Kratom Addiction Treatment
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is not a new substance of concern in the United States, in recent years the use of this substance has greatly increased. Back in 2016 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) first noticed the potential dangers of Kratom, but the change to a Schedule I Substance was quickly denied, and on January 22, 2025, placed Kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern” (DEA, 2025). In July 2025 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2025) has again made steps towards now classifying 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Kratom treatment is completely possible to break the cycle of addiction to this “legal” substance. If you or a loved one is suffering from the grasps of Kratom, please Contact Us for a free consultation.
What Is the Best Treatment for Kratom Addiction?
This will vary from person to person. There are many factors that play into the withdrawal effects for a person, these will include history of addiction, genetics, biological factors, the length of time using Kratom, the amount or dosage consumed, and the way the substance was taken (American Addiction Centers, 2024). Based off these factors there are many treatment possibilities for those in need of help with Kratom Addiction. Ideally a person will be able to just self-taper off the substance, but some may need stronger medical interventions such as Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) and/or medical detox.
Recover Clarity also offers 7-OH Addiction Treatment. As this is the same treatment for Kratom, those using 7-OH concentrates should read this information to gain a better understanding of the synthetic substance and the dangers specifically associated with this version of “Kratom” derived products.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is as simple as it sounds, they are the medications used to treat those suffering from opioid addiction. As Kratom and 7-OH both bind to mu-opioid receptors like that of opioids, these medications have been proven to be effective in the treatment of Kratom Use Disorder (KUD) or Kratom Addiction. These medications include Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone), Methadone, Sublocade, and Naltrexone. When looking at these types of treatments, do take time to research and consult medical providers, such as there are great differences between the medications, as a example read about Methadone vs Suboxone.
As Kratom Use Disorder is still rather new, the research on treatments is still limited. This is due to the time it takes for medical research to be conducted. But as of current the use of Suboxone (Buprenorphine based medication) is referred to as the chosen method of treatment by many medical research institutions including John Hopkins Medicine (2025) and the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2024) among others.
The use of MOUD is also greatly supported for those who have a comorbid Substance Use Disorder. What this means is if the person with Kratom Addiction also had prior history of substance misuse, the use of medications such as Suboxone may be the best route to assist with any relapses during their journey of recovery.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) - Suboxone
Medical Detox
Medical detox is another option for those suffering from Kratom Addiction. This is an in-patient stay at a medical facility to provide medical detoxification during the main part of withdrawal from Kratom. This can be followed by MOUD treatment such as what is offered at Recover Clarity with the use of Online Suboxone Doctors or alone to be off the medication and supported by therapy. This option may not work for everyone as it could require many days to weeks stay at a facility and the cost is greatly higher for this treatment.
Self Tapering and Addiction Counseling
Before trying self-tapering off Kratom, it is always advised to talk to a medical provider. Individuals without a prior history of any Substance Use Disorder and have been taking Kratom for a shorter period, may be able to successfully self-taper off Kratom with no major medical interventions. As this would be an ideal option, it is not for everyone, especially those with a history of other substance misuse.
To best increase the chances of self-tapering it is encouraged to also attend something like Addiction Counseling to provide additional support and guidance.
Understanding Kratom Withdrawal
The withdrawal from Kratom can vary depending on many factors and can affect each person differently. This is the same for most substances and depends on many factors such as genetics, history of use, duration of use, and amount of Kratom used. This also will be greatly different for 7-OH Addiction. As yes 7-OH is an alkaloid that comes from the Kratom plant, however it is only about 2% of the total alkaloid content in a Kratom leaf as compared to the main alkaloid in Kratom which is Mitragynine. 7-OH that is often being sold is synthetically concentrated.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom can have very similar withdrawal symptoms to that of opioids such as Heroin, Fentanyl, and Opioid Pain Medications. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
Vomiting
Abdominal Cramping and Pain
Tremors
Nausea
Vomiting
Restlessness
Disrupted Sleep
Sweating
Hot Flashes
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Runny Nose
Restless Limbs
Changes in Mood
Depressed Mood
Irritability
Anger
Sadness
Kratom Withdrawal Duration
Again, this all depends on many factors as mentioned before. Most people start to see withdrawal symptoms around 12 to 48 hours since their last usage of Kratom (American Addiction Centers, 2024). These symptoms can be as short as 1 to 3 days, but some may experience symptoms lasting up to a week or longer. This only accounts for the physical symptoms of withdrawal. There is a psychological component to addiction, and these can be very long lasting, especially for those with other history of substance misuse.
How to Start Treatment for Kratom Addiction
Starting treatment can be very easy and simple. Here at Recover Clarity, we can almost always do same day intakes, all you have to do is call or text us at 888-543-2230 or complete the Contact Us form. Medical Detox can take a little longer if you must wait for a bed, but finding a facility near you should be as simple as a Google Search. Self-tapering is also simple, but you should consult a medical provider before self-tapering to outline a plan for decreasing doses during this taper as well as establish some other therapeutic support during this time.
How Long Will Kratom Treatment Last
This will all depend on the individual, their level of addiction, and their history. Some may be able to self-taper quickly and return to normal life functioning in only a few days as some may need additional assistance for greatly longer periods of time. Ultimately this is not a question that has any simple answer. Luckily, if a person does require Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatment, such as with Suboxone, there is an end in sight. At Recover Clarity, we pride ourselves in helping people Completing Suboxone Treatment to get back to a life completely free of all substances.
Kratom Addiction Treatment Summary
Kratom Addiction is an increasing public health concern in the United States, and the use of this opioid-like substance continues to rise. Although Kratom is often marketed as a legal alternative to opioids and is all natural, it still binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and can easily lead to physical and psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse. Due to these risks the DEA (2025) has classified this substance as a Drug and Chemical of Concern. The FDA (2025) has even requested that synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) be classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Treatment for Kratom addiction is highly individualized and the best approach depends on many factors such as length of use, daily dosage, method of consumption, type of Kratom used, genetics, and any prior history of Substance Use Disorder. Some people may be able to self-taper off Kratom while others may require medical detox and/or outpatient treatment with medications.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), particularly Buprenorphine-based medications like Suboxone, is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for Kratom addiction (John Hopkins Medicine, 2025; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2024). MOUD is supported as it helps stabilize the mu-opioid receptors, reduces withdrawal severity at first, then stabilizes withdrawal symptoms, and lowers cravings while reducing relapse potential.
At Recover Clarity, Kratom addiction is designed to be confidential, accessible, and medically guided. Same-day evaluations are often available, and care plans include Online Telehealth Suboxone Treatment.
To learn more about this substance, click here to read Recover Clarity’s Blog on Kratom Part 1. And keep checking the BLOG page as more blogs relating to Kratom, 7-OH, and treatment will be posted in 2026.
References
American Addiction Centers. (2024, August 23). Kratom withdrawal symptoms, Timeline & Detox treatment. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/kratom/withdrawal
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2025). Kratom [Drugs of Concern]. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/taxonomy/term/311
John Hopkins Medicine. (2025, February). Emerging use of kratom in US: Kratom use disorder experts propose decision-making algorithm for clinicians | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2025/02/emerging-use-of-kratom-in-us-kratom-use-disorder-experts-propose-decision-making-algorithm-for-clinicians
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, June 18). Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, July 29). 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An assessment of the scientific data and toxicological concerns around an emerging opioid threat [PDF]. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/7-hydroxymitragynin_7-oh_an_assessment_of_the_scientific_data_and_toxicological_concerns_around_an_emerging_opioid_threat.pdf