What Does it Feel Like to Detox From Kratom?
You’ve decided to quit Kratom for good. Congratulations on taking this important step. Now what? The answer is: detox! Detoxification is the first, and most important step, to ridding your body of Kratom and beginning your journey to recovery. Keep reading below to learn more about the detox process, and what to expect:
What Is Detox?
Detoxification, more generally, is the gradual process of removing a substance or toxin from the body. This process occurs naturally, and as the liver and kidneys filter the blood and other bodily fluids, we dispose of toxins through urine, feces, and sometimes sweat. As such, the primary objective of any detox program is to help ease you into a substance-free state, which can take time and be uncomfortable. Detox looks different for everyone, but most often depends on your use patterns and quantities. Usually, a standard detox program adheres to the following steps:
Evaluation: During the first step of detox, a medical team will perform an evaluation of your vital signs and health to determine your condition. A urine test is common at this stage to determine which drugs you use to help determine an adequate course of treatment. This is usually followed by a psychological evaluation, to help determine if any aspects of life contribute to your drug use.
Stabilization: As you progress through your detoxification, medical staff will routinely check your vitals and health to make sure you are in good condition. Many inpatient programs will also help you formulate healthy habits, like eating well and exercise, that are important to maintaining recovery from substance abuse.
Medication-Assisted Detox (MAD): For individuals with more severe withdrawal symptoms, medication may be necessary to stabilize your health and reduce symptoms and cravings. Patients withdrawing from Kratom are most often prescribed buprenophrine, Methadone, or clonidine, which have shown success in clinical trials.
Aftercare Planning: The most crucial step of detox is creating a plan for success once you leave. Many inpatient programs will help determine a proper course of action for you, whether that be a longer stay in an inpatient facility, or a transition to outpatient care. Detox is an important step to help you develop lasting tools for a successful, healthy recovery.
What Is Kratom Withdrawal Like?
Over a prolonged period of drug and alcohol abuse, the body becomes accustomed to functioning with substances. These substances rewire the brain’s circuitry, causing addiction and physical dependence, which is why stopping can cause withdrawal. Withdrawal is different for everyone, but detox aims to ease everyone into a substance-free life of recovery.
Because the psychoactive compounds in Kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine, act on the opioid receptors in the brain, Kratom withdrawal symptoms are similar to with opioids. Commonly reported symptoms include:
Runny nose
Muscle pain or weakness
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Depressed mood, anxiety, and moderate-to-severe lethargy
Cravings to use Kratom
Hallucinations and seizures
Depending on use frequency and quantity, these symptoms may vary in severity and duration.
Can I Detox Alone?
Always seek the help of a medical professional first. While quitting without help may be possible for light Kratom users, heavier users should seek out professional help like inpatient addiction treatment. These kinds of programs can help you develop important tools to maintain your sobriety, but also have the means to manage and treat your withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, because the symptoms of Kratom withdrawal can lead to life-threatening complications like hallucinations or seizures, it’s best to seek out professional help when trying to quit, because these symptoms are not manageable without medical care.
It’s okay to ask for help. It’s hard to quit and recover alone.