Kratom Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and What to Expect

Kratom withdrawal can hit hard, both physically and emotionally. Some people feel achy and unwell, as if they’re coming down with the flu. Others struggle with side effects like anxiety, low mood, or restlessness that won’t go away. [1]

Withdrawal syndrome symptoms can start quickly and manifest in various ways for different individuals.

While it’s not easy, it is temporary, and there are ways to get through it and start feeling better.

What Is Kratom and Why Does It Cause Withdrawal?

How Kratom Works in the Brain

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa or mitragynine) is derived from leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It’s often used for chronic pain relief or as an energy booster, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. [2]

Inside the body, it works a lot like opioids despite not being a controlled substance as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). [3]

Kratom binds to opioid receptors in the brain—the same ones that respond to drugs like morphine or heroin. Over time, this can lead to kratom addiction and dependence, even if it started as casual use.

Why Withdrawal Happens

When you take kratom often, your brain and body start to rely on it to feel balanced. If you suddenly stop following kratom dependence, your system doesn’t know how to respond right away. [4] That’s when withdrawal kicks in for kratom users.

Your body has to adjust to functioning without kratom, which can cause both physical and emotional symptoms that may require medical attention and healthcare.

Symptoms of the Kratom Withdrawal Process

When someone stops using kratom, the body and brain can react in several ways. These withdrawal symptoms are often uncomfortable but usually not life-threatening.

They can affect both your physical health and your emotional well-being. Here’s what to expect.

Physical Symptoms

Many people describe the physical side effects of kratom withdrawal as flu-like. [5] These symptoms may start within hours of the last dose and can include:

• Muscle aches: Aches and pains throughout the body are common.
• Sweating: Night sweats or feeling clammy for no clear reason.
• Nausea or vomiting: An upset stomach or loss of appetite.
• Chills or hot flashes: Body temperature may fluctuate.
• Fatigue: Feeling drained, heavy, or physically exhausted.

Emotional and Mental Symptoms

Kratom doesn’t just affect the body—it has a real impact on how you think and feel. [6] Once you stop using it, your emotions can swing in ways that feel hard to control.

• Anxiety: You might feel wired, tense, or like you can’t sit still.
• Depression: Some people lose interest in things they usually enjoy or feel a heavy sense of hopelessness.
• Mood swings: One minute you’re irritable, the next you’re down—it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.
• Sleep problems: Falling asleep might take hours, or you could find yourself wide awake in the middle of the night.
• Cravings: You may feel a strong pull to take kratom again, just to make the discomfort stop.

These mental and emotional symptoms are a normal part of withdrawal stemming from physical dependence, but they can be frustrating and draining. Having support makes a big difference.

How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last?

Kratom withdrawal usually starts quickly and can last for several days. For some people, symptoms go away within a week.

However, others may experience post-acute symptoms that persist for a longer period. The timeline depends on how much kratom you’ve been using, how often, and for how long. [7]

Acute Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

Acute withdrawal symptoms typically start within 6 to 12 hours after the last use of kratom. [8] They usually get worse over the first few days:

• Starts: 6–12 hours after stopping kratom
• Peaks: Around day 2 or 3
• Eases: Most symptoms fade by day 5 to 7

During this time, people may feel physically sick and emotionally overwhelmed. It can feel a lot like having the flu, but with added anxiety and cravings.

Kratom Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

After the initial withdrawal ends, some people go through post-acute withdrawal. This phase can last weeks or even months, especially for long-term or heavy users.

Common post-acute symptoms include:

• Anxiety that comes and goes
• Low energy or feeling drained all day
• Cravings that pop up randomly
• Trouble focusing or staying motivated

These symptoms often show up in waves. You might feel fine for a few days, then suddenly feel off again. That’s part of the post-acute cycle—and it’s normal following drug addiction and dependence.

What Makes Kratom Withdrawal Worse?

Kratom withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to overwhelming. Certain factors can make the process harder, both physically and emotionally, including: [9]

• Heavy Use or High Doses: Using higher doses of kratom or taking it several times a day increases the risk of stronger withdrawal symptoms compared to using low doses or using it less often. The more your body relies on it, the more difficult it can be to adjust once you stop, as is true with other substance use disorders.
• Mixing Kratom with Other Drugs or Alcohol: Combining kratom with other substances or drug use, especially depressants like alcohol or opioids, can complicate withdrawal. These combinations may create a more intense detox experience and put additional strain on the body and brain.
• Quitting Cold Turkey Without Support: Stopping kratom suddenly, especially after heavy use, can be tough. Withdrawal symptoms may come on fast and feel intense. Without support or a medical detox program, it can be easy to give in to cravings or experience mental health setbacks during this phase.

How Kratom Withdrawal Compares to Opioid Withdrawal

Many people turn to kratom because they believe it’s a “natural” or safer alternative to opiates or opioids—but that doesn’t mean withdrawal is easy. In fact, the symptoms of kratom withdrawal can be surprisingly similar to those seen with opioid addiction.

Similarities

• Both kratom and opioids act on the brain’s opioid receptors, so withdrawal from either can cause symptoms like muscle aches, sweating, nausea, and restlessness. [10]
• Emotional and psychological symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and cravings are common with both substances.
• Both can cause post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), such as depression and low energy, that linger long after the initial detox period ends.

Differences

• Kratom withdrawal is often considered milder than full opioid use disorder withdrawal, especially when it comes to the intensity of physical pain or vomiting.
• Some people describe kratom withdrawal as having a mix of opioid-like symptoms and stimulant crash symptoms, including brain fog and fatigue.
• Kratom withdrawal may also include unusual symptoms like body tremors or sensitivity to sound and light, which are less common in traditional opioid detoxification.

Why This Matters

Understanding how kratom withdrawal compares to opioid withdrawal helps people take it seriously.

Even though kratom is legal in many places and marketed as a “natural” supplement, it can still lead to drug dependence and a difficult detox process, as is true with other forms of substance abuse.

Knowing what to expect—and how it compares to other substances—can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and recovery.

Getting Through Kratom Withdrawal Safely

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to quit kratom, but safety and support can make a big difference in how manageable the process feels.

Detoxing at Home vs. In Treatment

Some people try to quit on their own at home, but this can come with challenges:

• Risks of home detox: No medical oversight, no support with cravings, and a higher risk of relapse compared to being at a detox center.
• Benefits of a supervised program: Access to care providers, symptom relief, emotional support, and structure during a difficult time.

Supervised detox isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and support, especially if mental health concerns or past trauma are involved.

Treatment Options to Support Recovery

Whether in outpatient or residential settings, treatment programs can offer tools that help people get through withdrawal and stay off kratom long-term. These may include:

• Medical support to ease symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or nausea
• Emotional support and therapy to help manage cravings and deal with the reasons behind kratom use
• Help with sleep, nutrition, and stress to restore balance and build healthier habits during recovery

The right combination of support can make withdrawal feel less overwhelming—and help set the stage for lasting change.

Don’t Endure Kratom Withdrawal Alone

Kratom withdrawal can be tough, but it doesn’t last forever. The symptoms may feel intense in the moment, but they fade with time, and there are ways to make the process easier.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to reach out. You or your loved one doesn’t have to do this alone. With the right support, recovery is possible—and it’s worth every step.