Is Kratom Withdrawal Dangerous?

Kratom withdrawal is usually uncomfortable rather than life-threatening, but it isn't risk-free. Stopping regular use may cause mild to moderate withdrawal, and the main dangers are dehydration, relapse and mixing in other substances. Withdrawal from concentrated 7-OH products can be severe. 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is a potent opioid found in small amounts in kratom leaf.

Who's at higher risk

• People who use 7-OH products. These products have 7-OH added or concentrated, so they act more like a strong opioid than natural kratom leaf. The FDA notes reports of long-lasting withdrawal. In one published case, a person needed a breathing tube for agitation, psychosis and breathing problems.

• People who use a lot, or for a long time. Higher amounts and longer use can make withdrawal last longer and feel more severe.

• People who can't keep fluids down. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and low electrolytes. Vomiting also carries a risk of breathing vomit into the lungs.

• People who use other substances too. Alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids taken to ease symptoms add sedation and breathing risks.

• People who go back to using. Relapse is one of the main risks of opioid-type withdrawal.

In one study, most people dependent on kratom leaf felt better within 1 to 3 days. Withdrawal from 7-OH products can last longer. Our guide to kratom withdrawal symptoms covers what to expect and when.

Emergency warning signs

• A seizure: call 911.

• Trouble breathing, or slow or stopped breathing: call 911.

• Chest pain or fainting: call 911.

• Someone you can't wake: call 911.

• Severe confusion or seeing things that aren't there: call 911.

• You may have taken too much of something to ease symptoms: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911.

• Thoughts of harming yourself: call or text 988.

• Vomiting or diarrhea and you can't keep fluids down: get medical care the same day.

Getting support

You don't have to get through withdrawal alone. A licensed doctor can help you plan how to stop and manage symptoms safely. No medicine is FDA-approved for kratom withdrawal, so any plan is worked out case by case.

• SAMHSA's National Helpline: call 1-800-662-4357 (TTY 1-800-487-4889). It's free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It gives referrals to treatment and support groups.

• Doctronic: the medical AI chat is free, and a video visit with a licensed doctor is $39. The visit can help with withdrawal symptoms and lead to a referral to addiction care. Doctronic doesn't treat addiction or run detox.

Get support for kratom withdrawal on Doctronic.