Overcoming Kratom Addiction: A TeleMAT Path to Recovery in Tennessee

If you’re struggling with overcoming kratom addiction, you’re not alone — and there is hope. At Nashville Addiction Clinic, we specialize in helping men and women ages 18 to 65 break free from kratom dependence — even when life feels hard, resources are limited, or you’ve felt stuck. This guide explains what kratom addiction is, why it’s dangerous, and how our telemedicine-based Suboxone program (TeleMAT) can support you toward lasting recovery.

What Is Kratom and Why It Can Lead to Addiction

What is kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain active alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which bind to opioid receptors in the brain. (DEA) At low doses, users may feel stimulant-like effects; at higher doses, more sedative or analgesic effects akin to opioids may occur. (DEA)

However, kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and there are serious risks associated with its use, including toxicity, seizures, liver injury, and development of substance use disorder. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) The FDA regularly issues warnings about kratom products, and the DEA lists kratom as a “drug and chemical of concern.” (DEA)

Why kratom leads to addiction

Because kratom compounds act on opioid receptors, long-term use can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when use stops. A review of kratom’s withdrawal profiles showed symptoms similar to opioids: muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, gastrointestinal distress, and more. (PMC) In some cases, people begin with kratom to self-manage pain or opioid withdrawal — but end up trading one addiction for another. (Mayo Clinic)

People sometimes believe kratom is a “safe, natural alternative” to opioids. But because kratom products are unregulated, potency and purity vary wildly. (Examine) The FDA has also issued warnings about products containing 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), a potent derivative, which may soon be scheduled by the FDA due to overdose risk. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

In short: kratom addiction is real, unpredictable, and dangerous.

Why You Should Treat Kratom Addiction Like an Opioid Problem

• The risk of overdose or death increases when combining kratom with other depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids).
  
• Kratom does not reliably alleviate pain or mental health issues — and may worsen them in the long run.
  
• The unpredictable potency and lack of regulation make it a public health concern.
  
• Transitioning off kratom often triggers withdrawal symptoms that mirror opioid withdrawal.
  

Because of these parallels, treating kratom addiction through opioid use disorder protocols is often safer and more effective than attempting cold turkey or using untested remedies.

A 2023 expert article advised caution but recognized that buprenorphine (Suboxone) may be considered in cases of kratom withdrawal, under medical supervision. (dig.pharmacy.uic.edu)

At Nashville Addiction Clinic, we approach overcoming kratom addiction using the same proven TeleMAT model we use for opioid addiction — because your brain and body deserve evidence-based care.

How Nashville Addiction Clinic’s TeleMAT Program Helps You Overcome Kratom Addiction

Here’s how our approach addresses the unique challenges faced by people trying to quit kratom (or any opioid):

1. Same-day Suboxone induction online

During your first virtual appointment, a medical provider can prescribe Suboxone — the gold standard for medication-assisted treatment. You never need to drive to a brick-and-mortar clinic.
Your prescription can be sent to your local pharmacy or delivered overnight.

2. Virtual, no-travel treatment

Because we’re the first clinic in Tennessee to receive a virtual medical license for addiction treatment, you won’t have to come into a clinic at all. Our entire program is telemedicine-based — perfect for those in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson, or Clarksville who may lack transport.

3. Counseling with licensed clinicians

You’ll work with counselors holding master’s degrees who understand trauma, abuse, and mental health. We pair meds with therapy because detox alone is rarely enough.

4. A supportive, respectful culture

Our clinic was built by people in recovery who were mistreated elsewhere. We created a clinic where kindness, dignity, and respect lead every interaction.

5. Proven track record & credibility

• Over six years in operation
  
• Treated 1,000+ people in Tennessee
  
• Over 250 five-star Google reviews
  
• Accredited by The Joint Commission
  
• Staff with years of experience treating opioid addiction
  
• Owners in active recovery
  

6. Flexible payment & insurance coverage

We accept TennCare Medicaid, commercial health insurance, and self-pay. Use our sliding scale program if needed.

• Register for virtual treatment with commercial health insurance
  
• Register with TennCare Medicaid
  
• Register self-pay
  
• See prices & insurance info
  
• Apply for sliding-scale program
  

7. Ongoing support, no relapse left alone

You remain connected to a care team who understands your history, helps manage cravings, and walks alongside you. When you’re ready to step down, you register as a returning patient easily.

Overcoming Kratom Addiction: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simplified path many of our clients follow:

1. Free consultation & assessment. We’ll evaluate your history with kratom and opioids.
   
2. Medical evaluation via TeleMAT. Suboxone induction is arranged the same day.
   
3. Therapy & counseling. Weekly or more often, combining evidence-based methods.
   
4. Support and monitoring. Ongoing check-ins, prescription management, and relapse prevention.
   
5. Long-term recovery planning. Once stabilized, you and your team plan tapering or maintenance, support groups, life goals, and social reintegration.
   

Because our care is virtual, you can access treatment anywhere in Tennessee — from Nashville to Murfreesboro to Johnson City — without worrying about transportation.

FAQs About Overcoming Kratom Addiction

Q1. How long do kratom withdrawal symptoms last?
Withdrawal usually peaks between 24–48 hours after the last dose and may last 5–10 days, sometimes longer depending on dosage and duration. (PMC)

Q2. Can I switch from kratom to Suboxone safely?
Yes — under medical supervision, transitioning from kratom to Suboxone can be done with minimal discomfort in many cases.

Q3. Will I experience opioid withdrawal when quitting kratom?
Yes — because kratom acts on opioid receptors, quitting often triggers withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids.

Q4. How soon can I get treatment from Nashville Addiction Clinic?
In many cases, the same day. Your first appointment could lead to a Suboxone prescription that day.

Q5. Is virtual treatment safe and effective?
Yes. Telemedicine-based MAT (TeleMAT) is evidence-backed, and we hold a Tennessee virtual license to ensure robust care.

Q6. What if I can’t afford treatment?
We have sliding scale options and accept Medicaid (TennCare), commercial insurance, or self-pay. (See links above.)

Q7. What are the risks of not treating kratom addiction?
Untreated addiction increases risk of overdose, death, health deterioration, mental health collapse, legal complications, and lost relationships.

Why TeleMAT Is the Key to Overcoming Kratom Addiction

• You don’t travel — treatment happens wherever you are
  
• You get medically supervised Suboxone without withdrawal stress
  
• You receive counseling tailored to trauma, mental abuse history, and life hardship
  
• You stay connected, accountable, and supported every step of the way
  
• You match treatment to your insurance or financial means
  

At Nashville Addiction Clinic, “overcoming kratom addiction” isn’t a distant dream — it’s a plan we walk with you. Call or text us at (615) 927-7802 or message us securely on the Spruce Health app if you want to talk or set up your first appointment.

You deserve a life free from chasing pills or hiding your addiction. Take the step — we’re here to help.

Related Articles

• Kratom Withdrawal: Safe, Virtual Recovery Options in Tennessee
• Kratom Addiction Help in Tennessee: Virtual Suboxone Care That Works
• Kratom Addiction Treatment in Tennessee: Virtual Help That Works

External Resources

• DEA.gov – Opioid addiction-related articles
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov
• National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
• Locate a Peer Recovery Support Specialist
• Tennessee Department of Health Drug Overdose Dashboard