Kratom Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, Effects and Treatment

Kratom is derived from the leaves of the tropical tree Mitragyna Speciosa and has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia for its stimulant and sedative effects. It has gained popularity in the United States as a natural remedy for chronic pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal. However, unregulated use leads to addiction, severe health issues, and even fatal overdoses. 

According to a 2022 study, “A Case of Severe Kratom Addiction Contributing to a Suicide Attempt,” by Austin G. Settle and Chong Yang, kratom use has been associated with numerous cases of overdose and fatalities in the U.S. Understanding the symptoms, causes, effects, and available treatments for kratom addiction is crucial for mitigating its adverse impacts on individuals and society.

The symptoms of kratom addiction include intense cravings for the substance, inability to control its use, and continued use despite adverse consequences. Other symptoms are neglecting personal and professional responsibilities, withdrawal from social activities, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.

The causes of kratom addiction include prolonged use for pain relief or anxiety, recreational abuse, and genetic predisposition. Factors such as stress, peer pressure, and easy access to kratom products also contribute to the development of addiction.

The effects of kratom addiction are significant, impacting both physical and mental health. Physically, addiction can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of overdose. Psychologically, it can cause mood swings, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. Socially, addiction results in strained relationships, legal problems, and financial instability.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree whose leaves are used to produce stimulant and sedative effects. It contains psychoactive compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which lead to addiction. In Southeast Asia, kratom has been used traditionally to boost energy and alleviate pain among laborers. In the United States, it is consumed as tea, capsules, or extracts and is associated with various health issues. The Drug Enforcement Administration states that there is no legitimate medical use for kratom in the U.S.​​​​

What is Kratom Addiction?

Kratom addiction is a condition where individuals develop a dependency on the psychoactive compounds in kratom leaves, leading to compulsive use despite harmful consequences. This addiction significantly impacts health, relationships, and daily life. According to a 2014 study, “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Dependence, Withdrawal Symptoms and Craving in Regular Users,” by Singh, Müller, and Vicknasingam, kratom addiction results in both psychological and physiological dependence, causing severe withdrawal symptoms and the need for medical treatment.

What are the Signs of Kratom Addiction?

The signs of kratom addiction include needing higher doses to feel the same effects, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and suffering from physical health issues. According to a 2014 study, “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Dependence, Withdrawal Symptoms and Craving in Regular Users,” by Darshan Singh, Christian Müller, and Balasingam Vicknasingam, kratom addiction manifests through various symptoms. It also involves changes in behavior, such as neglecting responsibilities and isolating oneself, as well as psychological symptoms like mood swings and intense cravings. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention and support.

Physical Dependency Signs Of Kratom Addiction

• Increased Tolerance: Users need increasingly higher doses of kratom to achieve the same effects. This indicates that their body has adapted to the drug, diminishing its impact at previous doses.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: When kratom use is reduced or stopped, individuals experience withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, nausea, sweating, dry mouth, and constipation. These symptoms indicate physical dependence on the drug.
• Physical Health Issues: Regular users may suffer from anorexia, significant weight loss, persistent insomnia, and darkening of the skin. These health problems develop as the body reacts adversely to prolonged kratom use.

Behavioral Signs Of Kratom Addiction

• Compulsive Use: Individuals find it difficult to control or reduce kratom consumption despite their desire to stop. This compulsive behavior often leads to a pattern of consistent and increasing use.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: Addicted users frequently ignore their work, school, or family obligations due to their kratom use. This neglect results in deteriorating performance and strained relationships.
• Social Withdrawal: There is a tendency to withdraw from social activities and isolate oneself to continue using kratom. This isolation leads to further detachment from friends and family, exacerbating the addiction.

Psychological Signs Of Kratom Addiction

• Mood Swings: Addicts experience sudden and intense changes in mood, including periods of euphoria followed by irritability or depression. These mood swings are often unpredictable and affect daily functioning.
• Cravings: Strong, uncontrollable urges to use kratom occur frequently, even in situations where it is inappropriate or dangerous. These cravings dominate an individual’s thoughts and actions.
• Psychotic Symptoms: Some users may experience severe psychological effects such as hallucinations, delusions, and confusion due to long-term kratom use. These symptoms impair their ability to distinguish reality from fantasy.

What are the Causes of Kratom Addiction?

The causes of Kratom addiction include inherited traits from parents, struggles with mental health like depression or anxiety, and influences from one’s social environment. Understanding these causes helps address the root of the addiction and find effective treatments. According to a 2014 study, “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Dependence, Withdrawal Symptoms and Craving in Regular Users,” by Singh, Müller, and Vicknasingam, several factors contribute to kratom addiction.

Biological Causes Of Kratom Addiction

• Genetic Predisposition: Some people are more likely to develop a dependency on kratom because they inherit traits from their parents that make them more prone to addiction. These genetic traits significantly increase the likelihood of developing an addiction when exposed to kratom.
• Brain Chemistry: Kratom affects the brain’s reward system by increasing the release of dopamine, a chemical that makes people feel good. This heightened dopamine release leads to feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Over time, the brain starts to rely on kratom to produce these pleasurable feelings, creating a cycle of dependency as users seek to replicate the effects.

Psychological Causes Of Kratom Addiction

• Mental Health Issues: Individuals with mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety might use kratom to feel better, but this leads to dependency as they rely on the drug to manage their symptoms. The temporary relief provided by kratom makes it a tempting option for those struggling with chronic mental health issues, increasing the risk of addiction.
• Stress and Trauma: High levels of stress or a history of traumatic experiences drive individuals to use kratom as a way to cope. Using kratom to manage stress or trauma quickly becomes a habit, leading to increased use and dependency. This coping mechanism is particularly harmful as it does not address the underlying issues and instead creates an additional problem of addiction.

Social Causes Of Kratom Addiction

• Peer Pressure: Social circles that use kratom influence an individual to start and continue using it, leading to addiction. Being surrounded by others who use kratom normalizes the behavior and makes it more likely for an individual to begin using the substance themselves.
• Accessibility and Perception: The easy availability of kratom and the misconception that it is a safe or natural alternative to other drugs contribute to its misuse and addiction. Many users perceive kratom as a harmless or less harmful option compared to other substances, which leads to increased use and eventual dependence.

What are the Effects of Kratom Addiction?

The effects of Kratom addiction include severe damage to the body, worsening mental health, and disrupts social interactions. These effects are well-documented in several studies. According to a 2022 study, “A Case of Severe Kratom Addiction Contributing to a Suicide Attempt,” by Austin G. Settle and Chong Yang, and a 2020 review, “Kratom—Pharmacology, Clinical Implications, and Outlook: A Comprehensive Review,” by Eastlack, Cornett, and Kaye, kratom addiction leads to a broad range of detrimental impacts on individuals.

Physical Health Effects Of Kratom Addiction

• Organ Damage: Long-term kratom use leads to liver damage and kidney problems. These issues arise as the body struggles to filter toxins, which results in serious health complications.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Users often experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which severely affect their quality of life.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Kratom use causes rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and high blood pressure (hypertension), increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular events​​​​.

Psychological Effects Of Kratom Addiction

• Mental Health Decline: Kratom addiction worsens mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. This creates a vicious cycle where the addiction exacerbates these conditions, leading to increased use and dependency.
• Cognitive Impairment: Prolonged use impairs cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making.
• Psychotic Symptoms: In severe cases, users may experience hallucinations, delusions, and confusion, significantly impairing their ability to function and interact with reality.​

Social and Relationship Effects Of Kratom Addiction

• Isolation: Addicted individuals often withdraw from social interactions and activities they once enjoyed, leading to loneliness and further exacerbating mental health issues.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: The addiction leads to neglect of personal, professional, and familial responsibilities, straining relationships and causing significant consequences in various aspects of life.
• Financial and Legal Problems: The need to obtain kratom and maintain the addiction leads to financial strain and legal issues, adding to the overall burden​.

How is Kratom Addiction Treated?

Kratom addiction is treated by addressing the physical damage to the body, mental health issues, and social problems caused by the addiction. This comprehensive approach includes medical treatments to manage withdrawal symptoms and repair physical health, mental health support to address psychological issues, and social interventions to rebuild relationships and social networks. Treating these aspects together ensures a more effective recovery process.

1. Medical Treatments:

• Detoxification: The first step involves stopping kratom use under medical supervision. This process, called detoxification, helps manage withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, and nausea and ensures the patient’s safety. 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings by stabilizing brain chemistry. Clonidine is also used to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, and sweating.

2. Mental Health Support:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction. This therapy focuses on developing healthier coping mechanisms and addressing the underlying mental health issues that may drive kratom use.
• Counseling and Therapy: Individual and group therapy sessions provide a supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences and challenges. Therapy helps address underlying mental health issues that contribute to addiction, offering a path to long-term recovery.

3. Social Interventions:

• Support Groups: Participating in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides individuals with a sense of community and shared experiences. These groups offer peer support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
• Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy helps repair relationships and build a supportive home environment. Family therapy addresses the dynamics that may contribute to addiction and promotes healthy communication and support.

Combining medical, psychological, and social interventions is crucial for effectively treating kratom addiction. This comprehensive approach improves the chances of successful recovery and long-term sobriety by addressing the addiction from multiple angles and providing a robust support system. According to a 2012 study, “Psychosocial Treatment of Substance Use Disorders,” by Mark J. Van Ryzin, John D. Fosco, and Anne M. Dishion, integrating these interventions helps manage withdrawal symptoms, treat underlying mental health issues, and rebuild social relationships.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Kratom Addiction?

Long-term kratom addiction leads to severe and lasting effects on an individual’s body, mind, and social life. These chronic impacts significantly reduce the quality of life and require comprehensive treatment to address.

Physical Health Effects of Kratom Addiction

• Organ Damage: Prolonged kratom use causes significant damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. This damage results from the body’s continuous effort to filter out the toxins introduced by kratom. Chronic users often suffer from liver toxicity, which leads to liver failure if not treated. Kidney damage is also common due to the strain of processing the drug and its metabolites.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Long-term kratom users frequently experience persistent nausea, vomiting, and constipation. These symptoms lead to malnutrition and significant weight loss. Chronic gastrointestinal distress also causes lasting damage to the digestive system.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Extended kratom use leads to cardiovascular issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). These conditions increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Psychological Effects of Kratom Addiction

• Mental Health Decline: Continuous use of kratom exacerbates existing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. It also leads to the development of new psychiatric conditions, including paranoia and hallucinations. The long-term psychological effects severely impair daily functioning and overall well-being.
• Cognitive Impairment: Chronic kratom use results in significant cognitive deficits, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making abilities. These cognitive issues affect personal and professional life, making it challenging to maintain employment or academic performance.
• Addiction and Dependency: Over time, the body develops a tolerance to kratom, requiring increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects. This leads to a cycle of dependency and addiction, where users feel compelled to take the drug despite its adverse effects.

Social and Relationship Effects of Kratom Addiction

• Isolation: Individuals addicted to kratom often withdraw from social activities and relationships. This isolation leads to loneliness and exacerbates mental health issues, creating a vicious cycle of dependence and withdrawal.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: Long-term kratom addiction results in neglect of personal, professional, and familial responsibilities. This neglect causes significant strain on relationships and leads to job loss, academic failure, and financial difficulties.
• Legal and Financial Problems: Sustained kratom use leads to financial strain due to the cost of maintaining the addiction. Additionally, individuals may face legal issues if their use involves illegal activities, such as driving under the influence or possessing kratom in areas where it is banned.

Can Kratom Be Used Safely for Pain Management?

Kratom is sometimes used for pain management due to its analgesic properties. However, using kratom for this purpose carries risks, including the potential for addiction and adverse health effects. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and it warns against using kratom for self-medication due to the lack of regulation and the potential for contamination. Safer, FDA-approved alternatives for pain management should be considered.

How Does Kratom Affect the Brain?

Kratom affects the brain by interacting with opioid receptors, similar to how morphine and other opioids work. The active compounds in kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, produce feelings of euphoria, sedation, and pain relief. However, these effects also lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction. Long-term use results in cognitive impairments and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression​.

Is Kratom Legal in the United States?

While kratom is legal at the federal level, some states and municipalities have banned its sale and use. States such as Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have banned kratom entirely. Other states have regulations in place to control its sale and distribution. It’s important to check local laws before purchasing or using kratom.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Kratom?

Withdrawal symptoms from kratom are severe and include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, aggression, runny nose, and diarrhea. These symptoms are similar to those of opioid withdrawal and are challenging to manage without medical support. The severity of withdrawal symptoms often depends on the duration and intensity of kratom use.

Can Kratom Overdose Be Fatal?

Yes, a kratom overdose could be fatal, especially when combined with other substances. High doses of kratom lead to respiratory depression, seizures, liver damage, and cardiac issues. There have been reports of deaths associated with kratom use, often involving the concurrent use of other substances. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.