Kratom addiction can develop from a substance that many people have never heard of.
Kratom is made from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It comes as a powder, capsule, liquid or tea, and people take it for different reasons. Some use it to manage pain or lift their mood. Others use it to make withdrawal from other substances easier.
In Ireland, kratom is a controlled substance, but it is still possible to find it online and through other illegal means. Regular kratom use can lead to physical dependence, and it can happen so quickly that it goes unnoticed.
The first time someone realises they’ve become dependent is often when they try to stop and find it’s much harder than expected. But, understanding why it happens and the potential dangers can help you or someone in your life get the support you need.
Are you concerned about kratom use?
Table of Contents
Understanding kratom addiction: causes, signs and long-term effects
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Is kratom addictive? What the science says
Kratom’s two active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are ‘partial mu and delta opioid agonists’. It also has potential action on serotonin and noradrenaline receptors.
In simple terms, this means they bind to the same receptors in your brain that opioids like morphine do. That’s why kratom relieves pain and changes your mood.
But many substances that acts on opioid receptors can come with the risk of dependence.
Tolerance is the first sign of dependency; as your brain adjusts to regular kratom use, it needs more to feel the same effect. If you then use more, physical dependence starts to take hold. Your body stops just being used to kratom and starts relying on it to feel normal. Stopping at that stage can feel very difficult and even impossible without help.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that more than half of regular users who had taken kratom for six months or longer developed severe kratom dependence.
This means that if you’ve been using kratom regularly for several months, you’re likely to have developed some level of dependence.
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Signs of kratom addiction withdrawal to be aware of
Kratom dependency withdrawal has both physical and psychological signs to look out for.
Physically, you may notice:
- Muscle pain and spasms
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hot flashes
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
Psychologically, you may be:
- Restless
- Tense
- Irritable
- Sad
- Generally low in mood
One of the clearest signs is what happens when you try to stop or cut down. Kratom withdrawal symptoms can begin within one to 12 hours of the last time you took it. That narrow window makes it hard to go even a short period without taking more.
If you’re taking kratom mainly to avoid withdrawal symptoms, rather than for the reason you started, that’s a sign of physical dependence.
But, kratom addiction symptoms don’t always appear at once. They tend to build up over weeks and months, and it can take a while to connect them to your kratom use.
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Long-term effects of kratom misuse
When kratom use continues for months or years, the consequences are more serious than withdrawal, as long-term kratom misuse can damage several organs – particularly the liver and heart:
- One description of long-term kratom use reported evidence of liver damage, heart problems, disrupted electrolyte levels, confusion, and muscle weakness
- In the most severe cases, some people with severe kratom addiction have experienced psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and confusion
The risk extends to overdose. An analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined more than 27,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States between 2016 and 2017. Of those:
- 152 tested positive for one of the active compounds of kratom
- In 91 of those cases, it was identified as a cause of death.
More recently, data published by the CDC noted a dramatic increase in kratom exposure of 1200% in the USA, between 2015-2025.
Kratom addiction treatment at Smarmore Castle
How kratom dependence is treated
There’s no single definitive guideline for treating kratom dependence. Because kratom acts on opioid receptors, doctors typically treat it in a similar way to other forms of drug addiction.
Stopping kratom suddenly after regular use can trigger withdrawal symptoms that are unpleasant and may not be safe to manage on your own:
- A medication called buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) has shown good results both for getting through withdrawal and for staying stable afterwards
- Clonidine, lofexidine or dihydrocodeine are also recognised, and may be used in centres during kratom detox
- Depending on the individual, alternatives such as clonidine, dihydrocodeine, and lofexidine may also be used
But kratom withdrawal also has a psychological side, and the low mood, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability can persist well after the physical symptoms have passed. These are often what make early recovery hard to sustain.
Detox addresses the physical dependence, but residential treatment gives you the time and clinical support to work on the reasons behind the dependence.
This can include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), group therapy, and dual diagnosis support for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. Our mental health and addiction page explains how we approach that.
anxiety or depression. Our mental health and addiction page explains how we approach that.
Full overview of our residential programme
What to expect when you get in touch
When you contact Smarmore Castle, you will speak with a member of our admissions team. Getting in touch is a conversation, not a commitment to anything.
Our team will listen to what’s going on and answer your questions honestly. If residential treatment is the right step, they’ll walk you through the process. If now isn’t the right time or if you may be better suited to alternative treatment, they’ll discuss the best steps to take.
There’s no pressure and no obligation. You can call, email, or fill in the form on this page, and we’ll get back to you at a time that suits you. If you have questions about what treatment costs, our cost of rehab page has the details you need.
You don’t have to face addiction alone.
Find out how kratom dependence is treated
If someone in your life is living with kratom addiction
Watching someone in your life deal with kratom addiction can be very difficult. You might have noticed that they’re spending more time alone or have become more secretive about what they’re taking.
You might have seen unexplained powders or capsules around the house, or noticed that their normal behaviour or routines have changed. They might be skipping meals, not taking care of themselves, sleeping badly, or cancelling plans.
These things tend to happen gradually, and on their own, none of them may seem like much. But when you look at the full picture, something is clearly different. If what you’re seeing is worrying you, trust your gut.
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How to talk to someone about kratom addiction
There’s no perfect way to start this conversation, and the first attempt may not go the way you hope. That’s normal, and it isn’t a reason to give up.
Pick a calm moment when neither of you is stressed or rushed. Be specific about what you’ve noticed rather than making general statements about their behaviour. “I’ve noticed you seem unwell when you haven’t taken kratom” is more useful than “I think you have a problem.”
Your role is to say what you’ve noticed and that you care. Leave any kind of diagnosis to professionals, and avoid ultimatums and labels.
If it doesn’t go well, give it time. The fact that you raised it can make a difference, even if the response doesn’t show it straight away.
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How family support fits into treatment at Smarmore Castle
At Smarmore Castle, our family programme supports the people around the patient before, during, and after treatment. This includes online workshops, family therapy sessions, and practical guidance.
These can help you understand what they’re going through and how you can support their recovery.
The programme also recognises that you need support too. Caring for someone with a dependence on any substance can be exhausting, and looking after yourself is just as important. Our team can also help connect you with local support groups, so you’re not going through this on your own.
Frequently asked questions about kratom addiction
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How long do kratom withdrawal symptoms typically last?
Withdrawal usually begins within one to 12 hours of the last dose. Physical symptoms such as muscle pain, sleep disruption, and nausea tend to peak within two to three days and ease over one to two weeks. Psychological symptoms like irritability and low mood may last longer.
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How can I find treatment for kratom addiction in Ireland?
Smarmore Castle in County Louth offers residential treatment for kratom dependence, including medically supervised detox, therapy, and aftercare. Contact our admissions team to discuss your options.
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Where can I find a detox centre for kratom in the Leinster region?
Smarmore Castle is in County Louth, in the Leinster region. We offer medically supervised kratom detox as part of a residential treatment programme.
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Are there support groups for kratom users in Ireland?
Kratom-specific support groups are limited in Ireland at present. Groups such as Narcotics Anonymous welcome people with any form of substance dependence. Smarmore Castle can also help connect you with local support as part of your aftercare plan.
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What are the best online support groups for kratom recovery?
Online programmes such as SMART Recovery offer structured peer support for people working toward recovery from substance dependence. These can be a helpful addition alongside professional treatment.