Kratom is an extract from the Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. This tree is traditionally used in folk medicine. The extract is believed to have numerous benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving focus, and alleviating pain. In America, it is used for its euphoric effects.
However, it is essential to note that the benefits of kratom have not been substantiated by research. In fact, studies have found it to be unsafe and ineffective.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is impossible to gauge how much active ingredient is in kratom as it differs from tree to tree. This makes safe use impossible and increases the risk of serious complications such as coma or death from overdosing. Individuals who use kratom have also experienced withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. These symptoms range in severity, even prompting some to detox under medical supervision.
On this page, you’ll learn about the kratom detox process, what to expect in detox and the different types of detox.
What Is Kratom Detox?
Detoxification – detox – is the body’s way of naturally eliminating a substance through the digestive system, kidneys, liver, skin, and lungs. Depending on the type of substance, this process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete.
This process is generally a painless experience that most people go through without noticing. However, if someone is dependent on the substance – meaning their brain is accustomed to the presence of it – they could experience several unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.
When it comes to kratom, most users believe it to be safe since it comes from plants. However, researchers have found that people can develop an addiction to kratom due to its involvement with opioid receptors in the brain. They’ve also found kratom use to increase the risk of dangerous side effects such as breathing suppression, seizure, and death. This makes quitting imperative.
People who have a dependency on kratom will experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings during a natural detox. The symptoms will be unpleasant and cause some people to relapse – increasing their risk of dangerous health complications. For this reason, some kratom users opt for a medically supervised detox where they’re monitored and, if needed, medicated to ensure a safe withdrawal.
The amount of time kratom users remain in detox depends on:
- Kratom addiction treatment goals
- Severity of the dependency
- Struggles with other substances
- Co-morbid mental health conditions
What Happens During Detox?
A simple kratom detox process involves three steps: evaluation, detox, and post-detox treatment.
- Evaluation: The evaluation stage involves gathering information about the patient’s health, substance abuse history, family history, and mental health. They might also undergo a basic health screening to obtain baseline blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
- Detox: The detox phase involves entirely abstaining from kratom and other addictive substances. Anyone experiencing withdrawal during this stage will receive medical assistance or medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and kratom cravings.
- Post-Detox Treatment: After detox, the patient begins their treatment plan. This may include behavioral and experiential therapy, group therapy, or peer support groups.
Although step three isn’t mandatory, many people prefer it as they learn valuable skills and strategies to keep them from relapsing after kratom detox treatment. Post-detox treatment also reduces the risk of using other abusive substances.
The Kratom Detox Process
The following is a timeline of what to expect during the kratom detox process.
The First 24 Hours: Kratom Withdrawal
Kratom use affects the brain’s motivation and reward circuits. When someone uses kratom repeatedly, their brain adapts to its presence, causing them to crave it. The brain also motivates them to seek it out by triggering several withdrawal symptoms. Most people experience these symptoms within the first six to 12 hours of abstaining from use.
They include:
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Fever
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Seizures
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle aches
- Jerky movements
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Abdominal cramps
- Blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations
To minimize discomfort and reduce kratom cravings, the patient may receive prescription medication or any of the following supportive treatments:
- IV fluids for hydration
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antiemetics to reduce nausea and vomiting
48 to 72 Hours: Psychological Symptoms
During this time, some people will experience several psychological symptoms related to withdrawal.
These symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Changes in mood
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Agitation
Withdrawal symptoms can last three to ten days. During this time, the patient is continually monitored and treated as needed.
Types of Kratom Detox
There are two kratom detox treatment programs: inpatient and outpatient, though most people opt for outpatient.
Inpatient Kratom Detox
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a residential detox facility. Here, the patient will abstain from kratom use and receive supportive measures to keep them comfortable and safe during the process.
After allowing kratom to leave the system, they will work with a counselor or intake specialist to develop a plan of treatment. This plan can involve one-on-one counseling, peer support groups, behavioral therapy, or structured activities.
The amount of time someone stays in an inpatient detox program depends on their kratom addiction treatment goals and the severity of their dependency. Typically, an inpatient detox can last up to 14 days. Some individuals may stay in rehab beyond detox to receive supplemental treatments.
Outpatient Kratom Detox
Outpatient detox provides the same level of care as an inpatient detox program; however, the patient isn’t required to reside at the facility. They are free to stay at home and travel to the facility to receive any necessary medications or other forms of kratom addiction treatment.
Outpatient detox is a suitable alternative for individuals with family or work obligations or those who can manage their kratom withdrawal symptoms at home.
After completing an inpatient detox program, some individuals enroll in outpatient rehab for ongoing support and to reduce their risk of relapsing.
Finding the Right Kratom Detox Facility
Kratom dependency is difficult to address without help. Some individuals struggle for months or even years to wean off of kratom. Unfortunately, this increases their risk of physical harm or an overdose brought on by kratom misuse.
Experimenting with harmful substances as a way to cope with life’s stress can quickly lead to addiction and the use of more problematic substances, ultimately resulting in a substance use disorder.
This doesn’t have to be your path.
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope with kratom dependency, help is only one call away.
Engage Wellness Acton can help you kick your kratom addiction for good. We offer an array of treatment programs aimed at healing the whole person. From experiential therapies to one-on-one counseling, we have helped countless individuals achieve recovery from addiction.
Call us today to learn more about our kratom detox treatment programs. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery every step of the way.
