How long does it take to Detox from Kratom?
Kratom is a substance with a wide variety of uses that can lead to dependence and addiction. Deciding to stop kratom use is a big step towards a healthier future. But how long does it take to detox from kratom? According to clinical research, the general detox window can last anywhere from 7 to 10 days.
Navigating the first 72 hours of detox can be the most challenging. Users report experiencing flu-like symptoms and disrupted sleep as the body begins to reboot. But once users pass the three-day mark, the heaviest symptoms and side effects will slowly decrease.
Not recognized as a controlled substance, kratom has increasingly become a recreational drug. It is not regulated, easily accessible and can become very addictive due to its ability to interact with the same brain receptors as opioids. Detoxing from kratom is just the first step. The remaining kratom withdrawal duration involves being able to manage the other physical and psychological effects that follow.
More about Kratom
Kratom is an herbal substance with psychoactive properties. It is derived from leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical plant native to the area of Southeast Asia in countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.
In Southeast Asia, kratom is typically consumed as an herbal tea or ingested by chewing on the leaves. Other forms of consumption include smoking or grinding the leaves into a fine powder.
When taken in low doses, it can produce effects similar to those of stimulant drugs that increase alertness, energy and a heightened sense of happiness. When taken in higher doses, it can produce similar effects to those of opioid drugs and induce feelings of euphoria.
It is often used to help alleviate chronic pain and opioid withdrawal symptoms because many believe it is a safer option than using opioid medications for pain relief. There are many reasons why some turn to kratom use. The most common reason is relief and help to cope with chronic pain, emotional pain, anxiety, stress and opioid withdrawal.
Another common reason for taking kratom is for its ability to produce stimulating effects like a boost in energy and increased focus, which all provide a boost in performance. Social influence can also be a factor in kratom use. Many perceive it to be all natural and safe and are influenced by their peers or may be curious about the effects.
Why Kratom Can Be Dangerous
- Addiction potential. When abused, kratom can become habit-forming. Users can develop a dependence on the substance, which can then easily lead to addiction.
- Contamination risks. Because kratom products are not formally regulated, there is no restriction or oversight on what may be put into products. Many kratom products have been found to contain harmful bacteria, heavy metals and other dangerous substances.
- Lack of regulation. Kratom is typically sold as a dietary supplement, which means it doesn’t need to undergo safety testing like medications do. The kratom products in the US lack any sort of quality control on drug labeling. Inconsistencies in labeling also make it impossible to know the actual dosage and strength of the product, which increases the risk of dependence and accidental overdose.
- Serious health risks. There have been numerous reports of liver damage, seizures and even death, all associated with kratom use. Some people also use kratom as a way to take themselves off drugs like opioids. This can be dangerous as it can be trading one addiction for another.
How long does it take to Detox from Kratom?
Detoxing from kratom can be uncomfortable. Waiting for the symptoms of withdrawal to set in can also make people feel anxious. Kratom drains from your system slowly, with many factors that impact the duration of detox.
Navigating the kratom withdrawal stages subjects you to the physical hurdle and psychological settling. In the first week of detoxing from the substance, you can experience heavy flu-like symptoms; during the second week, it feels more as if you are recovering from a long illness.
Days 1-3. During this period, you will likely experience muscle aches, a runny nose, and other physical symptoms during the peak of physical symptoms that hit between 28 to 72 hours. Other symptoms may include restlessness, anxiety, depression, irritability and cravings to use kratom.
Days 4-7. During this phase, people will typically experience heavy physical discomfort. This is peak intensity for symptoms that can include severe insomnia, restless legs, and extreme fatigue. However, after symptoms have peaked, there will be gradual improvements and diminished severity of symptoms.
Days 8-14. During this phase, your brain begins to find balance and mood swings will begin to level out, and by day 10, you will have reset most of your functions.
Getting through the first week of detox will bring you to the end of the acute withdrawal phase. After that, your body will begin to reset itself, including your nervous system and your brain chemistry will begin to stabilize.
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Factors that influence Detox Timeline
- How much kratom do you take? The more kratom you take, the longer and harder the detox and withdrawal will be.
- Length of use. Years of daily kratom use can create a deeper dependence on the substance.
- Type of kratom. 7 OH kratom is often known to cause more severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Personal metabolism. How quickly your body processes the substance will be different for each person.
- Overall health. A person with a healthier baseline might have an easier detox time than someone who is already in bad shape.
- Support system. Having a good support system of friends and family can make a significant difference in detoxing and withdrawing from addictive substances.
Ways in which Kratom is used
- Powder. Kratom leaves are often made into finely milled powders that can be added to water or any type of liquid. When orally ingested, it is fast-acting. It can also by mixed with juices to mask the bitter taste of the powder.
- Capsule. Kratom can be made into a capsule, making it the easiest method of consumption. The capsules are premeasured doses; they eliminate the bitter taste and can help simplify dosage counting.
- Tea. Traditionally, kratom leaves are brewed into a tea. This is known to produce much gentler effects compared to other methods of consumption.
- Extracts. Kratom extract provides high concentrations of the substance.
- Chewing. Another traditional form of ingesting kratom is by chewing on the leaves, which absorbs the active compounds through the mucosal membrane in the mouth.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Detoxing from kratom takes at least 10 days of commitment to getting healthy. The most critical and severe physical symptoms typically clear after a few days. This makes way for genuine long-term recovery. At Hotel California by the Sea, we provide the tools, resources and support clients need to take on their substance use disorder.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and family therapy. Hotel California by The Sea is dedicated to helping our clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://grandmedicalspecialists.com/kratom/kratom-withdrawal-timeline
https://sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/withdrawal-timelines/kratom/
https://anrclinic.com/kratom-withdrawal-detox
https://recovery.com/resources/kratom-withdrawal
