Kratom has become popular in recent years as a herbal supplement used for energy, focus, or pain relief. Some also use it to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, many are unaware that kratom carries risks such as dependence, withdrawal, and addiction.
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we understand how confusing it can be to navigate the growing discussion about kratom and kratom use. Our addiction treatment programs in Spokane, Washington, provide education, support, and professional care for people struggling with kratom use or other substance use concerns. To learn more about how to start your path to recovery, call us today at 844.962.2775.
What is kratom?
Kratom is a natural, herbal substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. People in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have traditionally chewed or brewed kratom leaves into tea to relieve fatigue, manage pain, and increase productivity.
In recent decades, kratom-based products have become more common in the United States. These include kratom powder, capsules, and concentrated extracts often sold as “dietary supplements.” Many are marketed as natural remedies for pain or anxiety, though kratom is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use.
Kratom’s main active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with receptors in the brain, producing psychoactive and pain-relieving effects. Since it targets opioid receptors, kratom can mimic the effects of opioids while remaining legal in most states.
How does kratom work?
Kratom acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, but it is not an opioid. Instead, depending on the dose, it interacts with the same receptor sites to produce a combination of sedative and stimulant-like effects.
At low doses, kratom acts like a stimulant, leading to increased alertness, energy, and focus. Some people describe it as similar to caffeine, although stronger. At higher doses, kratom has sedative and pain-relieving properties that can mimic opioids like morphine.
Kratom’s effects can be unpredictable. While some use it to boost energy or improve mood, others take it to manage opioid withdrawal or chronic pain. However, since it impacts the same brain systems linked to addiction, long-term use can lead to dependence.
The way kratom acts varies widely from person to person. The specific effects on the brain and body depend on factors like dosage, frequency of use, and individual body chemistry.
Kratom effects and potential benefits
How kratom affects you depends on how much you take and your individual tolerance. At smaller amounts, kratom may produce mild stimulant effects such as increased energy, better focus, and a temporary sense of well-being. It tends to create sedative effects at higher amounts, including relaxation and pain relief.
Some people who use kratom claim that it provides therapeutic benefits, including:
- Temporary pain relief for chronic pain conditions
- A calming effect that helps reduce anxiety or stress
- Mood improvement or increased motivation
However, scientific studies have not confirmed kratom’s long-term safety or medical benefits. Many reported “benefits” are anecdotal, and its use carries significant risks. The same compounds that create pain relief and mild euphoria can also lead to tolerance, dependence, and even kratom addiction.
As research continues, most health organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), warn that kratom’s effects can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous when used regularly or in high doses.
Risks and side effects of kratom
Kratom can cause a range of adverse effects, especially with frequent or high-dose use. These side effects can include:
- Nausea and constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness and fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Sweating or tremors
Because kratom affects the same receptors as opioids, it can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times. Combining kratom with alcohol, prescription medications, or other psychoactive drugs increases the risk of dangerous drug interactions and overdose.
Mental health effects are another concern. People with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may experience worsening symptoms, paranoia, or agitation after using kratom.
While kratom is often marketed as “natural” or “safe,” its unregulated status means products can vary widely in potency and purity. Some kratom powders and capsules have been found to contain contaminants like heavy metals or other substances that increase the risk of harmful side effects.
Understanding kratom withdrawal
Regular use of kratom can lead to physical dependence. When use stops, the body reacts with uncomfortable symptoms known as kratom withdrawal.
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can appear within 12 to 24 hours of the last use and may last from several days to a week. These symptoms can be similar to mild opioid withdrawal and may include:
- Irritability or mood swings
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Difficulty sleeping or fatigue
- Cravings for kratom
Some individuals experience moderate withdrawal symptoms, while others may have more severe reactions, especially after long-term or high-dose use.
To manage drug withdrawal symptoms, it is safest to taper off kratom under medical supervision. Medical detox programs, such as those available at Spokane Falls Recovery Center, provide monitoring, comfort medications, and emotional support during the withdrawal process. If withdrawal symptoms are interfering with daily life, professional care can help reduce discomfort and lower the risk of relapse.
Kratom addiction: Signs, risks, and when to seek help
Because kratom interacts with opioid receptors, it can be addictive. Regular use can lead to tolerance, meaning larger doses are needed to achieve the same effects. Over time, this can cause both physical dependence and psychological cravings.
- Signs of kratom addiction can include:
- Needing kratom to function or feel “normal”
- Spending excessive time or money on kratom products
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Difficulty cutting down or stopping despite negative consequences
- Neglecting work, family, or responsibilities due to kratom use
While kratom may not produce the same intensity of withdrawal as heroin or prescription opioids, it still qualifies as a substance use disorder (SUD) when it leads to compulsive substance use or harm to one’s health and relationships.
Recognizing these signs early is important. If you or someone you love is showing symptoms of kratom addiction, professional SUD treatment can help restore balance and prevent long-term harm.
Kratom’s legal status and regulations in Washington
In Washington State, kratom is currently legal for adult use, though it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is an ongoing debate among lawmakers, health officials, and organizations about whether kratom should face tighter controls due to safety concerns.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has not classified kratom as a controlled substance at the federal level but continues to monitor its use and potential risks. Several states and cities across the U.S. have banned or restricted kratom sales, though kratom regulation varies widely.
In Washington, consumers can legally purchase kratom, but because it is unregulated, the safety and purity of kratom products cannot be guaranteed. Spokane Falls Recovery Center encourages individuals to approach kratom use with caution and stay informed about updates to state and local laws.
For more background, see recent public kratom reports from the FDA and DEA outlining potential safety concerns and the need for more research.
Treatment options for kratom use and addiction
If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom use, professional help is available at Spokane Falls Recovery Center. Kratom addiction treatment typically follows approaches similar to other substance use disorders.
Spokane Falls Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help clients regain physical and emotional stability. These programs include:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised withdrawal, prioritizing your safety and comfort.
- Therapy: Including individual, group, and family therapy.
- Residential treatment: A supportive environment focused solely on recovery.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): For those needing more support than standard outpatient therapy.
- Aftercare: Ongoing support for long-term recovery.
- Court-ordered treatment: For individuals who are required by law to attend treatment for their addiction.
Each person’s recovery path is unique. Our clinicians create individualized care plans that address both kratom use and any underlying substance use or mental health challenges.
If you are in Washington, Spokane Valley, or nearby areas of Eastern Washington or North Idaho, Spokane Falls Recovery Center can help you begin your recovery safely and with compassion.
Frequently asked questions about kratom
Yes. Many treatment centers, including Spokane Falls Recovery Center, provide care for individuals struggling with kratom addiction or dependence.
Kratom is not an opioid, but it acts on the same receptors, producing similar effects.
Prolonged kratom use can disrupt the brain’s natural reward system, leading to dependence, mood changes, or cognitive difficulties.
Kratom may affect the liver, kidneys, and digestive system, particularly when used in high doses or with other substances.
While some people who use kratom report benefits, kratom is not regulated and can have serious side effects or interactions.
Kratom withdrawal typically lasts between five and seven days, but can vary depending on usage patterns and health factors.
Overdose is rare but possible, especially when combined with other substances.
Yes, kratom is legal for adults in Washington, though it remains unregulated.
Some people use kratom for opioid withdrawal, but medical professionals caution that it may replace one dependence with another.
Kratom extract is a more concentrated form that carries a higher risk of side effects and dependence compared to kratom powder.
Find help for kratom withdrawal and addiction in Spokane
Kratom is a complex substance that can have both stimulant and sedative effects. While some people use it for pain relief or mood improvement, kratom side effects, withdrawal, and addiction risks make it a substance that should be approached with caution.
Understanding how kratom’s effects vary with dosage and how dependence can develop is crucial for making informed decisions about its use. If you or someone you care about is experiencing kratom withdrawal or signs of kratom addiction, professional help is available.
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we provide compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care through our addiction treatment programs in Spokane. Whether you need medical detox, therapy, or long-term recovery support, our team can help you start healing.
If you or someone you love is ready to take the next step, our admissions team is here to help. Please call 844.962.2775 today or reach out through our online contact form, and a team member will reach out to answer your questions and guide you through the recovery steps.
