Quitting Kratom: Kratom Addiction Treatment & Rehab

Since kratom is legal in the United States, it’s marketed as a safe substance — but this isn’t necessarily true. Increasing evidence shows that it may be addictive. Kratom is hailed as a readily available pain remedy that is safer than opioids (such as oxycodone), lauded an effective addiction withdrawal aid and a pleasurable recreational tonic. Kratom is also assailed as a dangerous and unregulated drug that can be purchased on the internet, and an addictive substance that authorities say can result in opioid-like abuse and overdose.

The substance is at the center of an intense debate on social media, in federal agencies and at all levels of government — a fight over whether kratom could help curb the nation’s opioid epidemic or make it dramatically worse.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is working to place kratom, which comes from a leafy Southeast Asian tree, in the same category as illegal drugs like heroin. In its report on kratom, the DEA says regular use can lead to addiction, referring to a study of people in Thailand who were thought to be addicted to kratom. The report showed that some people addicted to the herbal substance chewed it every day for an average of 18 years. Long-term kratom use in this research led to weight loss, anorexia, skin darkening, insomnia and constipation. Withdrawal symptoms highlighted in the Thai kratom study include hostility and aggression, runny nose, aches and jerky muscle movements. The DEA also highlighted several cases of kratom psychosis, including hallucinations, confusion and delusions. The drug is now banned in the country of Thailand.

The DEA has high-profile support for a crackdown from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has repeatedly warned about the dangers of the substance and has identified 44 deaths in the U.S. associated with its use since 2011.

Seeking professional help is important for people who feel they are addicted to kratom. Some signs of addiction include loss of sexual desire, weight loss, darkening of facial skin, and constant cravings that drive increased use of the drug. There are several different kratom addiction treatment and rehab options, and it’s beneficial to explore these options to find the one that’s best for you.

Kratom Addiction Treatment Options

While U.S. research is limited, most information points to kratom being addictive and having many of the same effects as opioids. If someone is using kratom or is addicted to this substance, there can be negative long-term effects, the most significant of which being the development of dependence and addiction. Some chemicals found in the drug activate opiate receptors in the brain and, in doing so, help mitigate the withdrawal symptoms caused by addictive opioid drugs such as heroin and oxycodone.

Individuals who have used kratom for a long-period of time have reportedly become tolerant to kratom and require progressively larger doses of the substance to experience the same effects. Some individuals  eventually develop compulsive substance-taking behavior and are unable to stop despite harmful consequences. Having developed a kratom use disorder, these individuals feel they are unable to stop taking the drug despite negative consequences.

In general, a rehabilitation program is often the best path for people quitting kratom. Rehab allows them to fully address and receive treatment for their substance use problems, and intensive rehab programs can integrate a combination of group and individualized therapy, and supplemental healing activities.

Through kratom rehab, a person with a kratom addiction can be treated holistically. Specialized rehabs look beyond physical addiction to kratom and focus on the whole person. This enables individuals to develop coping mechanisms for triggers and come to terms with possible underlying mental disorders that led them to substance use.

Some of the different types of rehab options available to people struggling with kratom use include:

• Long-term residential
• Short-term residential
• Outpatient
• Brief intervention
• Partial hospitalization
• Sober living

You may be wondering if you need any kind of rehab for your kratom addiction, but as a general rule, anyone who is dependent on a substance can benefit greatly from treatment.

Kratom Hotline

If you suspect you may be addicted to kratom, or you know someone who might be, calling a kratom 24-hour hotline is a great first step in getting help.

This hotline is typically staffed with knowledgeable professionals who are trained to offer assistance with these cases.

Many kratom helplines, including The Recovery Villages, are open 24/7 to assist callers in need. You can feel free to call at any time that you have questions or concerns about a kratom use disorder and if you want information about treatment.

If you need immediate assistance from a law enforcement officer or an emergency medical personnel for a kratom use case, call 911. This will allow you to receive same-day attention.

In order for a representative to help you, you must first help us by answering some questions. We want to be sure that we have a thorough understanding of your specific case so that we can find the best treatment option for you or you loved one. Some of the questions you can expect to be asked when calling The Recovery Village’s free kratom hotline include:

• How much kratom is currently being used?
• What symptoms are you experiencing?
• Are there any co-occurring disorders present, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and eating disorders?
• Are you currently seeking treatment for the use of kratom?
• Are you ready to enroll in a treatment program for kratom use disorder?

Individualized Treatment

Every addiction and every individual are unique, and so treatment should be personalized as well. When you or someone close to you is addicted to kratom, it’s important to choose the right program, whether that’s inpatient or outpatient.

Even though people in treatment for kratom might be addicted to the same drug, they have different circumstances surrounding their relationship with the drug. Other factors differentiate them from one another as well. Those differences require that they receive individualized, highly personalized treatment.

Inpatient Treatment for Kratom Addiction

For many people with various substance use disorders, including kratom, inpatient rehab can be the best option. There are a few general reasons for this. Inpatient rehab allows someone who is using kratom (or other drugs) to be in an immersive environment where their complete focus can be on recovery. They aren’t around the triggers that may have led to their original addiction to kratom, allowing them to begin working toward a complete recovery.

Inpatient rehab is also known as residential treatment and may be short-term or a long-term program.

Benefits of inpatient rehab for kratom addiction include:

• Medical Detox – Most inpatient rehab programs begin with a medically supervised detox. This allows people to move seamlessly through treatment in the same facility. The staff of the inpatient rehab can make sure they get to know everything medically and psychologically about the patient to create the best and optimal treatment plan for them.
• Inpatient Rehab – People who are addicted to kratom can attend inpatient rehab and take themselves out an environment that may have encouraged their behavior. There are triggers shared among people with substance use disorders which can include stress and being around certain people. Recovery can be more effective when someone leaves this environment.
• Psychotherapy – Most inpatient rehab programs offer a range of psychotherapy options that address the complexity of addiction to kratom and other substance use disorders. Psychotherapy is highly individualized and can help not only during recovery at the facility, but also for planning after the person leaves treatment.  

Outpatient Rehab for Kratom Addiction

Another option for people addicted to kratom is outpatient rehab. During an outpatient program, people with a kratom addiction or dependency will usually travel each day to a clinic or facility, but they will continue to live and work as they normally would.

Some people may opt for an outpatient program as opposed to inpatient treatment for a kratom addiction because it’s less expensive, but it’s important to realize that many insurance programs will cover most, or all, of the costs associated with inpatient rehab.

During inpatient treatment, people receive a more intensive experience that can be more effective in allowing them to maintain long-term recovery. Whether you attend inpatient or outpatient rehab can depend on the severity of your kratom addiction.

Most outpatient treatment programs include a variety of different types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where you’ll explore the thoughts and behaviors that led to kratom addiction. You’ll also likely participate in other types of therapy such as family therapy and contingency management, all of which are designed to contribute to recovery.

The Recovery Village Locations and Programs

Locations

The Recovery Village represents its flagship facility in Umatilla, Florida, as well as the collected expertise of its locations across the country. No matter where you live in the United States, there are drug and alcohol addiction resources available. With the help of programs like rehabilitation centers, medical detox facilities and support groups, you can overcome a kratom use disorder for a healthier future.

The Recovery Village Umatilla
Umatilla, Florida
Providing comprehensive levels of recovery treatment in the heart of Florida, residence opportunities include inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs.

Orlando Recovery Center
Orlando, Florida
Our facility in Orlando, Florida is a Patient-centered drug, alcohol and eating disorder treatment. We provide inpatient services for adult patients who want to take the first steps toward health and wellness.

The Recovery Village Ridgefield
Ridgefield, Washington
Our Ridgefield, Washington location aids those struggling with addiction, substance and co-occurring mental disorders.

The Recovery Village Palmer Lake
This location offers a full continuum of care including medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs.

The Recovery Village Columbus
Columbus, Ohio
The Recovery Village Columbus provides full-service substance use disorder therapy and counseling including medical detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, aftercare and more.

IAFF Recovery Center
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
IAFF Recovery Center is a one-of-a-kind addiction treatment facility specializing in PTSD and substance use for IAFF members who are struggling to receive the help they need.

Treatment Programs

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs
 At The Recovery Village, we believe that long-term sobriety begins with a full continuum of care. That means our drug treatment programs are comprehensive and progressive, with each stage pf treatment building on one another for a thorough approach to recovery. If you are looking for the best drug treatment available, we have the resources to help you from start to finish.

Medical Detox  –The critical, first step. Our rehabilitation facility houses a full unit for medically assisted detox to ensure your safety and comfort during this difficult but necessary stage of drug treatment.

Residential Drug Treatment –Compassionate care and close monitoring. In residential treatment, we’ll have our highly skilled team create an individual recovery plan and incorporate a variety of therapies with round-the-clock care.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)-Stability with decreased monitoring. Similar to our Residential Treatment phase, this next step provides you with ongoing support from our 24-hour nursing staff with less monitoring.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) –Putting coping skills to work. After completing Residential or Partial-Hospitalization treatments, you’ll gain valuable coping skills and a supportive recovery community to help you thrive in a sober living environment either at home or in one of our housing locations.

Outpatient Program –Gradual steps down. Similar to our Intensive Outpatient Program, this state in recovery is meant to help you take gradual steps down out of drug treatment, while giving you access to our recovery specialists along the way and strengthening necessary life skills.

Aftercare –In this stage, we’ll help you prepare a long-term recovery plan and keep you connected to ongoing counseling sessions or other therapies to keep a steady momentum in a life of sobriety. Aftercare is an important part of drug treatment.   

Dual Diagnosis

When you’re addicted to kratom or any other substance, it’s not often something that occurs in a vacuum; Underlying situational issues and mental disorders often contribute to the abuse. For example, with kratom, someone could have underlying anxiety issues that led them to search for ways to self-medicate with kratom. That’s why it’s important  to look for a rehab program that offers dual diagnosis and treatment options. With dual diagnosis, it’s not just the addiction that’s treated, it’s also the underlying mental disorders.

During dual-diagnosis treatment, not only are underlying issues addressed, but treatment including aftercare plans are highly personalized. The ultimate goal of dual-diagnosis treatment is to help people be as successful as possible after rehab.

Kratom Rehab

Whatever option you choose, you will most likely go through withdrawal initially. Withdrawal effects of kratom can be similar to those of opiates and consist of diarrhea, muscle pain, muscle tremors and jerking, restlessness, sleeplessness, severe depression, panic, mood swings and irritability.   

During kratom rehab, our professionals work to determine an aftercare plan for continuing treatment. You may find addiction support groups at your local hospital, place of worship or community center. Our staff can develop an aftercare treatment plan that suits your individual needs so your recovery process can last a lifetime.

Substance use disorder can be difficult to overcome, but recovery is possible. With the right treatment at an accredited facility, you can pursue long-term recovery. With locations throughout the country, The Recovery Village offers comprehensive care in a variety of serene environments.

Our staff is fully credentialed and experienced in substance use disorder treatment and medicine. Our doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, nurses and mental health counselors are devoted to helping you through treatment so you can embrace long-term recovery.

We understand the pain of struggling with addiction. We are here to help you — reach out today to speak with someone who can help.