Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal: Why It Is Not a Safe Substitute for Medical Care

Kratom refers to Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, and to products made from its leaves that are marketed as herbal supplements [1]. People in Southeast Asia have used kratom for hundreds of years in traditional medicine and to increase alertness and energy [1].

Many people who use kratom report that smaller amounts feel like a stimulant, while larger amounts produce opioid-like or sedative effects [1]. The plant contains compounds that act on the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, and these compounds can cause classic opioid effects such as sedation, nausea, constipation, physical dependence and slowed breathing [2].

It is important to see kratom for what it is: a drug. Being natural does not make a substance safe. Plenty of natural substances can cause serious side effects, and kratom is one of them.

Some people say kratom eases the discomfort of opiate withdrawal and makes it easier to stop drugs like prescription painkillers or heroin. Early studies have found that some people report using kratom to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms tied to other substances, including opioids [1].

Self-reports are not the same as proof that something is safe or effective. There are no prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its alkaloids legally on the market in the U.S. [2]. That means no one has shown, through the FDA approval process, that kratom can safely manage opiate withdrawal.

There is also a practical problem. Because kratom products are not approved drugs, there is no reliable way to know how strong a given product is or exactly what is in it. The FDA has warned the public about kratom products contaminated with Salmonella and concerning levels of heavy metals [2].

Many people do not realize that kratom can itself lead to dependence. Studies suggest people may have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms when they stop regular kratom use [1]. The FDA has also documented cases of kratom-related substance use disorder, including using more than intended, cravings, tolerance and withdrawal when kratom use stopped [2]. Trading one dependency for another is not recovery.

Kratom also carries its own side effects and health risks:

• Common side effects. People who use kratom have reported nausea, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness [1].
• Serious reactions. Clinicians have reported rare but serious effects including confusion, tremors, seizures, high blood pressure, slowed breathing, vomiting and liver problems [1].
• FDA warnings. The FDA warns consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder [2].
• Overdose involvement. A CDC review of overdose deaths in 27 states found 152 people who tested positive for kratom. Kratom was named as a cause of death for 91 of them, usually alongside other drugs such as fentanyl [3].

Relying on an herbal product instead of medical care is a risk in itself. Overcoming opioid addiction takes more than getting through a few hard days, and trying to manage it alone can delay the help that actually works.

In the last few years, a newer type of product has spread: concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, often called 7-OH. It is a naturally occurring kratom alkaloid, but it acts much more strongly on opioid receptors than kratom's main compound and than morphine [2]. It is sold as tablets, gummies, drink mixes and shots [4].

In July 2025, the FDA recommended a scheduling action to control certain 7-OH products under the Controlled Substances Act. The agency said it was targeting 7-OH as a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant, not natural kratom leaf products [4].

In July 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration published a notice of intent to temporarily place 7-OH above a specified threshold in Schedule I [5]. The DEA reported that the amount of 7-OH in these products ranged from 1 mg to 700 mg in a single dose or serving, and that no controlled clinical trials have established safe limits [5]. Several states, including Colorado, have also restricted or banned 7-OH products [5].

Stopping opioids suddenly can be dangerous, and withdrawal is best handled with medical supervision. A supervised detox gives you care, monitoring and support while your body adjusts, instead of guesswork with unregulated products.

There are also FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, which a medical provider can help you decide on:

• Methadone. An opioid medication used for more than 50 years to treat opioid use disorder. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings [6].
• Buprenorphine. Another opioid medication that can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing intense feelings of pleasure or intoxication [6].
• Naltrexone. A medication approved for opioid use disorder that is not addictive [6].

According to NIDA, people with opioid use disorder who are treated with methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to die or to have an overdose than those who do not receive treatment [6]. A separate medication, lofexidine, is available to treat the acute symptoms of opioid withdrawal [6].

If you are ready to stop using opiates, you are already taking an important step. At Red Rock Recovery Center in Lakewood and Morrison, Colorado, we begin with a supervised, medical approach to withdrawal through medical detox, then continue care through residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs.

You can still take a whole-person approach that blends clinical care with lifestyle changes, without depending on unregulated herbal products. Services that support long-term recovery at Red Rock include:

• Adventure program. Outdoor experiences that build confidence, connection and healthy ways to cope.
• Family therapy. Sessions that help loved ones heal and learn how to support recovery.
• 12-step program. Structured step work and peer support that continues after treatment.
• Alumni program. Ongoing community and connection once formal treatment ends.