Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Addiction

Understanding Kratom Addiction

Kratom addiction treatment has become an emerging clinical need as stronger products reach more consumers. Specifically, compounds such as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) have raised serious concerns about dependence, withdrawal, and adverse health effects. As a result, clinicians and public health officials across Florida are paying increasing attention to kratom use disorder.

The legal status of kratom varies widely across the United States. Florida passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2023, making kratom legal to sell statewide under specific regulations. For example, all products must be clearly labeled, sellers cannot offer tampered or contaminated items, and buyers must be at least 21 years old.

However, in August 2025, Florida banned synthetic and high-dose 7-OH products, including certain extracts, gummies, and liquid shots. Furthermore, Sarasota County maintains a complete ban on all kratom products. Individuals in Sarasota County seeking kratom addiction treatment can still access care regardless of local product restrictions.

At Solstice Health & Wellness, integrated kratom addiction treatment combines addiction care, mental health treatment, primary care, and recovery support services within one coordinated outpatient program.  Learn more about the Solstice Health & Wellness Integrative Addiction Treatment program.

If you or someone you love is affected by Kratom use, call or connect with us today.

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Workers there traditionally chewed its leaves for energy and pain relief. In the United States, it is sold as powders, capsules, teas, tinctures, and liquid extracts.

Sellers often market it as a natural remedy or dietary supplement. Street names include ketum, biak, thang, and kakuam. An estimated 2.1 million US residents used kratom in 2020. Most used it for pain relief, to manage opioid withdrawal, or for recreational purposes.

Kratom is not FDA-approved for any medical use. The FDA has issued multiple warnings about serious risks, including addiction, liver damage, and death related to kratom products.

Synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) extracts carry an especially high overdose risk.

Kratom and Harmful Contaminants

Kratom products have been found to contain heavy metals, harmful bacteria, and synthetic opioid adulterants. These contaminants raise serious public health concerns about product safety and quality control.

An important distinction exists between two different risks. The first is polysubstance use, where a person uses kratom alongside other drugs like fentanyl. The second is product adulteration, where the kratom product itself contains hidden substances. Both are dangerous, but they are not the same thing.

The most common contaminants found in kratom products include:

Heavy metals

– Some products contain high levels of lead, nickel, and chromium.
– These metals build up in the body over time.
– Long-term exposure can cause nerve damage, organ damage, and cancer.

Salmonella

– Kratom products have been linked to Salmonella outbreaks.
– Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Synthetic Opioids

– Some kratom products have been found to contain hidden synthetic opioids such as hydrocodone and morphine.

O-desmethyltramadol

– A product called “Krypton” is marketed as a kratom blend.
– O-desmethyltramadol is the active compound produced when the body breaks down tramadol.
– This additive was linked to nine fatal overdoses.
– Testing confirmed the substance was added directly to the product rather than formed naturally in the body.

Semi-synthetic 7-OH products

– Some products are sold as kratom extracts but contain synthetically concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
– These semi-synthetic products carry substantially greater risks than traditional kratom leaf preparations.

Risk Factors for Kratom Use Disorder

No single factor determines who develops kratom addiction. Genetics account for roughly half of a person’s addiction risk. Trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress also raise that risk significantly.

Other factors include starting use at an early age and having a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Over time, social environments that treat kratom use as normal can make the problem worse.

Why is Kratom Addictive?

Kratom contains over 40 natural compounds called alkaloids. Two drive most of its effects: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Mitragynine makes up about 66% of the plant’s alkaloid content. In contrast, 7-OH exists only in trace amounts in natural kratom and forms as a byproduct of mitragynine metabolism.

At low doses of 1 to 5 grams, kratom acts like a stimulant, increasing energy and alertness. At higher doses above 8 grams, however, the effects shift toward sedation, euphoria, and pain relief. This happens because kratom’s alkaloids act on opioid receptors, dopamine reward pathways, and serotonin and norepinephrine systems simultaneously. As a result, repeated use drives tolerance, physical dependence, and the need for kratom addiction treatment.

Unlike traditional opioids, kratom’s alkaloids are partial activators at the opioid receptor. Therefore, they produce less respiratory depression than full opioids like morphine or heroin. Nevertheless, this does not eliminate the risk of dependence or harmful effects.

Concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products bind more strongly to opioid receptors. Consequently, they carry a much higher risk of tolerance, dependence, and overdose than natural kratom leaf.

Over time, the brain adapts across all of these systems. Changes in reward signaling, stress response, and mood regulation make kratom increasingly difficult to control and stop without professional support.

Health Effects of Kratom Use

Signs & Symptoms of Kratom Use Disorder

Kratom addiction affects physical health, mood, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. Symptoms often develop gradually as use becomes more frequent and harder to control.

Physical Signs of Kratom Addiction

• Unexplained weight loss and poor appetite from regular kratom use
• Sweating, chills, or tremors when kratom wears off between doses
• Constipation and persistent gastrointestinal discomfort
• Yellowing of skin or eyes suggesting kratom-related liver stress

Psychological Symptoms of Kratom Use Disorder

• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness when kratom is unavailable
• Mood swings, low mood, or emotional numbness between doses
• Intrusive cravings and preoccupation with obtaining or using kratom
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions without using first

Behavioral Signs of Kratom Addiction

Kratom use disorder is diagnosed using criteria described in the DSM-5. A pattern of use leading to significant impairment or distress, with two or more of the following within 12 months, may indicate a substance use disorder.

• Used more or longer than intended (planned one dose but took several throughout the day)
• Unable to cut down despite trying (failed repeated attempts to reduce daily kratom use)
• Extra time spent getting, using, or recovering (hours sourcing powder, brewing tea, or managing nausea)
• Cravings or strong urges to use (stress or discomfort immediately triggers the urge to take kratom)
• Continued use despite problems it causes (kept using after a partner or family member expressed serious concern)
• Giving up activities because of use (skipped social plans or hobbies to stay home and use)
• Use in physically dangerous situations (driving while sedated from a high-dose kratom extract)

Do I have a Kratom Use Disorder?

If some of these signs and symptoms feel familiar, the Substance Use Disorder Self-Test can help you reflect on your relationship with kratom. A self-assessment is not a diagnosis; speak with a healthcare professional for an accurate evaluation and to explore your options.

Call 941‑330‑9797 or connect with us today to schedule a confidential assessment.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Detox

Kratom withdrawal happens when regular use suddenly stops or drops significantly.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Anxiety and irritability
• Insomnia
• Sweating and chills
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Intense cravings

Withdrawal Timeline

Kratom withdrawal symptoms typically begin 12–24 hours after the last dose. They usually peak within 2 to 3 days and improve gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. Severity depends on dose, how often kratom was used, and whether synthetic 7-OH products were involved.

Some people experience lasting anxiety, low mood, and poor sleep for several weeks after the acute phase. This is consistent with post-acute withdrawal syndrome.

Kratom Detox & Withdrawal Management

Many people can safely complete kratom detox through outpatient addiction care. This includes symptom monitoring, hydration support, and medications as needed. Those with high-dose dependence, complex medical histories, or past complications may need a higher level of care.

Getting medical support early reduces discomfort, prevents setbacks, and helps recovery begin on solid ground.

Treatment for Kratom Use Disorder

Kratom use disorder is treatable. Kratom addiction treatment typically follows approaches used for opioid use disorder, given that kratom’s alkaloids act on opioid receptors. Specifically, treatment combines medication, behavioral therapy, counseling, and recovery support.

Each plan is tailored to the individual, taking into account dependence severity, co-occurring conditions, and personal goals.

Levels of Care

Kratom addiction treatment often begins in an outpatient setting. This allows individuals to continue work, school, and family responsibilities while receiving medical and behavioral support. For instance, intensive outpatient programs offer more structured care for those with higher dependence severity or co-occurring conditions.

However, residential or higher-level care may be appropriate when symptoms are severe, social support is limited, or daily stability is difficult to maintain. A clinical evaluation determines the right starting point for each person.

Co-Occurring Health Conditions and Kratom Use Disorder

Anxiety, low mood, metabolic changes, and hormonal imbalance often occur alongside kratom use disorder. Integrated care addresses all of these together through coordinated mental health treatment, primary care, and lifestyle support.

Kratom Addiction Treatment Medication

Because kratom’s compounds act on opioid receptors, medications used for opioid use disorder may help manage kratom withdrawal and cravings. The FDA has not approved any medication specifically for kratom dependence. However, clinicians may use certain medications when appropriate:

• Buprenorphine: Stabilizes withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings
• Methadone: A long-acting option used in some cases of severe dependence
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Blocks opioid receptors to help prevent relapse after withdrawal
• Clonidine and lofexidine: Reduce symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and agitation
• Gabapentin: May help manage anxiety, insomnia, and muscle discomfort

Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapies

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Relapse prevention strategies

Psychosocial Recovery Supports and Harm Reduction

• Peer support and recovery coaching
• Support groups such as 12-Step or SMART Recovery
• Education on contamination risks, safer use practices, overdose prevention, and access to naloxone.

Kratom Addiction Treatment in Sarasota, FL

Outpatient kratom addiction treatment in Sarasota allows individuals to receive structured, evidence-based care without stepping away from work, school, or family.

Solstice Health & Wellness combines addiction medicine, primary care, and mental health services into one integrated program. The program serves patients in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, North Port, Lakewood Ranch, and across the Gulf Coast.

Additionally, telehealth options extend kratom addiction treatment throughout Florida for patients who prefer remote care. Care is personalized for each individual and designed to address not only substance use, but also the medical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.

Contact Solstice Health & Wellness today to take the next step.

Is It Time to Get Help for Kratom Use?

If kratom withdrawal symptoms or difficulty controlling use are affecting your health, relationships, or putting you at risk, then it may be time for signs that professional help. Outpatient kratom addiction treatment helps reduce discomfort associated with kratom detox, lowers relapse risk, and creates a stronger foundation for lasting health.

With the right medical support, many people stabilize and maintain long-term well-being.

If you’re ready to take the next step, call or connect with Solstice Health & Wellness in Sarasota to schedule a confidential appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom

Is kratom addictive?

Yes. Kratom can be addictive because its active compounds interact with the brain’s opioid and dopamine systems. Regular use can lead to tolerance, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty controlling use, which are features of substance use disorder.

What are kratom withdrawal symptoms?

Kratom withdrawal symptoms may include muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, and strong cravings. Symptoms usually begin within 12–24 hours after the last dose.

How long does kratom withdrawal last?

Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within two to three days after stopping kratom and gradually improve over one to two weeks. The timeline can vary depending on dose, frequency of use, and individual health factors.

Can you overdose on kratom?

High doses of kratom can cause serious side effects, including sedation, confusion, vomiting, and, in some cases, breathing problems. The risk increases when kratom is combined with other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids.

Can kratom affect mental health?

Yes. Kratom can affect mood, anxiety, and sleep. While some people initially use it to feel better, ongoing use may worsen anxiety, irritability, or low mood, especially during withdrawal or between doses.

Can you quit kratom on your own?

Some people are able to stop kratom on their own, especially with lower or less frequent use. Others experience more significant withdrawal symptoms or difficulty staying off. Support, including medical guidance, can make the process more manageable and reduce the risk of relapse.

Do I need treatment for kratom use?

It may be time to seek help if kratom use leads to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, increasing doses, or problems with your health, work, or relationships. Treatment can help manage symptoms and provide support for long-term recovery.

Medically Reviewed By
Frank Melo, MD
Board Certified Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine
Medical Director, Solstice Health & Wellness
Last Updated: March 2026

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.