Key Takeaways
- Kratom can cause a euphoric high at higher doses, which may lead to dependence and addiction.
- The effects of kratom vary widely based on dose, strain, and purity.
- Professional treatment helps people recover safely from kratom use and rebuild healthy, sober lives.
Kratom has become more popular in recent years. It is often advertised as a natural supplement for pain relief, energy, or relaxation. It is sold in powder, capsule, and tea form in smoke shops and online stores. Many people try it because it seems safe or plant-based. However, some struggle with dependence and unwanted side effects from it.
A question often asked about it is, “Does kratom get you high?” And the answer is yes. At certain doses, kratom can cause feelings of euphoria and sedation that resemble the effects of opioids. What begins as a mild or pleasant feeling can turn into a pattern of regular use that leads to tolerance, dependence, and even addiction. To understand how this happens, it helps to know what kratom is and how it interacts with the body.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. In regions where it grows naturally, people have used it for generations to reduce fatigue, increase productivity, and relieve pain. Traditionally, the leaves were chewed or brewed into tea for mild stimulation.
Kratom contains two main active chemicals: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids act on the same brain receptors that respond to opioids, particularly the mu-opioid receptors, which is why kratom can produce both stimulating and sedative effects depending on the dose (National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA). At lower doses, mitragynine behaves more like a stimulant, while at higher doses both alkaloids can lead to pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria.
Because kratom is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no standard for strength or purity. A single teaspoon from one product might be mild, while the same amount from another brand could be dangerously strong. This lack of consistency makes kratom unpredictable and risky.
How Kratom Causes a “High”
When someone takes a larger amount of kratom, its alkaloids activate opioid receptors in the brain. This can create sensations of relaxation, warmth, and contentment. The higher the dose, the stronger these sedative and euphoric effects become.
Some kratom products, especially extracts or concentrated powders, contain much higher levels of these alkaloids. These are far more likely to cause a noticeable high and increase the chance of addiction.
Each time a person experiences that pleasurable feeling, the brain learns to associate kratom with relief and comfort. Over time, the brain begins to rely on kratom to produce those feelings naturally. When the substance is removed, withdrawal symptoms appear, which can make quitting difficult.
| Approximate Dose | Typical Effects | Chance of “High” |
| 1–3 grams | Mild stimulation, alertness, focus | Low |
| 3–6 grams | Calmness, pain relief, light euphoria | Moderate |
| 6+ grams | Sedation, strong euphoria, opioid-like relaxation | High |
| Concentrated extracts | Intense euphoria, drowsiness, risk of overdose | Very High |
These effects vary widely because no two kratom products are the same. Even small changes in dosage can create very different experiences.
Effects and Uses of Kratom
Kratom’s effects depend heavily on the dose, the user’s biology, and the product’s composition. Many people turn to kratom looking for relief from physical or emotional pain. Others use it to increase energy or self-treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, or opioid withdrawal.
Although kratom may temporarily relieve discomfort, it is not approved for medical use and carries significant risks.
Low Doses: Stimulation and Focus
In small amounts, kratom may increase alertness, motivation, and sociability. Some users say it helps them feel more productive or less tired. However, it can also raise blood pressure, cause restlessness, or lead to sleeplessness.
As tolerance builds, users often begin taking more to reach the same effect. That shift increases the risk of dependence.
Moderate to High Doses: Sedation and Euphoria
At higher doses, kratom produces the opposite effect. Users may feel calm, sleepy, or emotionally detached. Pain may fade, and worries may seem distant. This relaxing state is the high that many people seek.
Over time, the brain adjusts to these effects, and stopping suddenly can cause physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms.
Lack of Regulation
Because kratom products are unregulated, one batch might contain only natural leaf powder, while another could be mixed with synthetic compounds or contaminants. Heavy metals and bacteria have been found in some commercial products. This makes even casual use potentially dangerous.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Yes, kratom can be addictive. Many people think natural substances can’t cause addiction. However, kratom affects the same brain receptors as opioids. Repeated use changes how the brain processes pleasure, stress, and reward.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), regular kratom users can develop dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids, including anxiety, muscle aches, and irritability (NIDA, 2024).
How Addiction Develops
When someone uses kratom regularly, their brain starts to rely on it to feel normal. The more they use, the less natural pleasure they feel from everyday activities. Eventually, stopping leads to withdrawal, which drives continued use.
Common Signs of Kratom Addiction
- Taking more than intended or for longer than planned
- Feeling anxious or sick without it
- Craving kratom throughout the day
- Struggling to quit despite wanting to stop
- Hiding use from others
- Ignoring responsibilities due to use
Kratom addiction often develops slowly. People may not realize how dependent they’ve become until withdrawal symptoms appear or their daily life starts to revolve around the substance.
Kratom Withdrawal and Detox
Once dependence forms, stopping kratom can be challenging. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 24 hours of the last dose and can last up to a week. Although not typically life-threatening, the symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle and joint pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sweating or chills
- Fatigue and mood changes
- Strong cravings for kratom
Because withdrawal can be intense, many people relapse when they try to quit alone. Having medical and emotional support greatly improves the likelihood of a successful recovery.
Safe Detox at My Time Recovery
At My Time Recovery, our detox program provides a secure and supportive environment for individuals withdrawing from kratom. Clients are monitored by a medical team that can help reduce discomfort and manage symptoms safely.
Detox focuses on physical stabilization, proper nutrition, hydration, and rest. We also include holistic therapies such as yoga, art therapy, and sound therapy to help calm the mind and body.
After detox, clients can transition into our residential or outpatient treatment programs, where they begin working on the emotional and behavioral aspects of recovery.
Risks and Health Concerns of Kratom
Although kratom may seem less harmful than other substances, it can still have serious health consequences.
Physical Health Risks
Kratom use can cause nausea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and loss of appetite. In higher amounts, it can lead to confusion, sedation, and poor coordination. Long-term use has been associated with liver injury and, in some cases, seizures.
Mixing kratom with alcohol, opioids, or sedatives increases the risk of dangerous interactions, including slowed breathing and overdose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported several deaths where kratom was used along with other substances.
Legal and Safety Concerns
Kratom is not federally illegal, but the FDA has not approved it for any medical use. Some U.S. states and cities have banned its sale due to safety concerns.
Because kratom is unregulated, there is no reliable way to know what is in each product or how strong it is. This uncertainty makes using it especially risky.
Treatment at My Time Recovery
Overcoming kratom addiction is possible. At My Time Recovery, we know that every person’s experience is different, and we approach treatment with compassion and respect.
Our programs are built to address both the physical and emotional sides of addiction. We combine evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches that help clients heal fully.
Our Programs Include
- Medical Detox:Safe, monitored care during withdrawal.
- Residential Treatment:A structured, supportive environment for rebuilding stability and confidence.
- Day Treatment and IOP:Flexible programs that allow continued therapy while maintaining daily life.
- Mental Health Services:Support for depression, anxiety, trauma, and other co-occurring conditions.
- Holistic Therapies:Yoga, art, fitness, and sound therapy to restore balance.
- Veteran Programs:Specialized treatment for veterans dealing with trauma and substance use.
Contact My Time Recovery Today
We believe recovery is about more than quitting substances. It is about helping each person find peace, purpose, and connection again.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom use, you do not have to face it alone. Our team is here to listen, guide, and help you start fresh. Contact My Time Recovery today to speak confidentially with a caring team member.
FAQ’s
Can kratom get you high the first time you use it?
Yes. Even first-time users may experience mild euphoria or sedation depending on the amount and strength of the product.
Is kratom safe to use for pain or anxiety?
Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical purpose. Using it for self-treatment can lead to dependency and health risks.
What happens when you stop using kratom?
Withdrawal can cause nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and cravings. These symptoms are best managed in a safe, supportive detox environment.
Can you overdose on kratom?
Yes. High doses, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, can lead to severe sedation or respiratory issues.
How can My Time Recovery help with kratom addiction?
Our treatment center offers detox, therapy, and holistic programs that address both physical dependence and the emotional factors behind substance use.
