Understanding Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and What Helps

Last Medical Review On: August 17, 2026
Updated On: Aug. 17, 2026
3 min read
Written by:

Amanda Stevens, B.S.

Medical Review by:

Dr. Robert Thompson

Kratom is derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a plant native to Southeast Asia. Kratom contains two primary psychoactive compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These two compounds act on opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system.

Most people consume kratom as a loose powder, capsule, tea, or extract. At low doses, kratom produces energizing effects. At higher doses, it produces sedating or opioid-like effects.

Kratom Withdrawal: Bowl of green powder next to scattered green capsules on a brown surface.

Key Points

  • Kratom withdrawal symptoms (cravings, anxiety, irritability) can occur in people who were previously using kratom regularly.
  • Withdrawal is related to kratom’s effect on opioid receptors and may occur within a day of the last dose for some individuals.
  • The kratom withdrawal timeline varies depending upon the frequency and quantity of previous kratom use and the product strength.
  • Medical detoxification or treatment for a kratom-related substance abuse issue may be recommended if symptoms are severe, or if the individual experiences relapse.
  • Professional assistance is recommended when quitting kratom, particularly if the individual has a history of chronic pain, mental illness, substance abuse issues, or both.
  • In addition to its marketing as a “natural” supplement, kratom is being increasingly recognized as having potential for dependence and associated withdrawal symptoms.
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    The lack of regulation of kratom products in the United States makes it extremely difficult to determine how much of the compound is in each product, and therefore how much risk of side effects or dependence exists.

    As such, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any therapeutic purposes and warned consumers of the dangers of kratom, including liver damage, seizures, and/or substance use disorder.[1]

    Why Kratom Can Cause Withdrawal

    Kratom dependence occurs when an individual’s body develops tolerance to kratom due to prolonged exposure to kratom. When the individual discontinues kratom use, the body must adjust to no longer receiving kratom, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. Since kratom acts on opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, withdrawal from kratom can exhibit similar physical symptoms to those experienced during withdrawal from opioids.

    However, it is essential to note that kratom is not an opioid. Instead, kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system and therefore can create dependency in some individuals. Dependency indicates that the individual’s body has adjusted to receiving kratom on a regular basis, and when the individual stops using kratom, the body responds negatively to this change.

    Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal

    Person sitting with hand on forehead, wearing white shirt and jeans.

    Kratom withdrawal symptoms will vary among individuals.[2] While some individuals may only experience minor discomforts during withdrawal, others may experience significant distress. Factors contributing to the severity of kratom withdrawal include:

    • Amount used per day
    • Duration of usage
    • Concentration of kratom product(s)
    • Other substances being consumed

    The majority of individuals report experiencing initial withdrawal symptoms within 12 to 36 hours after their last dose of kratom. Common early symptoms include cravings, anxiety or restlessness, irritation, yawning, runny nose, watery eyes, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. Most people report these symptoms subsiding within 3 days of ceasing kratom use.

    It is essential to keep in mind that every individual’s experience will differ regarding the onset and duration of kratom withdrawal symptoms. While some people may recover from acute withdrawal relatively quickly (within 1 to 2 weeks), others may continue to experience residual symptoms (e.g., irritability, anxiety, depression, cravings) for an extended period (weeks or months).

    Factors influencing the likelihood or duration of kratom withdrawal symptoms include:

    • Amount or concentration of kratom used prior to cessation
    • Length of time using kratom
    • Presence of additional substance use issues
    • Co-morbid psychiatric issues (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder)

    How Kratom Withdrawal is Treated

    Regardless of the duration or severity of symptoms, individuals withdrawing from kratom should seek support in order to minimize relapse risk. A variety of strategies may assist with recovery, including:

    • Support groups (in-person or virtual)
    • Behavioral counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy)
    • Medical guidance for managing symptoms, determined by a qualified prescriber
    • Alternative methods for managing pain or symptoms associated with mental health disorders (acupuncture, hypnosis, yoga)

    In cases where withdrawal symptoms are severe or co-morbid psychiatric issues exist, consideration should be given towards seeking assistance via formal treatment programs.[3]

    Individuals interested in learning more about recovering from kratom use should consult with a certified healthcare professional or treatment center. They will provide guidance regarding resources available and recommendations tailored specifically to meet each individual’s unique needs.

    Quitting Kratom Without Medical Assistance

    While some people are able to successfully cease using kratom on their own, others require formal treatment or medical intervention.[4] Several factors contribute to determining which approach will be best suited for a particular individual. Those who may benefit from receiving assistance via formal treatment programs include those who:

    • Use large quantities of kratom
    • Experience severe withdrawal symptoms (nausea, headaches, sleep disturbances)
    • Have a history of other substance use issues
    • Suffer from co-morbid psychiatric conditions
    • Require ongoing management of chronic pain

    The Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

    Withdrawal symptoms may develop as soon as 12 to 36 hours after a person’s final dose of kratom.[5] Early symptoms may include:

    • Irritation
    • Anxiety or restlessness
    • Craving
    • Yawning
    • Runny nose, watery eyes, or sweating
    • Difficulty sleeping

    Symptoms usually resolve themselves within 72 hours for most users. However, some people report continued residual symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, or cravings for up to weeks or months after acute withdrawal.

    Help for Kratom Addiction at Alpas Virginia

    At Alpas Wellness Northern Virginia, we provide compassionate, individualized treatment for people struggling with kratom addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns.

    If kratom use, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or co-occurring mental health concerns have become difficult to manage, you can contact our admissions team to discuss your needs, complete an initial assessment, and determine an appropriate next step in treatment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

    01

    What are common symptoms of kratom withdrawal?

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    Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include cravings, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, muscle aches, joint pain, runny nose, watery eyes, sweating, chills, hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, low appetite, fatigue, tremors, headache, low mood, trouble concentrating, and emotional unrest.

    02

    When will I start experiencing kratom withdrawal symptoms?

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    Withdrawal can occur in as little time as 1 day post-usage. The amount of time it takes to experience the beginning of withdrawal depends upon several factors, including the dosage of kratom used, how frequently kratom was consumed, the strength of kratom product(s) consumed, an individual’s overall health status, and their consumption of other drugs or substances.

    03

    How long will kratom withdrawal last?

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    A person’s recovery (e.g., improvement in withdrawal symptoms) can be different depending on the severity of the person’s dependency on kratom. Some individuals may recover from kratom dependence (withdrawal) within a couple of days. For example, some people report recovering from kratom withdrawal by having their most intense withdrawal symptoms subside within 7 days. However, many people who are dependent on kratom may also have lingering issues such as anxiety or depression for weeks.

    04

    What should I expect during the kratom withdrawal process?

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    The typical length of time it may take to go through the initial stages of withdrawal varies from person to person. Withdrawal symptoms may appear as early as 24 hours post-last dose. In general, for most people, the worst part of kratom withdrawal occurs during the next 48 to 72 hours. By around day four (or slightly earlier), for many people the most intense physical withdrawal symptoms will start to dissipate. Many people feel better physically at this point; however, they still often struggle emotionally, with a lower mood or anxiety and depression. These emotional challenges may last significantly longer than the acute withdrawal phase for many individuals.

    05

    How do you treat kratom withdrawal?

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    Treatment may include hydration, rest, sleep support, therapy, medical monitoring, symptom management, and addiction treatment. People with severe symptoms, heavy use, or relapse risk may benefit from medical detox or a structured treatment program.

    Sources
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    [01]

    [1] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2024). Kratom. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/kratom

    [2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA and kratom. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom

    [3] Singh, D., Narayanan, S., & Vicknasingam, B. (2018). Kratom dependence and treatment options: A comprehensive review of the literature. Current Drug Targets, 19(7), 703-712. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32682371/

    [4] Prozialeck, W. C., Jivan, J. K., & Andurkar, S. V. (2022). Understanding kratom use: A guide for healthcare providers. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 801855. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8924421/

    [5] Buresh, M. (2018). Treatment of kratom dependence with buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 12(6), 481-483. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30207001/

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