Kratom Addiction Signs: What to Watch For and When to Seek Help
INTRO
The U.S. is seeing an increasing amount of substance abuse involving kratom, which is sold as a “natural” alternative for energy, mood, and pain. Although kratom use may begin innocently, it can eventually lead to physical dependence and addiction. Knowing what the initial kratom addiction signs look like can be helpful in the process of seeking assistance and achieving long-lasting well-being for yourself or a loved one.
Agape Behavioral Health understands the nuance of kratom dependence and the co-occurring conditions that often accompany it and has created treatment options to address them.
KEY POINTS
- Kratom works on the brain’s opioid receptors and can create physical dependence, especially at high doses or after extended use.
- Tolerance to kratom will usually develop rapidly, causing users to need greater quantities to achieve the same effect, creating an ongoing cycle of substance abuse.
- Symptoms of Kratom use can include behavioral changes, withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and growing difficulty controlling use.
- There are evidence-based treatment methods for overcoming kratom dependency, along with many resources for support.
- Users of kratom that struggle with addiction are not alone. They can find support, compassionate care, and a viable pathway to recovery.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant native to the jungles of Southeast Asia. Specifically, it originated from the tropics of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. For generations, the people of the tropics chewed kratom leaves as a means to alleviate exhaustion and discomfort throughout their arduous working days. More recently, kratom was introduced to Western cultures, where it has been consumed in various forms, like powdered form, capsules, teas, and extracts.
There are numerous active compounds in kratom. Two of the primary compounds found in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds interact directly with the opioid receptors of the brain.[1] At lower dosages, kratom generally elicits stimulatory effects such as enhanced energy and alertness. At higher dosages, kratom demonstrates opioid-like characteristics resulting in sedation and pain management, comparable to other opioid medications. The combination of stimulatory and sedatory properties creates confusion regarding kratom’s safety.
To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medicinal purposes. The DEA has proposed that kratom be scheduled as a controlled substance due to public health concerns. However, kratom is currently lawful in the United States under federal law, although many states and municipalities have prohibited or limited its use. Currently, the states where kratom is banned include: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Kratom Dependency and Addiction
Due to kratom’s interaction with opioid receptors in the brain, kratom is capable of causing physical dependence.[2] As a result of continued kratom consumption, the brain adjusts its chemical composition. After kratom usage ceases or diminishes, the brain is incapable of regulating itself, leading to withdrawal symptoms which are commonly described as being similar to opioid withdrawal symptoms.[3]
The development of kratom tolerance is indicative of physical dependence.[4] Many people describe an inability to receive the desired effects from a given dose of kratom after only short periods of regular use. Many people seek to increase their dosage in order to experience the desired effects. This incremental escalation is a common indicator of substance abuse.
According to studies and reports from healthcare professionals, reported symptoms experienced by those withdrawing from kratom include: muscle pains/aches, insomnia, irritability, nausea, sweating, hot flashes, and intense cravings.[5] Typically, the degree of these symptoms correlates directly to length of time and quantity of kratom use.
Identifying Signs of Kratom Addiction
Early recognition of the signs of kratom addiction can facilitate entry into supportive services prior to deeper entrenchment into dependency.
Common physical symptoms of problematic kratom use include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation with consistent kratom use
- Weight loss or appetite loss with continuing use
- Drowsiness or sedation with regular kratom use
- Sweating or tremors upon cessation of kratom use
- Physical agitation, restlessness, or muscle discomfort between doses
In addition to physical signs, these behavioral and emotional signs should be monitored for:
- Spending considerable amounts of time procuring, using, and recovering from kratom
- Increased kratom tolerance, larger dose required to feel “normal”
- Continued use despite detrimental effects on relationships, work, or health
- Hiding or minimizing kratom use from friends, family, or healthcare providers
- Feeling unable to function normally without kratom
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop
If you or a loved one are experiencing multiple indicators of kratom use, it may be time to consult a medical professional or contact a treatment facility for guidance.
Relationship Between Kratom Use & Mental Health
Attention continues to grow in the healthcare community and academic research concerning kratom use and mental health. Initially, some people utilize kratom as a method of self-managing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or persistent pain. Kratom provides temporary relief prior to establishing dependency. Eventually, regular kratom use can exacerbate existing mental illnesses, disrupt mood stability, and impair access to traditional mental health treatment.[6]
Additionally, there have been documented instances of liver damage when using large amounts of kratom or for extended periods of time.[7] Any symptoms, like jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain, in individuals consuming kratom should be immediately referred to a healthcare provider.
Psychological withdrawal from physical dependence is likely to be a major component of recovery challenges due to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and powerful cravings.
Treating both substance abuse and any underlying mental health disorders simultaneously offers the greatest opportunity for success. This holistic approach to treatment represents core elements in whole-person recovery.
Don't Let Kratom Dependence Continue to Grow
Kratom dependence often develops gradually, making it difficult to recognize when occasional use has become a substance use disorder. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the opportunity to address withdrawal symptoms, underlying mental health concerns, and the behaviors that contribute to continued use. At Agape Behavioral Health, we provide evidence-based and personalized care designed to support long-term recovery and overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kratom Addiction
When does kratom tolerance develop?
Kratom tolerance can develop within weeks of daily or frequent use. Many people report needing to incrementally increase their dosage within 1–2 months of regular consumption. This indicates an onset of physical dependence.
Are kratom withdrawal symptoms hazardous?
While kratom withdrawal is rarely lethal, it can be extremely painful, uncomfortable, and emotionally taxing. Symptoms are typically similar to those observed during opioid withdrawal. Clinical monitoring during detoxification facilitates safe symptom management and enhances early recovery experiences.
Is it possible for someone to be addicted to kratom if he/she began using it for pain relief?
Yes. Regardless of whether an individual uses kratom as a means of pain relief or as a supplement, it is possible for them to establish physical dependence on it over time due to its activation of opioid receptors.
Is kratom addiction treatment covered by insurance?
Most insurance providers will provide coverage for physical dependence on substances such as kratom. Contact Agape Behavioral Center to help verify your coverage and receive a free, no-obligation evaluation to determine the best treatment options for you or a loved one.
Sources
[1] [6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Kratom. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
[2] [3] American Psychiatric Association. (2025). What is kratom and why is it raising concerns?https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/what-is-kratom-and-why-is-raising-concerns
[4] Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Kratom fact sheet. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf
[5] Singh, D., Narayanan, S., & Vicknasingam, B. (n.d.). Kratom. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585120/
[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Kratom. In LiverTox: Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548231/
