Kratom may also appear in powder and tablet form and is sometimes sold as a dietary or nutritional supplement or incense. No, kratom is not currently scheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act, though the DEA has considered scheduling it multiple times. The DEA lists kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern” due to its abuse potential and lack of accepted medical use. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, itching, sweating, and loss of appetite. More serious side effects can include liver damage, seizures, psychosis, respiratory depression (especially when combined with other substances), and cardiovascular problems.

• Professional treatment programs can provide comprehensive pain management strategies that address both physical discomfort and underlying conditions.
• Information about binge drinking dangers highlights why mixing substances creates compounded risks.
• For example, some people may be dependent on coffee to start their days—or medication to stay healthy and feel their best.
• It also strains relationships, fosters social isolation, and causes financial challenges.
• Whether dealing with kratom dependence specifically or other substance use concerns, professional support dramatically improves outcomes and reduces health risks.
• The Mayo Clinic points out that kratom products are not regulated for purity or potency, meaning significant variation exists even within the same supposed strain.

Is kratom legal? Is it safe?

And the more concentrated the mitragynine, the more intense withdrawal can be. “I’ve had two or three mothers sitting in here just in tears, because they cannot go throughout their day without kratom,” Fitch says. As mitragynine potency increases, the risk of side effects and dependency can too. The FDA has noted that using kratom can lead to respiratory depression, vomiting, nervousness, weight loss, and constipation. Withdrawal can include hostility, aggression, excessive tearing, aching of muscles and bones, and jerky limb movements—similar to the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Kratom Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

Medical-assisted treatment with buprenorphine or methadone, combined with counseling, remains the gold standard for opioid use disorder. Kratom is a unique substance in that it produces both stimulating and sedative effects. This is caused by two active compounds in the leaves — mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine. At low doses, these compounds act on receptors in the brain that produce stimulant effects such as increased energy, sociability, and alertness. High doses of kratom work on the body’s opioid receptors, producing effects such as sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain. However, kratom can also produce unwanted side effects if it is abused.

Clinical research on kratom remains limited compared to guide to kratom addiction and abuse many other substances, though the scientific literature has expanded in recent years. The short answer is that combining kratom with other substances increases risks, sometimes dramatically. Regular consumption can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Some long-term users develop a darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), particularly on the cheeks, which may be permanent.

Can Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?

Kratom produces opioid-like effects, but it’s technically not an opioid; it interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors. And though there’s been research into its potential benefit to the opioid addiction community, experts aren’t yet sure if it’s just another antagonist—or possibly an asset—in the ongoing public health problem. “The FDA has had a love-hate relationship with kratom for, basically, forever,” McCurdy says.

What are the different types of Kratom strains (Red, Green, White) and their effects?

When it comes to kratom abuse, it’s also worth noting that there is a difference between dependence and addiction. Dependence, for example, is a state of adaptation in the body that develops after repeated use of the drug. In this state, a person isn’t mentally obsessed or attached to the drug. However, if the drug is discontinued abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can occur and may require medical assistance to taper off. Medications to help with kratom withdrawal may include symptom-specific treatments like anti-nausea medication, sleep aids, or anti-anxiety medications.

How long do the effects of Kratom last?

Side effects can be especially difficult to deal with for individuals who take kratom products for addiction management. Trying to replace stronger opioids and other illicit drug use with the “milder” drug is a risky process. Many people struggle with quitting kratom once they’ve become dependent on it. However, treatment is available to help overcome dependence and addiction to kratom. Read on to learn more about the risks of this new drug, and how to deal with kratom withdrawal. Kratom’s opioid-like effects have sparked concern about its high potential for abuse and addiction.

• Kratom comes from a tree found in tropical regions of Southeast Asia.
• Understanding is kratom a controlled substance federally and state-by-state regulations is essential for anyone considering kratom use or currently using it.
• TikTok has policies about showing and discussing drug usage on the site, but to get around the restrictions, TikTokers use #kr8tom and #krat0m to discuss their experiences—positive and negative—with the plant.
• Confrontation-style interventions can have the opposite effect, leading to anger, mistrust, or isolation.
• As mitragynine potency increases, the risk of side effects and dependency can too.

Like other drugs, making kratom illegal could make the supply more dangerous and subject to criminal activity. Before going into the treatment methods that are available for kratom addiction, this article will provide an outline of what kratom is and what the long-term effects are. The FDA strongly warns against kratom use, stating it has not been shown to be safe or effective for any medical condition. The FDA has issued multiple public health advisories, linked kratom to deaths and serious adverse events, taken enforcement action against companies making health claims, and seized kratom shipments. Kratom is not scheduled as a controlled substance at the federal level, but its legal status varies by state. Six states have complete bans (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin), while many others have age restrictions or specific regulations.

In fact, a survey of people who’ve taken kratom found that 12.3 percent qualified as having a kratom addiction or kratom substance use disorder, according to a 2024 Johns Hopkins and National Institutes of Health study. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular method that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Understanding these signs and symptoms is key to recognizing when it’s time to seek professional treatment. Incorporating family members, loved ones, and supportive social networks into the recovery process enhances outcomes and provides additional sources of encouragement, understanding, and accountability. Nevertheless, Kratom’s safety and efficacy remain ambiguous, as its utilization has been linked to severe side effects, addiction risks, and even fatalities.

State-by-State Legal Status

Each state’s ban resulted from legislative action based on local concerns about substance abuse. Research available through the National Library of Medicine includes case reports and observational studies suggesting potential benefits, but also documents serious adverse events. The long-term effects of kratom on the liver and other organ systems remain inadequately studied, raising concerns about chronic use for pain management. The best kratom for pain management, according to user reviews, tends to be red vein varieties, particularly Red Bali and Red Borneo, typically taken at moderate to high doses. The opioid receptor activity of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine provides a plausible mechanism for these pain-relieving effects.

Understanding kratom’s mechanism of action helps explain both its appeal and its risks. The primary active compound, mitragynine, acts as a partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors in the brain. This means it binds to the same receptors that respond to opioid medications and drugs, but activates them less fully than traditional opioids.

Kratom detox may involve gradually reducing the drug dose to minimize these effects. You can also search for a nearby treatment center using the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, a free online tool provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). You might be considering staging an intervention with other family members or friends. While intervention may motivate your loved one to seek help for an addiction, there are no guarantees.