Kratom Misuse: Rehab and Treatment Options

Kratom refers to the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia and products made from the leaves.¹ For centuries, people from Southeast Asian countries used kratom for various purposes, such as to increase alertness and energy and as a multi-purpose remedy in traditional medicine.¹ Within the last 20 years, its use spread to the U.S. and other Western countries for many reasons, such as to alleviate opioid cravings or withdrawal symptoms or to self-medicate certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.¹

Is Kratom Addictive?

Kratom research is a relatively new area of study and scientists don’t yet fully understand its effects; however, existing evidence suggests that kratom may have addictive potential and that use or overuse, which has yet to be defined, can lead to various health consequences.^{1, 2} There is no specific substance use disorder (SUD) involving kratom, but there is growing concern that kratom may be associated with SUD-related phenomena and problematic use, such as cravings, giving up social activities or work responsibilities because of use, spending a great deal of time obtaining and using the substance, taking larger amounts or over a longer time than was originally intended, tolerance, and withdrawal.^{1, 3}

Effects of Kratom

The effects of kratom can vary by dose, but exact dosages have not been well-studied, and the effects can therefore be unpredictable.¹ Kratom contains several compounds that affect the body; two are the opioid-like compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in different effects.¹

At low doses, kratom may have stimulant-like effects, while at high doses, kratom may have opioid-like effects.⁴ Additionally, kratom can vary in potency and quality, and products may contain contaminants that can cause additional, unpredictable effects.^{1, 5}

Kratom is currently not listed as a controlled substance, although the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists it as a drug of concern.⁶ It is legal in some states and regional jurisdictions within states, while others may have specific regulations against kratom possession and use.⁶

Kratom Misuse Treatment & Rehab Options

As kratom research continues, scientists are increasingly interested in the potential for kratom to result in dependence and/or addiction, as well as possible interventions for treating kratom misuse.¹ Some research suggests that management and treatment for opioid misuse and treatment for kratom misuse may be similar.⁷ However, the same research indicates that kratom may pose an even greater risk for toxicity and organ injury than traditional opioids, such as in cases of overdose, which may require additional interventions.⁷

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), effective treatment is individualized and considers any co-occurring medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems you have.⁸ While treatment approaches vary depending on your unique needs, there are 3 common treatment objectives, including:⁷

1. Medical stabilization when necessary, such as during acute intoxication and/or overdose.
2. Alleviation of symptoms during acute withdrawal.
3. Long-term maintenance for behavioral addiction and recovery.

Medical detox is sometimes the first step for individuals struggling with substance misuse as it can help patients achieve a substance-free state as comfortably and safely as possible. This can be helpful, as surveys of kratom users suggest that a minority of people experience symptoms of kratom withdrawal when they stop using kratom after regular use.⁷

People withdrawing from kratom may benefit from medically supervised detox, which can help manage acute intoxication and withdrawal.⁹ This can also help them transition to ongoing treatment in an inpatient or outpatient kratom rehab should they be showing signs of a substance use disorder related to kratom use (e.g., uncontrollable use despite significant negative consequences).⁹ There are currently no approved medical therapies for kratom withdrawal.¹ However, studies suggest using the same medications used for opioid withdrawal, such as the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, may help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, but more research is needed.⁷

People may enter different levels of care for ongoing treatment depending on their individual needs. This can take place directly after completing a kratom detox program so that people can continue to work on recognizing and changing the behaviors associated with substance misuse.⁸

Common treatment settings include inpatient and outpatient treatment, each of which can vary in duration and intensity. Inpatient kratom rehab involves living onsite for the duration of treatment, where you receive round-the-clock care and support. It can be a short-term form of treatment in hospital-like settings, or longer-term residential addiction treatment in licensed residential facilities.¹⁰ Inpatient treatment is often beneficial for people with severe substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, or those without supportive family, friends, or home environments.¹⁰

Outpatient addiction treatment involves living at home for the duration of treatment and traveling to rehab to participate in treatment and receive care. It can vary widely in intensity and the type of care offered. For example, certain higher-intensity programs, such as partial hospitalization addiction treatment (PHPs), can resemble the level of care and support offered by inpatient rehabs.¹¹ Outpatient treatment can take place in different settings, including community mental health clinics, counselors’ offices, hospital clinics, or residential programs with outpatient clinics.¹¹

Regardless of the setting, common components of treatment may include:^{7, 10}

• Medication.
• Counseling.
• Behavioral therapies.
• Participation in mutual support groups.

There are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of kratom misuse.¹ However, studies suggest long-term pharmacological replacement therapies like those used for opioid dependence (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, buprenorphine-naloxone), may be helpful for long-term maintenance, although more research is needed.⁷

Behavioral therapies are a cornerstone of treatment and can help individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to substance use.¹⁰ Although research is ongoing regarding behavioral therapies for kratom misuse, treatment may involve behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, or motivational interviewing.¹⁰ Participation in 12-step or other mutual help groups may also be useful for helping individuals maintain recovery.^{7, 10}

Find Kratom Addiction Treatment Centers Near You

Finding a rehab for kratom misuse can help you start the path to recovery. To find kratom treatment centers, call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at . A caring admissions navigator can discuss treatment and rehab options, help you learn about using health insurance to pay for rehab, and more.

If you want to get a head start, you can verify your insurance coverage for treatment at an American Addiction Centers facility and fill out the form below. Your information is kept 100% confidential.