Trust SoCal Treatment Center

Kratom Addiction

Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for lasting recovery

Medically reviewed by Rachel Handa, Clinical Director — Updated February 1, 2026

An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using kratom in the past year, according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
The FDA has documented over 100 deaths associated with kratom use, and the number of kratom-related calls to U.S. poison control centers increased tenfold between 2010 and 2020.
Approximately 50% of regular kratom users who consume the substance daily for more than six months develop physical dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Varies by treatment plan

What Is Kratom Addiction?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia whose leaves contain psychoactive compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, that act on opioid receptors in the brain. Marketed as a natural supplement and sold legally in most states, kratom is used by many individuals to self-treat pain, anxiety, depression, or opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, kratom carries a real and significant risk of dependence and addiction. At moderate to high doses, kratom produces opioid-like effects including euphoria, sedation, and pain relief, and chronic users develop tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms comparable to those of traditional opioids. The lack of federal regulation means kratom products vary widely in potency and purity, and contamination with heavy metals, salmonella, and other adulterants has been documented. At Trust SoCal, we treat kratom addiction with the same evidence-based protocols used for opioid use disorders, adapted to the unique pharmacology of this increasingly prevalent substance.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of kratom addiction is the first step toward getting help. Common indicators include:

Consuming kratom multiple times daily and in escalating amounts to achieve the same effect
Experiencing irritability, anxiety, or physical discomfort when unable to take kratom on schedule
Spending significant time and money sourcing kratom products online or from specialty shops
Using kratom to manage emotions, social anxiety, or daily stress rather than for a specific medical purpose
Continuing to use kratom despite experiencing negative health effects such as nausea, constipation, or liver problems

Health Effects

1Liver toxicity and hepatitis, including rare cases of acute liver failure requiring transplantation

2Seizures, particularly at high doses or when combined with other substances

3Chronic constipation, nausea, appetite suppression, and significant weight loss

4Respiratory depression and overdose risk, especially when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol

5Thyroid dysfunction and hormonal changes with chronic, high-dose use

Withdrawal & Detox

Kratom withdrawal closely mirrors opioid withdrawal due to its action on opioid receptors. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 24 hours after the last dose and include muscle aches, joint pain, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, diarrhea, sweating, runny nose, and intense cravings. Some users also report emotional blunting, depression, and difficulty concentrating during withdrawal. The acute phase generally lasts 3 to 7 days, with lingering mood disturbances persisting for several weeks. While kratom withdrawal is typically less severe than withdrawal from pharmaceutical opioids or heroin, it can be profoundly uncomfortable and is a significant barrier to cessation. Medically supervised detox provides symptom management and supportive care that greatly improve comfort and completion rates.

Treatment at Trust SoCal

Kratom addiction treatment at Trust SoCal recognizes that kratom acts on opioid receptors and responds to many of the same treatment strategies used for traditional opioid use disorders. Medical detox includes symptom-targeted comfort medications, and in cases of severe dependence, a short buprenorphine taper may be clinically appropriate. Behavioral treatment emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address the thought patterns and emotional triggers that drove kratom use, along with Motivational Enhancement Therapy to strengthen commitment to sustained abstinence. Because many kratom users initially turned to the substance to self-treat pain, anxiety, or depression, our program includes comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and development of evidence-based alternatives for these underlying conditions. Aftercare planning connects clients with ongoing support to prevent relapse.

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Key Statistics

An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using kratom in the past year, according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The FDA has documented over 100 deaths associated with kratom use, and the number of kratom-related calls to U.S. poison control centers increased tenfold between 2010 and 2020.

Approximately 50% of regular kratom users who consume the substance daily for more than six months develop physical dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Related Addiction Types

Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction encompasses dependence on prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. These medications are highly effective for managing acute pain but carry a significant risk of physical dependence and addiction, even when taken as prescribed. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, producing pain relief and intense feelings of euphoria that drive continued use. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across the United States, and effective, compassionate treatment is more critical than ever.

Learn More

Prescription Opioid Addiction

Prescription opioid addiction involves the compulsive misuse of medically prescribed pain relievers such as oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco), morphine, and codeine. These medications are among the most effective tools for managing acute and post-surgical pain, but they carry a profound risk of dependence that can develop in as little as five days of continuous use. The prescription opioid crisis in the United States was driven in large part by aggressive pharmaceutical marketing in the late 1990s and early 2000s that systematically understated addiction risk. Millions of patients who trusted their physicians developed opioid use disorder through no fault of their own. At Trust SoCal, we understand the complexity of prescription opioid addiction, including the fact that many individuals still require pain management while pursuing recovery. Our medical team designs personalized treatment plans that address both the addiction and the underlying pain condition using multimodal, non-opioid approaches whenever possible.

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Marijuana Addiction

While marijuana is often perceived as harmless, cannabis use disorder is a recognized medical diagnosis that affects millions of Americans. Modern marijuana products are significantly more potent than those available even a decade ago, with THC concentrations in some concentrates exceeding 90%. Chronic, heavy use can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, and significant impairment in motivation, cognitive function, and mental health. Marijuana addiction is particularly prevalent among young adults and adolescents, and its normalization in popular culture often makes it difficult for individuals to recognize when their use has become problematic.

Learn More

Recommended Treatment Programs

Medical Detox

A safe, medically supervised first step toward lasting recovery.

5-10 days

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Effective, flexible treatment that fits into your life while keeping recovery at the center.

8-12 weeks, 3 days per week

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Hospital-level structure and care during the day with the comfort of home at night.

2-4 weeks, 5 days per week

Aftercare & Alumni Program

Recovery does not end at discharge. We walk with you for the long haul.

12+ months of ongoing support

Therapies Used in Treatment

CBTCognitive Behavioral Therapy DBTDialectical Behavior Therapy EMDREye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing MIMotivational Interviewing GGroup Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kratom really addictive if it is sold as a natural supplement?

Yes. Despite being marketed as a natural or herbal product, kratom contains compounds that bind to the same opioid receptors as morphine and other opioid drugs. The "natural" label does not change the pharmacological reality that chronic kratom use can produce tolerance, physical dependence, and compulsive use patterns that meet the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder. Many natural substances, including opium, coca, and tobacco, are highly addictive.

Can kratom be used safely to treat opioid withdrawal?

While some individuals report using kratom to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, this practice carries significant risks including substituting one opioid-receptor-mediated dependence for another, inconsistent dosing due to unregulated product potency, and potential health complications from contaminants. FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone are far safer and more effective options for managing opioid withdrawal under medical supervision.

What does kratom withdrawal feel like?

Kratom withdrawal is frequently described as similar to moderate opioid withdrawal. Users report muscle aches, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, runny nose, sweating, diarrhea, and strong cravings. Some individuals also experience significant anxiety and depressed mood. The intensity generally correlates with the dose and duration of use. While not typically medically dangerous, the discomfort is substantial enough to drive many people back to use without professional support.

How long does kratom addiction treatment take?

The acute detox phase for kratom typically lasts 5 to 7 days, during which withdrawal symptoms are managed with comfort medications. Following detox, a minimum of 30 to 60 days of behavioral treatment is recommended to address the psychological dimensions of kratom dependence and any underlying conditions that drove initial use. Ongoing outpatient support and aftercare further strengthen long-term recovery. Contact Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360 for a personalized assessment.

Related Resources & Information

Treatment Programs

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