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Kratom Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, Georgia

Our Kratom addiction treatment programs in Atlanta, Georgia can help individuals understand the nature of kratom dependence and learn to live a thriving life in recovery – with evidence-based options.

While many consider Kratom to be a “natural” and therefore safe alternative to other substances, the reality of Kratom paints a different picture.

According to the CDC, calls to poison control centers for kratom exposure increased tenfold from 2010 to 2015, with hundreds of calls reported annually in recent years.

At Peachtree Detox, our kratom addiction treatment programs in Atlanta provide comprehensive, compassionate care to help you or your loved one break free from dependency with a full continuum of care.

Learn more about our drug rehab programs in Atlanta, Georgia or call us now at 470-613-7881.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves contain compounds that can have mind-altering effects. It’s typically consumed as a pill, capsule, or extract, or brewed as a tea. Kratom leaves can be chewed, dried and swallowed, smoked, or steeped into tea.

Despite its legal status in many states, kratom’s psychoactive compounds can lead to dependence, addiction, and severe health complications with regular use. 

What often begins as an attempt to self-medicate pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal can quickly develop into a substance use disorder requiring professional intervention. The misconception of kratom as a harmless herbal supplement has led many people into a cycle of addiction they never anticipated.

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Peachtree Detox is a premier provider of addiction treatment services and detox programs in Atlanta, Georgia. If you or someone you love is in need of professional care, reach out to us now.

What Is Kratom Used For?

Kratom is used for various purposes, including:

  • As a pain reliever
  • To manage opioid withdrawal symptoms
  • For recreational purposes to achieve euphoria
  • To boost energy and increase alertness
  • To self-treat anxiety and depression
  • As a natural alternative to prescription medications

While some people use kratom for these purposes, it’s important to note that the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use.

How Addictive Is Kratom?

Kratom contains compounds (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) that interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain when taken in high doses. These properties make kratom potentially addictive, though typically less so than traditional opioids. Regular users can develop physical and psychological dependence, especially with long-term use or higher doses.

More: How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted To Kratom?

What Are The Effects of Kratom?

Kratom has a number of effects on the body and mind that vary significantly based on dosage, strain, individual physiology, and frequency of use. 

The plant contains over 40 active compounds, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the primary alkaloids responsible for its psychoactive properties. 

Low to moderate doses (1-5 grams): At lower doses, kratom typically produces stimulant-like effects that users often seek for enhanced productivity or social interaction. These effects include:

  • Increased energy and alertness similar to caffeine
  • Enhanced sociability and talkativeness
  • Reduced pain perception
  • Mild euphoria and improved mood
  • Increased focus and concentration

Higher doses (5-15 grams): As the dosage increases, kratom’s effects create more sedation and opioid-like properties. These higher doses produce more intense effects that can be particularly concerning:

  • Strong sedation and calmness
  • Significant pain reduction
  • Intense euphoric sensations
  • Dreamlike or dissociative state
  • Decreased coordination and motor skills
  • Slurred speech
  • Constricted pupils

Long-term effects: With regular or prolonged use, kratom can lead to numerous adverse health effects that impact multiple body systems. These chronic effects often develop gradually and may not be immediately associated with kratom use:

  • Significant weight loss and malnutrition
  • Hyperpigmentation and darkened skin, particularly on the face
  • Liver damage and elevated liver enzymes
  • Chronic sleep disturbances and insomnia
  • Severe constipation and gastrointestinal problems
  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
  • Respiratory depression with high doses
  • Hormonal imbalances, including testosterone reduction in men
  • Compromised immune function
  • Psychological effects including anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment

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Signs and Symptoms of Kratom Addiction

Recognizing kratom addiction requires awareness of both physical and behavioral changes.

The following signs may indicate that recreational or medicinal kratom use has progressed to addiction:

  • Tolerance development: Needing increasingly larger or more frequent doses to achieve the same effects you once experienced with smaller amounts, which indicates your body is adapting to the substance.

  • Failed attempts to quit: Making one or more serious attempts to cut down or stop using kratom but being unable to follow through.

  • Time commitment: Dedicating substantial portions of your day to obtaining kratom, using it, or recovering from its effects, often to the detriment of other activities.

  • Continued use despite consequences: Persisting with kratom use even after experiencing negative impacts on your health, relationships, work performance, or financial stability.

  • Kratom Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological discomfort when kratom effects wear off, which may include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, nausea, and anxiety.

  • Neglected responsibilities: Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to kratom use or its effects, including declining performance reviews or academic results.

  • Abandoned activities: Giving up or reducing participation in hobbies, social events, or recreational activities you previously enjoyed in favor of using kratom.

  • Hazardous use: Using kratom in situations where it’s physically dangerous, such as before driving or operating machinery, or combining it with other substances.

  • Relationship problems: Experiencing conflicts with family, friends, or colleagues related to kratom use, including arguments about the amount of time or money spent on the substance.

More: The Dangers of Kratom Withdrawal

Seeking Help: How Do I Know I Need Kratom Addiction Treatment?

Many people struggle with recognizing when their kratom use has crossed the line from beneficial or recreational to problematic. 

The stigma surrounding addiction and the legal status of kratom in many areas can make it even harder to acknowledge the need for help. However, certain indicators strongly suggest that professional intervention would be beneficial. Consider the following signs that professional treatment may be necessary:

How Do I Know I Need Kratom Addiction Treatment?

Professional treatment for kratom addiction becomes necessary when your relationship with the substance begins to control your life rather than enhance it. Consider seeking help if:

  • Failed self-attempts at quitting: You’ve made sincere efforts to stop using kratom on your own but have been unsuccessful, often relapsing within days or weeks despite your best intentions.

  • Withdrawal discomfort: You experience uncomfortable or distressing physical and psychological symptoms when you try to stop or reduce your kratom use, which drive you back to using to find relief.

  • Life interference: Your kratom use consistently interferes with your ability to fulfill your responsibilities at work, school, or home, resulting in performance issues, absences, or neglected duties.

  • Escalating use patterns: You find yourself using kratom in larger amounts or for longer periods than you originally intended, often losing track of how much you’ve consumed.

  • Health awareness disconnect: You continue using kratom despite knowing it’s causing or worsening physical health problems (like liver issues or weight loss) or psychological issues (like anxiety or depression).

  • Tolerance issues: You’ve developed such a high tolerance that you require significantly more kratom than when you started, putting you at greater risk for adverse effects and overdose.

  • Resource drain: You spend excessive time researching, purchasing, using, or recovering from kratom, and your financial resources are increasingly dedicated to maintaining your supply.

 

What Causes Kratom Addiction?

Addiction rarely develops from a single cause but stems from an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. 

Kratom addiction follows this pattern, with multiple contributing factors that can increase vulnerability.

  • Biological factors: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in addiction vulnerability. Research suggests that 40-60% of addiction risk is attributable to genetic factors. If you have family members with substance use disorders, you may have inherited genes that affect how your brain processes rewards, stress, and self-control, making you more susceptible to developing kratom dependency when exposed to the substance.

  • Self-medication: Many people turn to kratom as a way to cope with underlying physical or emotional pain. This self-medication approach often begins with good intentions—seeking relief from chronic back pain, anxiety, or depression—but can quickly escalate into dependency as the brain begins to associate kratom use with relief from discomfort. 

  • Social factors: Environmental influences such as peer pressure, cultural acceptance of kratom use, workplace stress, family dysfunction, or traumatic experiences can significantly impact substance use patterns. Some communities or social circles normalize regular kratom consumption, reducing perceived risk. 

  • Previous substance use disorders: If you’ve struggled with addiction to other substances in the past, you have a heightened risk of developing kratom addiction. This increased vulnerability stems from established neural pathways associated with addictive behaviors and potential cross-sensitization between substances.

  • Mental health conditions: Approximately 50% of individuals with substance use disorders also have co-occurring mental health conditions. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder can increase the likelihood of using kratom as a form of self-treatment. 

  • Chronic pain: Individuals living with persistent pain conditions often seek alternatives to prescription medications, especially given the increasing restrictions on opioid prescriptions. Kratom’s pain-relieving properties make it appealing as a seemingly natural alternative. 

Can You Overdose On Kratom?

Yes, kratom overdose is possible, especially when combined with other substances. Signs of kratom overdose may include:

  • Seizures
  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Liver damage
  • Extreme sedation
  • Respiratory depression
  • Coma (in severe cases)

If you suspect a kratom overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Kratom Addiction Treatment Programs Atlanta Georgia

At Peachtree Detox, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care for kratom addiction treatment. Our programs are tailored to meet your individual needs and circumstances.

Detox

The first step in addiction treatment is clearing kratom from your system in a safe, medically supervised environment.

Our kratom detox program creates a foundation for healing by managing the challenging withdrawal period that prevents many people from achieving sobriety on their own. 

Inpatient Rehab

For those requiring intensive treatment once detox has been completed, our inpatient program offers a comprehensive residential experience that removes you from environmental triggers and provides round-the-clock support.

In this structured and supportive environment, you’ll participate in evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which help rewire thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

We partner with local Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) that serve as an effective step-down option from inpatient care or an intensive starting point for those who don’t require 24-hour supervision.

This structured program provides comprehensive treatment 5-7 days per week while allowing you to return home in the evenings, gradually reintegrating into daily life while maintaining high-level therapeutic support. During PHP, you’ll continue with the therapy and counseling established in earlier treatment phases, while placing increased emphasis on developing practical life skills essential for independent living without kratom.

The Path to Healing: Benefits of Kratom Addiction Treatment

Seeking professional help for kratom addiction provides far-reaching advantages that extend well beyond simply stopping substance use.

 At Peachtree Detox, our comprehensive approach delivers transformative benefits that touch every aspect of your life:

  • Safe, comfortable withdrawal management: Attempting to quit kratom without medical supervision can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms that often trigger relapse. Our clinical team provides medication-assisted treatment specifically tailored to your physiological needs, significantly reducing discomfort and dangerous complications.

  • Understanding of addiction’s underlying causes: Through specialized assessment and therapeutic exploration, you’ll gain profound insights into the biological, psychological, and social factors that contributed to your kratom dependency.

  • Development of healthy coping mechanisms: Addiction often begins as an attempt to manage stress, emotional pain, or other difficulties. Our treatment programs teach practical, sustainable alternatives to substance use through evidence-based therapies, mindfulness practices, and stress management techniques.

  • Treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions: Many individuals with kratom addiction also struggle with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Our dual diagnosis treatment approach provides integrated treatment for both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously, addressing the complex interplay between them.

  • Reduced risk of relapse: Professional treatment dramatically decreases relapse rates through structured support, accountability, and skills development. You’ll learn to identify early warning signs of potential relapse, develop personalized prevention strategies, and practice applying these tools in increasingly challenging situations.

  • Improved physical health and well-being: Chronic kratom use takes a significant toll on physical health, affecting the liver, digestive system, cardiovascular function, and more. Our treatment includes medical care, nutritional guidance, and physical wellness components that help restore your body’s natural balance.

  • Restored relationships and social functioning: Addiction invariably strains relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Through family therapy, communication skills training, and guided reconciliation work, we help repair damaged relationships and build healthier connection patterns.

  • Enhanced quality of life: Beyond simply abstaining from kratom, our holistic approach helps you rediscover purpose, meaning, and joy in everyday life.

  • Long-term recovery support: Recovery extends far beyond formal treatment. Our comprehensive aftercare planning, alumni programs, community referrals, and ongoing support resources provide the continuing care essential for long-term success.

Begin Drug Rehab in Atlanta, Georgia Today

Don’t let kratom addiction control your life any longer. Contact Peachtree Detox today to speak with our admissions team about our kratom addiction treatment programs. Your journey to recovery begins with a single call.

 Call us now at 470-613-7881 or verify your insurance.

More On Kratom Addiction: Does Kratom Show Up On a Drug Test?

Kratom FAQs

While some individuals report using kratom to self-manage opioid withdrawal, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting its safety or effectiveness for this purpose. FDA-approved medications (such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone) combined with counseling and behavioral therapies remain the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder.

At Peachtree Detox, we offer evidence-based treatments for both opioid and kratom dependencies.

Yes, kratom can become habit-forming.

Regular use can lead to physical dependence, with users experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop.

Psychological dependence can also develop, characterized by cravings and continued use despite negative consequences. The risk increases with frequent use, higher doses, and longer duration of use.

Yes, kratom can both relieve and cause anxiety, depending on various factors.

While some users report short-term anxiety reduction, others experience increased anxiety, especially during withdrawal. Long-term use can worsen anxiety symptoms and potentially lead to panic attacks. Individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders may be particularly vulnerable to these effects.

While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for kratom withdrawal, several medications can help manage symptoms:

  • Clonidine for anxiety, sweating, and muscle aches
  • Over-the-counter medications for specific symptoms (pain relievers, anti-diarrheals)
  • Sleep aids for insomnia
  • Anti-anxiety medications (used cautiously and short-term)
  • NSAIDs for pain and discomfort
  • In some cases, buprenorphine for severe opioid-like withdrawal

At Peachtree Detox, our medical team carefully assesses each client to determine appropriate medications for comfortable withdrawal management.

Many health insurance plans cover kratom addiction treatment, particularly since the passage of mental health parity laws requiring comparable coverage for substance use disorders. Coverage varies by provider and policy.

At Peachtree Detox, our admissions team works with you to verify your insurance benefits and determine your coverage for kratom addiction treatment. We accept most major insurance plans and can help explore financing options if needed.

We Work With Most Major Insurance

Did you know most major health insurance plans with out-of-network benefits can help cover most of the costs associated with our program? Click below to find out your coverage and treatment options for our detox centers in Atlanta, Georgia.