Here, we’re sharing what really helps (and what doesn’t) so you can learn what to expect during withdrawal and the best ways to manage symptoms. We’ll also help you gauge when you might need expert care to help you through the process.
Are you experiencing kratom withdrawal? Should you try home remedies or get professional help?
If you’ve been using kratom or kratom products, your body may experience a shock when the substance is no longer present. This is called withdrawal. As your body adjusts to the absence of kratom, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms. Here’s what you can expect.
Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include:
Anxiety
Body aches
Cravings
GI upset
Insomnia
Irritability
Low mood
Restlessness
Runny nose
Sweating/chills
Kratom withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of the last use. They may increase in severity, and they usually peak after several days. Some symptoms may linger longer after longer-term kratom use.
Taper vs. Cold Turkey
Rather than quit kratom abruptly, another option is to taper. This involves slowly lowering the amount you use to give your body time to adjust. This process can be more comfortable, as it lessens withdrawal symptoms. However, a cold-turkey approach is faster.
During the first few days, your focus should be on stabilization. Take the following steps to increase comfort and safety as you work through withdrawal.
Focus on nutrition
Hydration is a top priority. Make sure you’re consuming plenty of water and electrolytes. Create a simple food plan that involves small, frequent, easy-to-digest meals (yogurt, crackers, fruit, broth/soup). Focus on consistency over variety.
Avoid substances
Hydration is a top priority. Make sure you’re consuming plenty of water and electrolytes. Create a simple food plan that involves small, frequent, easy-to-digest meals (yogurt, crackers, fruit, broth/soup). Focus on consistency over variety.
Maintain gentle movement
Regular walking, light yoga, and stretching can help calm your body and release natural endorphins. Focus on enough movement to calm but not exhaust your body.
Establish recovery relief
Develop a plan that will help you through the first week of withdrawal. Take time off work, if possible. Follow a low-demand and calming routine. Track symptoms to monitor your progress.
Manage cravings
Create a plan for coping with cravings, write it down, and keep it within easy reach at all times. Consider a delay, distract, decide model.
This means you’ll delay your use by waiting at least 15 minutes when you have a craving, distract yourself by doing something else, then decide when those 15 minutes are up that you will not give in to the craving, reminding yourself of the reasons you want to stop using kratom.
Reduce temptation
Take steps to remove kratom from your environment. Get rid of any kratom products, delete vendor bookmarks, and avoid going places or doing things that may trigger you to use kratom.
Establish daily check-ins
Find a support group, mentor, clinician, or family member (or more than one) who can support you through daily check-ins for support and accountability.
Make a “slip plan”
Be prepared for lapses in judgment and use. Create a plan to prevent a small lapse from turning into a binge.
The same solutions aren’t effective for every kratom withdrawal symptom. Try these steps to target specific challenges as you work through withdrawal.
Nervous-system tools
Try breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and counting exercises.
Amplifier avoidance
Stay away from anything that will amp up your mental state and upset you, such as doom-scrolling. Other amplifiers include caffeine, nicotine, and unsteady (high-low) blood sugar.
Daily routine
Establish a “minimum viable day” routine. This may include showering, food/hydration, a short walk, and connecting with others in some way. This will help prevent spiraling emotionally and mentally.
Expert care
If emotional symptoms feel unsafe (panic that won’t settle, suicidal thoughts), treat these symptoms as a medical priority and seek support.
In addition to the withdrawal reliefs listed above, you can tap into evidence-based tools that have proven to help with kratom withdrawal.
Peer support
Consider attending support group meetings for encouragement and accountability. Or find a recovery buddy who will walk through this process with you.
Therapeutic support
Counseling sessions can help you address challenges such as anxiety and depression. A therapist can also offer additional strategies to cope with insomnia, stress, and chronic pain—without returning to kratom use.
Family/friend support
Those close to you may want to offer support but don’t know how. Give them guidance on how best to help you, such as providing meals, rides, or a calm presence. Include explanations of what doesn’t help, such as pressure or shaming.
While many kratom withdrawal symptoms can be treated without expert care, certain situations warrant professional support. If you’re experiencing any of the following situations, don’t hesitate to get professional help.
Severe dehydration
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Fainting
Confusion
Seizures
Mental health emergencies
Pregnancy
Major medical conditions
Heavy extract use/high doses
Polysubstance use
Repeated relapse cycles
Reaching out for professional support offers several benefits. In addition to urgent medical care for severe symptoms, experts can provide additional symptom relief options, medical monitoring of your condition and progress, and insightful mental health support. They can also help you establish a structured plan to prevent rebound use.
What can you expect when you seek help for kratom withdrawal at a treatment center? Staff typically provide support through a three-phase process.
What can you expect when you seek help for kratom withdrawal at a treatment center? Staff typically provide support through a three-phase process.
1. Intake: You’ll undergo an assessment that reviews your substance use history, physical health, and withdrawal goals.
2. Stabilization: Once your treatment plan is established based on your assessment and goals, the focus will be on stabilization. Treatment will help stabilize your cravings, sleep, mood, and physical health.
3. Relapse risk-reduction: Once you’re stabilized, the focus shifts to preventing relapse. This may involve further inpatient or outpatient care such as therapy, medications, or support group recommendations.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment
Choosing the best level of care is important as you seek treatment for kratom withdrawal. Inpatient treatment offers more intensive support and is typically best if withdrawal is severe, home life is unstable, or there are co-occurring issues.
If you do not have a history of relapse, are experiencing milder symptoms, and have a solid support system outside of treatment, outpatient care may be an appropriate choice.
For symptom reduction and relief, focus on the big three: hydration, a sleep-supporting routine, and a cravings/accountability plan.
Establish a consistent wake/sleep schedule, follow a wind-down ritual, and avoid screen time right before bed. Use warm baths and stretching exercises to relieve restless leg syndrome.
Signs that you need professional support include dehydration, severe anxiety or depression, or multiple relapses. Expert care and guidance may also be necessary if you have been using more than one substance (polysubstance use).
For anyone needing support with detox or kratom withdrawal, Boca Recovery Centers offer accredited treatment programs. We specialize in evidence-based methods for treating addiction, mental health, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Join the 13,000+ clients who have received expert treatment through Boca Recovery Centers. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.
