Kratom wears the mask of “natural escape”—a brown powder sold in gelatin capsules in supplement bottles lined up beneath head shop glass, from behind gas station counters, even as a canned energy drink. Marketed as both a stimulant and sedative, it promises floaty calm to some, laser focus to others.
The same plant is sold in two ways: need to relax? Try kratom. Need to wake up? Kratom again. And now, marketers push a third angle—an “ancient remedy” folded neatly into the trillion-dollar wellness industry, nestled among chamomile teas and scented candles.
But behind this earthy branding lies something harsher: dependence, disruption, and the long shadow of withdrawal. This guide is for those caught in the orbit of kratom addiction—and for the people who love them—who want to know what happens when the powder runs out.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (sometimes sold as ‘Ketum’) is a pharmacological botanical with documented use in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, laborers chewed or brewed the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa to numb fatigue and pain. Today, in the U.S., kratom is sold in powders, teas, capsules, and even “kratom shots.”
Some use it for anxiety or pain relief, others for a legal high. Notably, kratom doesn’t show up on standard drug tests, making it a frequent substitute for opioids or stimulants. In small doses, kratom acts like a stimulant; in larger doses, it mimics opiates.
Its two active ingredients—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—target opioid receptors. The latter, particularly potent, is often added synthetically to boost recreational effects. A kratom high can last up to 7 hours, depending on dose and delivery method.
Is Kratom Legal?
Federally, kratom is unscheduled but classified as a “drug of concern.” The FDA warns against its use due to addiction risks and potential product contamination. Legality varies by state:
- Banned in: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
- Regulated under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA): Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Virginia.
- Unregulated elsewhere, meaning purity and dosage vary wildly by brand—buyer beware.
There is growing pressure for federal regulation to curb unsafe manufacturing practices and misleading marketing.
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Kratom
Before withdrawal begins, long-term kratom use leaves its mark:
- Physical effects: Liver and kidney stress, hormonal disruption, and possible infertility.
- Mental effects: Reduced focus, memory loss, emotional numbness, decreased neuroplasticity.
- Psychological risks: Depression, paranoia, hallucinations, depersonalization, and cognitive fog.
Social withdrawal, irritability, and the slow erosion of relationships are common signs of kratom dependence.
Common Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom withdrawal mirrors both stimulant and opioid comedowns – it is truly the worst of both worlds.
Physical symptoms:
- Muscle aches
- Restless legs
- Chills, sweating
- Nausea, cramps, diarrhea
- Insomnia, fatigue
Psychological symptoms:
- Anxiety, mood swings
- Depression, apathy
- Sharp cravings
- Social withdrawal
Relapse often stems from a desire to end the discomfort, not to chase a high.
How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last?
How long does a kratom high last? Just a few hours. How long is kratom withdrawal? Up to two weeks. Kratom withdrawal lasts much longer than its high due to the mixed effects of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine on the serotonin system and possibly the dopamine system as well.
The length of withdrawal depends on dose, duration, and individual physiology, but here’s a general timeline created with stats from the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
0–6 Hours: Early restlessness, fatigue, unease.
6–24 Hours: Onset of aches, nausea, insomnia, mood changes.
Days 1–3: Peak symptoms—intense anxiety, sleeplessness, muscle cramps.
Days 4–7: Symptoms begin to subside, though exhaustion remains.
Week 2+: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) may occur—emotional instability, vivid dreams, and lingering anxiety or depression that can last weeks or months.
Alternatives to Kratom
If you’re using kratom to self-medicate, consider safer, more sustainable options:
For pain relief:
- Physical therapy, yoga, and acupuncture
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (in proper doses)
- Nutrient-rich anti-inflammatory diets
- Functional medicine, sound baths, Reiki, and sports massage
For energy:
- Adjust sleep hygiene
- Natural adaptogens (rhodiola, ashwagandha)
- Safe caffeine use
For anxiety:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Journaling and mindfulness
- Supplements like magnesium, omega-3s
- Ketamine-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant cases
The Benefits of Medically Supervised Kratom Detox
While some attempt kratom detox at home, supervised medical detox from kratom is safer and often more effective.
Medical detox may offer:
- 24/7 monitoring
- Medication to ease symptoms
- Nutritional and psychological support
- Planning for aftercare and relapse prevention
- Breakthrough treatments like ketamine assisted therapy
Contrary to internet forums that downplay it, kratom withdrawal can be severe—especially for high-dose or long-term users.
Holistic Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment at Maple Mountain
Kratom may wear the face of a “natural” remedy, but beneath its marketing lies the potential for real harm. If you’re caught in the spiral, know this: detox isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of a return to yourself. With help, the cycle can be broken.
At Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, we provide a combination of evidence-based therapies, functional medicine interventions, and holistic support to help you heal from kratom addiction, other substance abuse disorders, and co-occurring mental health challenges. Contact our admissions team.
Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, March 25). Kratom. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). Kratom. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585120/
Manus, J. P., Crenshaw, R. C., Ringer, L. C., Towers, S. A., Paige, N. B., Leon, F., McCurdy, C. R., & Lester, D. B. (2025). Effects of kratom alkaloids on mesolimbic dopamine release. Neuroscience Letters, 850, 138153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2025.138153
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, March 25). Kratom. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom