Is Kratom Addictive?

You might have seen it at gas stations, smoke shops, or online retailers, presented as a safe herbal alternative to prescription medications. 

But if you’ve found yourself using kratom regularly—or if someone you care about has—you may be wondering whether this “natural” substance carries real risks.

The short answer is yes, kratom can be addictive. Despite its reputation as a harmless plant-based remedy, kratom affects the brain in ways that can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and addiction.

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What is Kratom?

Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. For centuries, workers in these regions chewed kratom leaves or brewed them into tea to combat fatigue and increase productivity during long days of manual labor. It was also used in traditional medicine as a remedy for pain, diarrhea, and coughs.

In the United States and other Western countries, kratom has surged in popularity over the past decade. It's typically sold as a powder, capsule, extract, or dried leaf. You'll find it in smoke shops, convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops, and countless online retailers. It's often marketed under names like "herbal supplement," "natural energy booster," or "mood enhancer," and it's frequently promoted as a way to manage chronic pain or ease opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Here's where things get important: kratom isn't regulated by the FDA as a medication, which means there's no standardized dosing, no quality control requirements, and no guarantee of what you're actually getting. The strength and purity of kratom products can vary wildly from one batch to the next, making it difficult to know exactly how much you're consuming or what other substances might be present.

So how does kratom work in your body? The leaves contain two primary active compounds: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain—the same receptors targeted by drugs like morphine, heroin, and prescription painkillers. At lower doses, kratom tends to produce stimulant-like effects, including increased energy, alertness, and sociability. At higher doses, it acts more like a sedative, creating feelings of euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation.

Because kratom activates opioid receptors, it produces effects that can feel similar to opioid drugs—and that's precisely why it carries a risk of addiction. Your brain responds to kratom much like it would respond to other substances that trigger the reward system, which means regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and cravings.

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Can Kraton Be Addictive?

Yes, kratom can absolutely be addictive. While some people use it occasionally without developing problems, regular use—especially at higher doses—can lead to physical dependence and addiction just like other substances that affect opioid receptors.

When you use kratom repeatedly, your brain begins to adapt to its presence. It starts to expect that regular dose of mitragynine, which activates opioid receptors, and over time, it adjusts its own chemistry accordingly. This is called tolerance, and it means you need more and more kratom to feel the same effects you once felt with smaller amounts.

As tolerance builds, dependence often follows. Your brain becomes reliant on kratom to function normally. Without it, you feel uncomfortable, anxious, or physically unwell. At this point, you may find yourself using kratom not to feel good, but just to feel okay—to avoid the discomfort of going without it.

Yet, addiction goes a step further. It’s characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences. You might know that kratom is causing problems in your life—affecting your relationships, your work, your finances, or your health—but you find yourself unable to stop. The cravings feel overwhelming, and the thought of quitting seems impossible.

Because kratom is often perceived as “natural” or “safe,” many people don’t realize they’ve developed an addiction until they try to cut back or quit and discover just how difficult it is. The natural origin of a substance doesn’t protect you from dependence—after all, tobacco, alcohol, and opium all come from plants, too.

Are There Withdrawals From Kratom?

Yes, kratom withdrawal is real, and for many people, it’s the clearest sign that their use has crossed into dependence. When someone who has been using kratom regularly suddenly stops or significantly reduces their intake, their body reacts to the absence of the substance it has come to rely on.

Kratom withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how much you've been using, how long you've been using, and your individual physiology. 

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle aches and pains
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Irritability and mood swings
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Sweating and hot flashes
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Intense cravings for kratom

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s because they closely resemble opioid withdrawal. And this isn’t a coincidence—kratom affects the same receptors, so the withdrawal process is similar. 

Symptoms typically begin within 12 to 24 hours after the last dose, peak around days two to three, and gradually improve over the course of a week or so. However, some psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and cravings, can linger for weeks or even months.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Recognizing addiction in yourself or someone you love isn’t always easy, especially with a substance like kratom that’s often dismissed as harmless. Here are some signs that kratom use may have become a problem:

• You need increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects you used to get from smaller amounts. 
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut back or stop using. 
• You spend significant time and money obtaining kratom, using it, or recovering from its effects. 
• You’ve tried to quit or reduce your use, but haven’t been able to. 
• You continue using kratom despite negative effects on your health, relationships, work, or other areas of your life. 
• You’ve lost interest in activities you used to enjoy in favor of using kratom. 
• You hide your kratom use from others or lie about how much you’re using. 
• You feel defensive or irritated when someone expresses concern about your use.

If any of these signs resonate with you, it may be time to reach out for support. Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and you deserve compassionate care.

Kratom addiction is treatable, and recovery is absolutely possible. And the Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC) team is ready to help. Our caring staff understands that addiction to substances like kratom is just as real and just as deserving of treatment as any other addiction. We’ll work with you to create a personalized recovery plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you move forward with confidence. Call us today at 804-635-3746.