Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal

Kratom for treating opiate withdrawal symptoms is a growing trend, but one that could lead to more difficult side-effects. Opiates are a class of drugs naturally derived from the opium poppy plant, such as heroin, opium, morphine, and codeine. These drugs cause changes in the brain’s chemistry when they are misused and used illicitly. Quitting opiates is a challenging process that requires medical supervision due to the unpleasant withdrawal effects.

However, some people are turning to another substance, Kratom, for opiate withdrawal. This substance is touted as an herbal remedy made from the leaves of evergreen trees found in Southeast Asia. It is marketed as a dietary supplement, even though it is not approved by the FDA for medical use. 

In Asia and some other countries in the world, Kratom is taken to help alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms. However, there is controversy over Kratom as many people become dependent and addicted to it. So, essentially, they are exchanging one substance addiction for another.  

Understanding Opiate Withdrawal

Opiates bind to opioid receptors in the brain and block pain receptors. They also increase the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, increased energy, and relaxation. As a result, the brain’s reward center and neurotransmitter release are altered. The euphoric and pleasurable effects reinforce continued use, leading to dependence and, eventually, opiate addiction. 

When someone attempts to quit using opiates, they experience withdrawal symptoms as the body and brain are readjusting to normal dopamine levels and functioning. Common opiate withdrawal symptoms people can experience during this time include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fever
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Excess sweating
• Muscle and joint aches and pains

The withdrawal symptoms experienced depend on the duration of use, frequency of use, and dosage taken. Opiate withdrawal phases are as follows:

• First 72 hours: The body enters withdrawal within 24 hours but could take up to 72 hours after the last dose. Initial symptoms experienced include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, and muscle aches and pain.  
• Day 4 up to 2 weeks: Depending on the opiate, physical withdrawal symptoms can continue for up to two weeks. The symptoms will increase in intensity and frequency until they peak. Once they peak, they gradually subside. People can experience similar symptoms as they did during the first 72 hours, as well as anxiety, depression, intense cravings, sweating, lethargy, and irritability. 
• 2 weeks to 1 month: During this phase, all physical withdrawal symptoms will have subsided. However, lingering psychological symptoms are common, such as craving, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. These, too, will lessen in frequency and intensity until they fully subside. 
• Beyond 1 month: Some people experience PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome), where the psychological withdrawal symptoms can continue for several more months or longer. With proper supervision and support, PAWS symptoms can be managed until they subside. 

Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal

Kratom for opiate withdrawal is promoted as a “natural” remedy to ease withdrawal symptoms. When taken in small amounts, it is supposed to relieve pain, increase energy levels, and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Some people also experience happiness and a sense of calmness, claiming Kratom helps them focus better while not having to worry about opiate withdrawal symptoms. 

Research into these claims has uncovered that using Kratom for opiate withdrawal can actually lead to dependence and addiction to this substance. When people quit using Kratom, they experience similar withdrawal symptoms as opiate withdrawal. 

Furthermore, the Kratom marketed and sold in the United States as a dietary supplement is not all “natural” as it claims. Instead, it can be mixed with other dangerous substances, such as heavy metals and harmful bacteria like Salmonella. 

Furthermore, its production is not regulated, which means there is no way to determine what ingredients are in it. Different manufacturers could use a variety of ingredients, some of which could be potentially dangerous. 

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Using Kratom does have several risks and side effects, like other substances, since it can cause dependency and addiction. Part of the risk is not knowing what ingredients were used in a Kratom batch. Dangerous ingredients could be included that can cause people to become sick, overdose, or even die. There could even be other illegal substances in Kratom.   

Some of the side effects of using Kratom can include:

• Nausea
• Psychosis
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Anorexia
• Itching
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia or drowsiness
• Weight loss 
• Increased urination
• Seizures
• Tachycardia
• Hepatotoxicity

Additionally, according to the Kratom Fact Sheet for Healthcare Professionals, some of the known and suspected drug interactions with Kratom include:

• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Antidepressants
• Anxiolytics
• Other CNS-active drugs

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Currently, Kratom is listed as a drug and chemical of concern by the DEA. It is not currently listed in the Controlled Substances Act. The FDA has not approved the drug for use as a dietary supplement or for any medical purpose. While the drug is not prohibited at the federal level, several states have taken steps to ban or restrict the sale of Kratom. 

The regulations vary significantly by state. For example, in Wisconsin, Indiana, Vermont, Alabama, Rhode Island, and Arkansas, the sale of Kratom is prohibited. However, in other states, such as Florida, Illinois, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, and Minnesota, sales of Kratom products are banned when the person is either under 18 or 21, depending on the state. 

Furthermore, while there are no federal regulations on Kratom currently, the FDA has issued several warning statements to consumers not to use Kratom due to the risks of side effects and adverse reactions. 

Alternative Treatments for Opiate Withdrawal

Rather than substitute one substance for another to avoid opiate withdrawal symptoms, there are several effective alternative treatments, including: 

• Medically approved treatments and therapies: Several FDA-approved medications can be prescribed as part of MAT (medication-assisted treatment) to address withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opiates. Various evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT, are effective at addressing opiate withdrawal and enabling people with effective coping strategies. 
• Counseling and support groups: Individual, family, and group counseling and support groups are beneficial for treating opiate withdrawal. These sessions provide educational and learning opportunities, as well as uncovering the underlying causes of addiction, repairing damaged relationships, improving communications, and developing new skills and techniques to maintain one’s sobriety. 
• Holistic and lifestyle approaches: Holistic therapies, such as yoga, art therapy, meditation, and mindfulness, are beneficial alternative treatments for opiate withdrawal. They allow the person to address stress, anxiety, and other related symptoms using natural methods. Making lifestyle changes that incorporate regular exercise and a healthy, well-balanced diet also promotes healing and recovery from opiate addiction. 

Conclusion: Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal

The use of Kratom for opiate withdrawal raises serious concerns about its effectiveness in alleviating withdrawal symptoms. Research has shown that using Kratom can lead to dependency and addiction with similar withdrawal symptoms as opiates. Self-medicating with Kratom can also lead to severe and adverse side effects and reactions. Before using Kratom, it is highly recommended to consult with healthcare providers as there are other viable treatments and FDA-approved medications to address opiate withdrawal. 

Find Opiate and Kratom Addiction Treatment in Palm Springs

When you want to quit opiates or Kratom, help is available at Phoenix Rising Recovery in Palm Springs. We offer comprehensive and personalized treatment programs to help people safely detox from these and other substances. Our treatment plans include evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities, MAT, and various therapies. Contact us today to start your journey to a substance-free future.