Kratom is often considered an alternative to opioids just because it has the same impact on the brain when consumed in a higher dose. In addition to it, kratom also has addiction potential.
Just like other substances having opioids, kratom can cause tolerance, dependence, and cravings. Moreover, kratom withdrawal can also lead to physical and psychological symptoms.
Potential Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
The physical signs & symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Nausea & vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Fever
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Fluctuation of heart rate & blood pressure
Similarly, the psychological effects include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Irritability
Things to Expect
Kratom effects are wide-ranging and the withdrawal of it can have an adverse impact on your health, depending on how long you have been using them. However, in the long term, your health will start getting back on track. The size of your last dose will also impact particularly when the effect of it will wear off and the withdrawal symptoms set in.
The symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal can start appearing fast just hours after your kratom dosage. Scientifically, it has been observed that it takes around 12 to 24 hours for the symptoms to appear and they can last between 3 and 10 days. The duration of withdrawal may be closely related to the dependency on kratom. This is influenced by several factors including the type of kratom. If you have been using a strong strain such as Maeng Da Kratom, the chances are that the withdrawal may last for long.
Besides the symptoms, it is also a fact that not everyone who regularly uses kratom becomes dependent on it. That’s why experiencing the symptoms upon stoppage of using kratom is not 100% likely to appear. The risk for dependence and potential withdrawal tends to increase when you take it in higher doses. Again, that’s not a rule of thumb because every individual is different and their body reacts differently.
Treatment Options
One of the most popular and globally recognized ways to curb the effects of kratom is to detox. Detox is defined as the removal of toxins from the body. Kratom dosage exposes our body to many types of psychoactive and addictive substances; however, slower dosages can minimize the withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
As we all know that kratom is consumed to treat many medical conditions, its usage cannot be eradicated. The best approach to detox is tapering. Tapering is the process to wean off the substance slowly. The idea is to rebalance the brain chemistry over time instead of putting it to test by removing the drug suddenly.
Through the use of kratom, our body develops a dependence on it. If stopped quickly, the brain may go into rebound effect because it tries to restore the balance quickly. This is where tapering comes to the rescue. In this technique, the kratom dosage is slowed down to smooth out the potential side effects of withdrawal. It keeps the drug activity in the brain for longer, allowing it to regain its natural balance.
