Did you know kratom has recently emerged as a new substance in the United States? It is commonly used for pain relief and increased energy. This natural remedy is primarily unregulated, leading many young adults to use this drug due to its easy accessibility. It is not just to help with substance withdrawal but also to manage feelings and mental well-being. However, withdrawing from kratom can be as uncomfortable as discontinuing other substances. It remains unsupervised despite the FDA’s warnings about kratom’s potential dangers.
Withdrawal from any substance, legal or not, can be challenging. Kratom withdrawal brings about various symptoms that should be managed with professional assistance. This guide sketches out comprehensive information about kratom withdrawal.
What Is Kratom Withdrawal?
After prolonged consumption, kratom withdrawal occurs if you abruptly cease or reduce their usage. Withdrawal symptoms start to appear as the body and mind adapt to the absence of the substance. The intensity of withdrawal may be influenced by several factors, including the user’s dosage and overall health.
There is not sufficient research to understand kratom withdrawal in humans fully. We can review documented cases to gain a preliminary understanding of the acute withdrawal phase. Kratom withdrawal exhibits the same symptoms as substance withdrawal. The acute withdrawal phase typically lasts around 4 to 7 days. This depends upon the dosage and duration of kratom use. Seeking medical assistance is advised for those encountering kratom withdrawal.
Kratom: Key Points
- Kratom’s abuse potential is high, and withdrawal effects can be hazardous.
- Originating in Southeast Asia, kratom has been historically used for energy and substance-like effects.
- Its popularity has expanded to Europe and the United States. Kratom is available online on many platforms.
- Fatalities linked to kratom have been reported in both Europe and the US.
- Professional medical guidance is crucial for those struggling with kratom misuse because of its potential dangers and withdrawal symptoms.
Duration of Kratom Withdrawal: What the Research Says
Research studies suggest that the duration of kratom withdrawal varies. According to the reports of a review from the “Journal of Addiction Medicine,” the acute phase of kratom withdrawal typically lasts 5 to 7 days. It is characterized by physical symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, and irritability, This critical phase is followed by a subacute phase. Psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression may persist for a week or more in this phase.
Another study in the “Journal of Psychoactive Drugs” revealed that most participants experienced acute withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours of their last kratom use. These symptoms peaked within 1 to 2 days and gradually subsided over a week. Diarrhea is the most frequent symptom reported.
- First 24 Hours
Withdrawal symptoms typically start after 12 hours of the last dose of kratom. Initially, mild symptoms may start to appear. These include excessive sweating and anxiety. These symptoms gradually intensify throughout the day. From approximately 12 to 24 hours after the last kratom use, individuals might encounter:
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Pain
- Bone Pain
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Visual Distortions
Fever may also arise during this period. It starts to worsen as detoxification progresses. Heightened anxiety and insomnia are expected within the first few days. Cravings for kratom may emerge, accompanied by varying degrees of mood swings.
- Days 2 and 3
In the following days, depression may develop, and cravings for kratom could increase. Some individuals might notice that visual distortions diminish during this phase. Around the second or third day, tremors or shaking and impaired coordination may appear. Insomnia, reduced appetite, and dehydration can amplify these symptoms. Fever typically stabilizes during this period.
- Days 4 Through 7
Muscle, joint, or bone pain may decrease during this timeframe. Abdominal pain entirely goes away. Prolonged nausea may persist for several days. The tremors, fever, and coordination difficulties might improve around the fourth day, with mild tremors lingering briefly.
- Week 2 and Beyond (Post-Acute),
The most intense physical symptoms generally fade away by this point. Some minor signs might remain. Physical discomfort may begin to decline after the initial two weeks. Persistent anxiety, depression, and cravings may endure for a more prolonged period.
The weeks following acute withdrawal represent a critical phase for potential relapse. As the memory of physical discomfort fades and the psychological symptoms and cravings persist, the allure of trying kratom again may grow more robust.
Seeking Support for Kratom Withdrawal
It’s important to note that kratom withdrawal can be challenging. Seeking professional support is advisable, especially for individuals with a history of substance misuse. Medical supervision and guidance can help manage withdrawal symptoms. It also provides strategies for coping with cravings and discomfort.
Doctors play a big part in guiding people facing this challenging time. Doctors must know kratom withdrawal symptoms. This helps them treat it like they do substance withdrawal. It’s also important to use strategies for a long time to stop people from going back to using kratom.
Kratom is sometimes used with alcohol. This raises concerns about potential interactions and health risks. Both substances affect the central nervous system and can cause many adverse effects and increased risks.Â
Suboxone For Kratom Drug Withdrawal
Suboxone is generally used for managing substance dependence. It offers promise in managing kratom withdrawal symptoms.
- It’s a medication consisting of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a mild substance activator, and naloxone prevents misuse.
- Suboxone is used for withdrawal symptoms management. Buprenorphine helps alleviate the withdrawal effects.
- Suboxone usage should be approached carefully under medical guidance. Starting too early or without proper advice can lead to dependence.
- Consult an experienced medical professional before considering Suboxone for kratom withdrawal. They can provide personalised advice and ensure a withdrawal process safely.
- Suboxone can be an alternative for mitigating kratom withdrawal symptoms, but it should be used cautiously and with medical oversight.
Other studies reveal the data on kratom helping with opioid withdrawal. Kratom, a substance known for its varying effects on individuals, has sometimes been used with alcohol, raising concerns about potential interactions and health risks.
Some individuals have explored the use of gabapentin to manage kratom withdrawal symptoms, though its efficacy and safety are subjects of ongoing research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the duration of kratom withdrawal varies from person to person and can be influenced by multiple factors. Research indicates that the acute withdrawal phase lasts around 5 to 7 days, followed by a subacute phase that may persist for an additional week or more. If you or someone you know is facing kratom withdrawal, seeking assistance from healthcare professionals can ensure a safer and more manageable withdrawal experience.