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

Worker in a hoodie sitting at a break room table during a telehealth call, with coffee cups, vending machine glow, and bulletin board in the background, reflecting the challenge and hope of kratom recovery.

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)

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:

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

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 About How Addictive Kratom Is

1. How addictive is kratom?

Kratom can be addictive, especially with regular or high-dose use. While some people start using it for energy or pain relief, repeated use can lead to physical dependence and cravings similar to mild opioid addiction.

2. Why do people become addicted to kratom?

Kratom affects opioid receptors in the brain, particularly through compounds like 7-hydroxymitragynine. Over time, the brain adapts to its presence, leading to tolerance, dependence, and the need for increasing doses.

3. Is kratom as addictive as opioids?

Kratom is generally considered less potent than traditional opioids, but it can still cause addiction—especially with extracts or concentrated products. Some users report withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids when trying to quit.

4. How quickly can you become dependent on kratom?

Dependence can develop within a few weeks of daily use. The timeline varies depending on dosage, frequency, and individual factors, but regular use significantly increases the risk.

5. What are the signs of kratom addiction?

Common signs include:

  • Needing higher doses to feel the same effects
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping
  • Cravings or inability to cut back
  • Using despite negative consequences

6. Is 7-hydroxymitragynine more addictive than regular kratom?

Yes. 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a more potent alkaloid found in kratom, especially in extracts. It binds strongly to opioid receptors, increasing the risk of dependence and more severe withdrawal.

7. Can you get withdrawal symptoms from kratom?

Yes. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, sweating, nausea, and cravings. These symptoms can make it difficult to stop without support.

8. Can kratom addiction be treated?

Yes. Kratom addiction can be effectively treated with a combination of support, structured care, and in some cases medications like Suboxone, which help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

9. Is kratom addiction common?

Kratom use has increased in recent years, and more people are reporting dependence—especially those using it daily or in high doses. While not everyone becomes addicted, the risk is significant enough to take seriously.

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.

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Kratom Addiction Resources for Tennessee Residents

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.

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