Medically Reviewed & Written By: Dr. Saleha Jafar, MD | Board-Certified: Addiction Medicine | Internal Medicine | Obesity Medicine

Kratom is a plant that grows from tropical trees in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Users consume kratom by ingesting it through tablet, capsule or extract; smoking its leaves; making a tea with the leaves, or chewing the leaves.
KUD includes increased use, tolerance, withdrawal, unsuccessful quit attempts, and craving. There may be decreases in important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of consistent use
At low doses, kratom produces stimulant-like effects; at higher doses, it acts more like an opioid — sedating pain and producing euphoria
Mitragynine binds to mu- and delta-opioid receptors, producing analgesic and euphoric effects similar to morphine, albeit with different receptor kinetics
Like other substances that activate opioid receptors, kratom triggers dopamine release, reinforcing use and contributing to compulsive patterns over time.
Repeated use causes the brain to adjust its receptor sensitivity, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect — a hallmark of developing physical dependence.
Kratom withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but can be intensely uncomfortable. Symptoms generally follow a predictable timeline after the last dose
Phase 1
6–12 hrs
Early onset:
anxiety, irritability, drug cravings, yawning, runny nose, sweating
Phase 2
12–48 hrs
Peak intensity: muscle aches, insomnia, nausea, vomiting,
restless legs,
hot/cold flashes
Phase 3
Days 3–5
Gradual improvement in physical symptoms; psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety) may peak
Phase 4
Weeks 1–4+
Post-acute withdrawal: lingering mood disturbances, low energy, and cravings may persist for weeks
* Timeline varies based on duration of use, dosage, and individual physiology Medical supervision during withdrawal is strongly recommended
Kratom use disorder manifests across behavioral, physical, and psychological domains. Recognizing these signs is critical to seeking timely help.
Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from kratom
Continuing use despite relationship, work, or health problems
Giving up hobbies or activities previously enjoyed
Using larger amounts or for longer than intended
Failed attempts to cut down or stop
Craving or strong urge to use kratom
Concealing use from family or healthcare providers
Tolerance — needing more to feel the same effect
Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
Elevated heart rate or blood pressure
Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
Cognitive difficulties or "brain fog"
Weight loss and decreased appetite
When to Seek Professional Advice: It may be time to seek medical help if you notice:
You feel sick, anxious, or irritable when you stop taking kratom
You need larger amounts of kratom to get the same effect
You have tried to quit but cannot stop
You take kratom just to feel normal
Kratom use is affecting your health, sleep, work, or relationships
Co-occurring Mental Conditions: You may have anxiety, depression, or other conditions that might be linked to untreated KUD; these might get better when your KUD is treated
Evidence-informed treatment for kratom use disorder draws from established opioid use disorder protocols and can be highly effective.
A medically supervised detox provides monitoring and symptom management during withdrawal. Comfort medications including clonidine, non-opioid analgesics, and sleep aids may be used to ease the process safely
Because kratom acts on opioid receptors, buprenorphine (Suboxone) has shown clinical utility in managing withdrawal and cravings. A prescribing clinician can assess whether MAT is appropriate for your situation
CBT helps individuals identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and address the underlying thoughts and behaviors that drive compulsive use. It is a first-line treatment for substance use disorders
For individuals with severe dependence or co-occurring conditions, residential treatment provides a structured, immersive environment for recovery, free from triggers and access to substances.
IOPs offer structured treatment several days per week while allowing individuals to maintain work and family responsibilities. They combine group & individual therapy, and relapse prevention education
Ongoing peer support — including 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, and specialized kratom forums — provides community, accountability, and shared experience essential to sustained recovery
In patients with significant kratom dependence or severe withdrawal symptoms, doctors may sometimes use buprenorphine-based treatment such as Suboxone®. This medication can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by partially activating opioid receptors in a controlled and medically supervised way
These medications may help relieve withdrawal symptoms such as:
Anxiety
Sweating
Restlessness
Rapid heart rate
They do not treat cravings directly but can make withdrawal more manageable.
Doctors may prescribe medications to treat specific withdrawal symptoms such as:
Antinausea medications
for stomach upset
Sleep aids for insomnia
Pain relievers for
muscle aches
Antidiarrheal medications
just minutes from Stonebriar Centre & The Star in Frisco
Discreet, private care in a professional medical setting
Telehealth-with minimal waiting room time
Seamless transfer for patients already in treatment & want to transfer from previous provider to Medivira
Personalized treatment plans, not a high-volume clinic
Board certified doctors with years of experience, focused on long-term recovery and mental wellness
long acting injectable, Sublocade® MAT available for treatment of Opioid use disorder
Not everyone who uses kratom will develop a use disorder, but certain factors increase vulnerability.
Personal or family history of substance use
Prior opioid use or dependence — many individuals turn to kratom as a self-managed opioid substitute, increasing risk for cross-dependence.
Co-occurring mental health conditions — depression, anxiety, and PTSD are commonly reported among those developing kratom dependence
High-dose or frequent use-daily use of large quantities accelerates tolerance and neuroadaptation
Stress and adverse life experiences — trauma and high-stress environments are strongly linked
Chronic pain conditions — individuals self-medicating unmanaged pain may escalate use over time
Confidential phone & video calls with your Provider
Board-certified Providers with years of experience
Get treatment from the privacy of your own home
Telehealth may reduce the stigma of seeking Addiction treatment by allowing patients to receive care more privately without the risk of being seen in Substance Abuse Treatment facilities or Methadone Clinics.
Patients often have to wait days/weeks
Lots of time lost in transportation to the clinic
Unpredictable wait times during in-person visits
High and often unpredictable costs
Pay for transportation and parking
Increased Stigma : friends, co-workers may see you at the Methadone clinic
Do a video visit with the Doctor who will go over your health history, treatment goals, medications & their side effects. A prescription for your medication will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice. Visit time is 30 minutes.
At the end of your first visit the doctor will tell you when to follow up for subsequent Medication Refills. Again, these will be Tele visits only and you don’t need to see the doctor in person. Visit time is 20 minutes.
After the first 1-2 times you can do Tele visits once every month. Your doctor will monitor your progress, give feedback, address any medication side effects or adjust medication dosages.
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