned Kratom include:
Alabama
Arkansas
Indiana
Rhode Island
Vermont
Wisconsin
Even in states where kratom remains legal, its unregulated nature means there’s no guarantee of product purity or dosage consistency, further increasing the risk of harm.
The Risks of Mixing Kratom with Other Substances
Kratom’s effects can be unpredictable on its own, but when combined with other substances, the dangers multiply.
High-risk Combinations Include:
Alcohol: Increases the risk of liver damage and intensifies sedative effects
Opioids (e.g., Oxycodone, Fentanyl): Can lead to severe respiratory depression or fatal overdose
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax): Heightens drowsiness and risk of overdose
Antidepressants: Can cause dangerous interactions, leading to mood swings or seizures
Many kratom-related hospitalizations involve combinations with other drugs or alcohol, making it critical to seek help if you suspect someone is using kratom alongside other substances.
Kratom Statistics
In 2021, an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12+ reported using Kratom in some form, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Between 2011 and 2017, 1,807 kratom-related calls were made to U.S. poison control centers.
Kratom Addiction Treatment
Overcoming kratom addiction requires a tailored approach that addresses both the physical withdrawal symptoms and the psychological patterns that drive misuse. At Riverside Recovery, we guide patients through every stage of healing — from medically supervised detox to safely manage withdrawal, to personalized therapy that helps patients rebuild healthier coping strategies and understand the real risks of kratom dependency.
Our combination of evidence-based and holistic programs focus on restoring balance, reducing cravings, and empowering patients with the tools needed for long-term recovery, all within a supportive and restorative environment.