How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Kratom?

What Is Kratom?

Before we address how long does it take to get addicted to kratom, it can be helpful to review some fundamental facts about this drug. 

First, the word kratom can refer to a tree that is indigenous to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and several Southeast Asian nations. Kratom can also refer to the drug that is derived from the leaves of this tree. In this post, we’ll be focusing primarily on the drug – but if you read about kratom elsewhere, be aware that the word has more than one meaning.

While kratom is a relatively new recreational substance in the United States, it has a long history in other parts of the world. The earliest known scientific reference to kratom is from 1839, when Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals encountered the tree in Southeast Asia. Though Korthals is sometimes credited with discovering kratom, this is unlikely, as the drug has long been used for various purposes in areas where the tree naturally grows.   

For example, laborers in some countries have traditionally chewed kratom leaves to boost their energy. Kratom also has an extended history of being incorporated into herbal medicine practices in these regions. 

Today, in addition to chewing the leaves, people can also ingest kratom by smoking the leaves, brewing them into teas, or taking an extract in pill form.

One of the more intriguing characteristics of kratom is that some of its effects are similar to what a stimulant would cause, while others align more closely with what a person would feel if they took an opioid.

Kratom’s stimulant-like effects include elevated heart rate, energy boost, increased alertness, and suppressed appetite. Its opioid-like effects include improved mood, minimized anxiety, deep relaxation, and alleviation of pain. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that some people believe that these different effects depend on how much or how little kratom a person uses. However, research has not yet determined if this is true.

Is Kratom Dangerous?

In the United States, there are currently no federal laws banning the sale, possession, and use of kratom. This has led some people to mistakenly believe that the drug poses no health risk. The truth is that kratom use has been associated with a variety of concerning outcomes, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• High blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Cardiac arrest
• Disorientation
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia)
• Addiction

The danger of kratom use can increase if a person uses large amounts of the drug, or if they combine kratom with alcohol or other substances.

How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Kratom?

We know kratom can be dangerous, and we know it can be addictive. But what we haven’t yet discussed is how long does it take to get addicted to kratom.

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. The amount of time it takes for someone to develop an addiction to kratom can be influenced by several factors, such as:

• The person’s age and gender
• The amount of kratom they have been using
• The length of time they have been using kratom
• Family or personal history of substance abuse and addiction
• Family or personal history of certain mental health concerns
• Inheriting certain genetic variations

What Are the Signs of Kratom Addiction?

If you are worried about becoming addicted to kratom, or if you suspect that you have already developed an addiction, you should speak with your primary care physician or another qualified healthcare provider. This professional can conduct a thorough assessment and, if necessary, recommend treatment options.

If you’re not sure about scheduling an assessment, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you spend a lot of time thinking about kratom, using it, and recovering from its effects?
• Has your kratom use caused you to miss school or work, or fail to meet other responsibilities?
• Has your kratom use caused you to reduce or end your participation in hobbies, sports, or other activities that you used to enjoy?
• When you can’t use kratom, do you become angry, agitated, or irritated?
• Have you noticed that you need to use more kratom than you previously did to achieve the effects that you’re seeking?
• Have you continued to use kratom even after incurring some type of harm (such as problems at work, conflicts in relationships, or legal difficulties) due to prior use?
• If you have ever tried to stop using kratom, did you develop withdrawal symptoms that pushed you back into active use again?
• Have you lied to or otherwise deceived friends or family members about the amount and frequency of your kratom use?
• Do you feel like you need to use kratom in order to be happy, or to deal with sadness?
• Has anyone ever suggested to you that your kratom use has become problematic?

If you can answer yes to any (or all) of the questions above, you should seriously consider consulting with a professional. The good news about kratom addiction is that it is a treatable condition. When you get the help you need, you can put your kratom use behind you and build a healthier, drug-free future for yourself.

Find Kratom Detox in Georgia

If withdrawal symptoms have prevented you from ending your kratom use, detox may be the ideal first step on your path to recovery.

Peachtree Detox is a trusted source of inpatient detoxification for adults in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Our center is a safe place where you will be cared for by a team of experienced professionals. We can provide you with both medical and therapeutic support, so that you can get through kratom withdrawal as quickly as possible, with minimal distress. 

Once you have completed withdrawal, we’ll work with you to develop a customized aftercare plan that aligns with your strengths, needs, and goals. The time you spend at Peachtree Detox may be relatively brief, but the services and support you receive here can provide benefits that truly last a lifetime.

To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.