Start Your JourneyKratom: Health Risks, Signs of Use, and Recovery Support
Kratom is a plant-derived substance with opioid-like effects. Although marketed in some communities as a natural remedy for pain or opioid withdrawal, kratom is unregulated and potentially addictive. Long-term use can result in serious health consequences, withdrawal symptoms, and psychological dependence.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. It contains active compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce both stimulant and sedative effects depending on the dose.
Despite being sold legally in many U.S. states as a dietary supplement, kratom is not FDA-approved for any medical use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have both issued warnings about kratom’s risks, including addiction and overdose when combined with other substances.
Street Names for Kratom
Kratom is often sold in health stores, smoke shops, or online and may be marketed under various names
- Biak
- Kakuam
- Ketum
- Thang
- Green Malay
- Red Bali
- Maeng Da
These names may reference strain types or potency levels.
What Does It Look Like When Someone Is Using Kratom?
Signs of kratom use can resemble both stimulant and opioid effects, depending on the dose and frequency of use. Common signs include:
- Increased energy or talkativeness at low doses
- Sedation or euphoria at higher doses
- Itching or sweating
- Nausea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability or mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or agitation
With frequent use, individuals may begin to isolate, show signs of financial strain, or use kratom to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What Does Kratom and Its Paraphernalia Look Like?
Kratom is sold in several forms, each with different paraphernalia and methods of preparation:
- Green, red, or brown powder
- Gel capsules or tablets
- Liquid tinctures or shots
- Brewed teas
- Crushed dried leaves
Associated paraphernalia includes:
- Tea infusers, mugs, and electric kettles
- Capsule makers or pill bottles
- Small baggies or pouches labeled by strain
- Scales or measuring spoons
- Bottles labeled as “extracts,” “focus shots,” or “pain relief”
Though kratom may look like a health product, its misuse can lead to dependency and withdrawal.
How Do People Use Kratom?
Kratom is most commonly taken orally. Typical methods of use include:
- Mixing powder into water, juice, or smoothies
- Swallowing capsules or tablets
- Brewing the leaves or powder into tea
- Using concentrated liquid extracts
Doses vary, with low doses often acting as stimulants and higher doses producing sedative or euphoric effects. Many individuals increase their dose over time to maintain the same effects, increasing the risk of dependence.
What Is the Best Way to Quit Kratom?
Despite its legal status, kratom can be difficult to quit due to withdrawal symptoms and the emotional reliance some users develop. The most effective approach to recovery includes medical monitoring and behavioral therapy, especially for individuals who have used kratom to self-medicate for chronic pain or opioid withdrawal.
Treatment strategies include:
- Medically supervised tapering or detox
- Behavioral therapy to address substance use triggers
- Treatment for underlying anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Peer support and accountability structures
- Relapse prevention and coping skill development
You can locate medical providers who assist with kratom stabilization using the SAMHSA Treatment Locator. Lifeline Recovery and Wellness in Malvern, PA is also available to help you find a trusted detox provider and begin treatment quickly.
What Does the Detox from Kratom Look Like?
Kratom withdrawal symptoms resemble those of opioid withdrawal and can range from mild to severe depending on the frequency and amount of use.
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline:
- 6–12 hours: Early symptoms such as irritability, sweating, and restlessness
- 24–72 hours: Muscle aches, insomnia, anxiety, runny nose, and digestive upset
- Days 4–7: Symptoms begin to subside, though cravings and mood swings may persist
- Weeks 2–4: Lingering anxiety, depression, or insomnia
- One month and beyond: Some individuals may continue to experience psychological symptoms or return to use without support
Medical supervision can ease the severity of symptoms, and outpatient treatment helps individuals stay accountable during the vulnerable early weeks of recovery.
How Lifeline Recovery and Wellness Can Help
At Lifeline Recovery and Wellness in Malvern, PA, we support individuals recovering from kratom misuse with evidence-based outpatient treatment. While we do not offer detox services onsite, we work closely with trusted medical providers and will assist you in coordinating stabilization and transitioning into care.
Our services include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Outpatient Program (OP)
- Trauma-informed individual and group therapy
- Support for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Relapse prevention, stress management, and life skills development
Whether you are struggling with kratom use alone or alongside other substances, our team offers compassionate, structured support designed to help you regain control and rebuild your life.
If you or someone you love is using kratom and needs help, contact Lifeline Recovery and Wellness today.
