How Addictive Is Kratom? Understanding the Risks and Your Treatment Options

How addictive is kratom, and what does that mean for people already struggling with opioid use in Tennessee? If you’re 18 to 65 and worried about dependence—whether for yourself or someone you love—this guide explains the science, the dangers of overdose, and how Nashville Addiction Clinic can help you break free with compassionate, virtual care.

What Is Kratom and Why Do People Use It?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that act on the brain’s opioid receptors, producing stimulant effects in low doses and sedative, pain-relieving effects in higher doses. Many people turn to kratom for pain relief, anxiety, or to self-treat opioid withdrawal.

Start Kratom Addiction Today—From Home

If you’re ready to transition from kratom to Suboxone, the process can be smoother and more comfortable than you might expect when done under proper medical guidance. At Nashville Addiction Clinic, we specialize in helping patients make this transition safely, minimizing withdrawal symptoms and avoiding unnecessary discomfort. With same-day telemedicine appointments often available, you can speak with a provider quickly, receive a personalized plan, and begin treatment without delays. Our team understands the challenges of kratom dependence and will guide you step-by-step so you can feel confident, supported, and back in control.

Local Tennessee Providers Who Understand Kratom Addiction

Nashville Addiction Clinic has been providing treatment for Kratom, 7-OH/&-Hydroxy since 2024. Through secure telemedicine, Kratom-addicted patients are safely and comfortably transitioned to Suboxone, often with minimal discomfort. Suboxone medications can be shipped to your door, eliminating the need to ever visit a clinic or a pharmacy. (a delivery fee applies)

• Access Kratom addiction treatment anywhere in Tennessee
• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Owned and operated by people in long-term recovery who live in Tennessee

Register for online treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (Apply for low-cost treatment using our sliding-scale program)

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that kratom is not approved for any medical use and carries serious risks of addiction, withdrawal, and even death.

How Addictive Is Kratom Compared to Opioids?

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), kratom’s main active compounds—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—can cause dependence similar to prescription opioids. Repeated use leads to tolerance, meaning you need more to get the same effect, and stopping suddenly can bring on intense withdrawal symptoms.

Common kratom withdrawal signs include:

• Muscle aches and joint pain
  
• Anxiety and depression
  
• Insomnia
  
• Irritability and mood swings
  

These symptoms mirror opioid withdrawal and can drive users back to kratom or stronger opioids, increasing the risk of overdose.

Why Kratom Use Is Rising in Tennessee

Communities across Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Chattanooga report increased kratom sales in gas stations and smoke shops. Many residents—especially those in rural areas with limited transportation—mistakenly believe kratom is a safe alternative to prescription opioids.

Yet emergency departments statewide continue to see cases of kratom-related overdoses. When combined with other drugs or alcohol, the risk of respiratory depression and death rises dramatically.

Opioid Addiction and the Danger of Overdose

If you’re using kratom to avoid stronger opioids, you may still face life-threatening risks. Opioid addiction remains a crisis in Tennessee, with SAMHSA reporting thousands of opioid-related overdoses each year. Kratom use can be a gateway back to dangerous opioids like heroin or fentanyl.

Nashville Addiction Clinic: TeleMAT for Lasting Recovery

For over six years, Nashville Addiction Clinic has helped more than 1,000 Tennesseans break free from opioid addiction—including those struggling with kratom. Here’s why patients choose us:

• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Our clinic owners are in long-term recovery
• Over 280 Google Reviews (from real patients)
• We’re proudly the first telemedicine addiction clinic in Tennessee, with a virtual medical license for treating opioid dependence
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
• Statewide award winner of the 2025 Best of Tennessee award for substance abuse treatment
• Over 1000 patients served in 2025 between clinics
• We accept most commercial insurance, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (all U.S. states), Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid plans: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.
• Overnight Suboxone delivery is available in most areas (a delivery fee applies)

A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who provide judgement-free care, some who are in recovery.

Call or text (615) 927-7802 or message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app to start your recovery journey today.

Flexible Registration Options

• Register for virtual addiction treatment using commercial health insurance
• Register for online Suboxone treatment using TennCare Medicaid
• Register for self-pay online addiction treatment
• View insurance and pricing
• Meet our supportive staff
• Read patient reviews
• Apply for our sliding-scale program
• Returning patient registration

How We Transition Patients from Kratom to Suboxone

Transitioning from kratom can be painless. Our clinicians tailor a Suboxone taper plan that virtually eliminates cravings and withdrawal. We help patients who previously relied on hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, methadone, oxymorphone, heroin, fentanyl, OxyContin, Percocet—and yes, kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kratom legal in Tennessee?
Yes, kratom is legal for adults, but legality doesn’t mean safety.

Can kratom cause overdose?
Yes. Especially when mixed with opioids, alcohol, or sedatives, kratom can suppress breathing and lead to death.

Does insurance cover online Suboxone treatment?
Most TennCare Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans cover our TeleMAT program. See our insurance options.

Do I have to visit the clinic in person?
No. All appointments are virtual. Medications are sent to your pharmacy or shipped overnight.

How Addictive Is Kratom? Key Takeaways

• Kratom interacts with opioid receptors and can cause dependence and withdrawal.
  
• Overdose is possible, especially when combined with other substances.
  
• Professional treatment with Suboxone and counseling offers a safe, proven path to recovery.
  

Related Articles

• Kratom Withdrawal: Safe, Virtual Recovery Options in Tennessee
• Kratom Use Disorder: Understanding Treatment Options in Tennessee
• Signs of Kratom Addiction: When to Seek Help in Tennessee

Kratom Addiction Resources for Tennessee Residents

• Kratom & 7-Hydroxymitragynine Addiction Treatment in Tennessee—From Home
• DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction Resources
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Learn How to Transition from Kratom to Suboxone in Tennessee

Ready to stop the cycle? Call or text (615) 927-7802 today or register online to start same-day Suboxone treatment and reclaim your life.