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Kratom Abuse Treatment in Philadelphia

Kratom is often marketed as a natural remedy. It is sold as an herbal supplement, associated with pain relief, increased energy, or help with opioid withdrawal symptoms. For many people, kratom use begins with the hope of decreased pain, improved mood, or a safer alternative to prescription opioids. What often goes unspoken is how easily kratom can shift from occasional use into physical dependence, psychological symptoms, and a full substance use disorder. At MPower Wellness, we provide kratom addiction treatment grounded in compassion, medical insight, and individualized care.

Author: Tom DeVitis, MA, LPC, CAADC

1 min read

Date Published: January 8, 2026

Kratom Use, Dependence, and When to Seek Kratom Addiction Treatment

Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally, low doses were used for fatigue and higher doses for pain-relieving effects. In the United States, kratom is often used recreationally or as a self-directed attempt to relieve pain, manage opioid withdrawal, or avoid prescription medicines.

Kratom use affects the brain’s opioid receptors, particularly the mu opioid receptors. At low doses, kratom may produce stimulant effects such as increased alertness or energy. At higher doses, it produces opioid-like effects, including sedation, euphoria, and pain relief. These effects are what place kratom in the category of psychoactive drugs and create risk for dependence.

Over time, repeated kratom use can lead to physical dependence. The body adapts, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. What once felt like relief can slowly become a necessity. This shift is not always obvious at first, especially because kratom is often perceived as natural or safer than opioid drugs.

At MPower Wellness, we know the urgency of addressing addiction as swiftly as possible to prevent future issues down the road. Kratom abuse treatment is needed once you recognize these signs of dependence.

What Causes Kratom Addiction?

Kratom addiction is a form of drug addiction that involves both physical and psychological reliance on the substance. While kratom is not classified the same way as prescription opioids, it interacts with the same opioid receptors and can create similar patterns of compulsive use.

Kratom abuse often escalates when individuals attempt to self-treat pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal without medical supervision. Over time, kratom may stop providing relief and instead contribute to adverse effects such as mood changes, irritability, sleep disruption, high blood pressure, weight loss, and increased anxiety.

Psychological symptoms of kratom addiction may include cravings, preoccupation with dosing, fear of running out, and continued use despite negative consequences. Physical symptoms may include muscle pain, gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and tolerance requiring higher doses.

Kratom addiction does not exist in isolation. It often overlaps with other substances, including alcohol, prescription opioids, or other psychoactive drugs. This complexity is why professional addiction treatment is essential.

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Kratom Withdrawal

Kratom withdrawal occurs when someone who has developed physical dependence reduces or stops use. While kratom withdrawal is sometimes described as mild, many individuals experience severe withdrawal symptoms that resemble opioid withdrawal.

Kratom withdrawal can be physically and emotionally distressing. The intensity often depends on dose, duration of use, and whether other substances are involved. Withdrawal symptoms may begin within 12 to 48 hours after the last dose and can last for days or weeks.

At MPower Wellness, we know attempting to quit kratom without support can increase the risk of relapse, particularly when withdrawal symptoms are intense or when kratom was being used to manage pain or opioid addiction.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include:

Muscle pain and body aches
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Sweating and chills
Insomnia and fatigue
Anxiety and irritability
Depression and mood swings
Restlessness and cravings

These withdrawal symptoms are not a sign of weakness. They reflect changes in the brain’s opioid receptors and nervous system. Medical professionals at MPower Wellness can help manage these symptoms safely through a structured substance abuse treatment program.

Kratom Legal Status and Controlled Substances

Many people assume kratom is safe because it is legal in many states. The reality is more complex. Kratom is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any medical use. The Drug Enforcement Administration has identified kratom as a drug of concern due to its opioid-like effects and potential for abuse.

While kratom is not currently classified as an illegal substance at the federal level, its legal status varies by state and municipality. The Controlled Substances Act has been discussed in relation to kratom, and regulatory changes continue to evolve.

The lack of regulation does not mean a lack of risk. In fact, unregulated substances often carry greater danger due to inconsistent potency and contamination. Understanding whether kratom is legal does not change the reality of kratom dependence or the need for addiction treatment.

Addiction Treatment for Kratom Use

Addiction treatment for kratom must be individualized. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, especially given kratom’s opioid-like effects and its frequent overlap with chronic pain, opioid use disorder, and mental health conditions. At MPower Wellness, kratom addiction is treated as a legitimate substance use disorder that deserves the same clinical respect, structure, and compassion as any other form of drug addiction.

Individualized Outpatient Treatment at MPower Wellness

MPower Wellness specializes in outpatient treatment models that allow individuals to receive high-quality care while maintaining work, family, and daily responsibilities. Our substance abuse treatment programs are designed to meet people at different stages of readiness, offering flexible scheduling and personalized treatment plans.

Care may include medical monitoring, individual and group therapy, and coordinated dual diagnosis support for co-occurring mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions. Treatment plans are continually adjusted based on progress, symptoms, and evolving needs, ensuring care remains responsive rather than rigid.

Medical Oversight and Medication-Supported Care

For some individuals, medication management may play an important role in kratom addiction treatment. MPower Wellness offers access to experienced medical professionals who understand the complex interaction between kratom, opioid receptors, and withdrawal symptoms.

In appropriate cases, buprenorphine naloxone may be used to help stabilize opioid receptors, reduce cravings, and ease withdrawal symptoms. The buprenorphine naloxone dose is carefully determined and monitored, with a strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and long-term recovery outcomes.

FDA-approved medications are never used in isolation. At MPower, medication support is integrated into a broader treatment plan that includes education, counseling, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to the individual.

Ongoing Treatment and Recovery Planning

Kratom treatment at MPower Wellness extends beyond initial stabilization. Ongoing treatment planning helps individuals build sustainable recovery through continued therapeutic support, accountability, and skill development.

This phase of care focuses on strengthening coping strategies, addressing underlying drivers of substance use, and creating a realistic plan for long-term wellness. Whether someone is transitioning off kratom, managing opioid dependence, or addressing multiple substances, MPower provides continuity of care that supports lasting change.

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Up to 100% of the costs covered by insurance. At MPower Wellness, we accept most insurance plans. Verify your insurance to get information about your coverage.

Behavioral Therapies and Mind-Body Support

Medication alone is rarely sufficient for lasting recovery. Sustainable healing requires addressing the emotional, psychological, and behavioral patterns that contribute to substance use. Behavioral therapies form the foundation of treatment at MPower Wellness, helping individuals understand triggers, regulate emotions, and build healthier responses to stress and discomfort.

Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapies at MPower

MPower Wellness utilizes evidence-based behavioral therapies to support recovery from kratom addiction and related substance use disorders. These approaches help individuals recognize patterns of use, develop practical coping skills, and strengthen decision-making during moments of craving or stress.

Therapy also provides space to address co-occurring mental illness, unresolved trauma, and the emotional toll of long-term substance use. This integrated approach reduces relapse risk while improving overall quality of life.

Integrative and Alternative Therapeutic Approaches

In addition to traditional behavioral therapies, MPower Wellness incorporates supportive and alternative approaches that promote nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. These may include mindfulness-based practices, yoga or art therapy, stress reduction techniques, and trauma-informed care models that prioritize safety and self-awareness.

These interventions are particularly helpful for individuals who use kratom to relieve pain, anxiety, or emotional distress. By offering healthier ways to regulate the body and mind, treatment helps reduce reliance on substances for relief.

A Balanced, Whole-Person Approach to Healing with Kratom Addiction Treatment

At MPower Wellness, alternative therapies are not presented as cures or replacements for medical care. Instead, they are used as complementary tools within a comprehensive treatment framework. This balanced approach allows individuals to reconnect with their bodies, rebuild trust in themselves, and develop sustainable strategies for managing discomfort, emotions, and stress.

By combining medical oversight, behavioral therapies, and holistic support, MPower Wellness creates a recovery environment that is structured, compassionate, and deeply individualized.

We’re here to walk with you through your options & answer every question.

Key takeaways

Medically supervised detox is strongly advised, as unsupervised withdrawal from kratom carries serious risks like relapse and severe discomfort; safety is paramount.
Comprehensive recovery requires treating the whole person using evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT, addressing any co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), often involving buprenorphine, can safely manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, providing stability for engaging in long-term therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Addiction

Learn all the answers you need before making a tough decision about treatment.

What are the effects of kratom?

The Food and Drug Administration has warned about serious adverse events linked to kratom, including liver injury, seizures, and respiratory depression. Data from the National Poison Data System has documented increasing reports of kratom-related toxicity and complications, particularly when combined with other substances.

Adverse effects may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle pain, insomnia, psychological symptoms, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Long-term kratom misuse has also been associated with mental illness, mood instability, and worsening anxiety or depression.

Can Buprenorphine Naloxone Be Used to Treat Kratom Addiction?

In some cases, buprenorphine naloxone may be an effective tool in kratom treatment. Because kratom interacts with the same opioid receptors as prescription opioids, medical professionals may use buprenorphine naloxone to help stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and ease kratom withdrawal symptoms.

This medication is not appropriate for everyone. At MPower Wellness, the decision to use buprenorphine naloxone is based on a full medical and behavioral assessment, including kratom dose, duration of use, and the presence of co-occurring mental disorders or alcohol dependence. Medication is always paired with counseling and ongoing treatment to support long-term recovery.

How Is Kratom Addiction Different from Other Drug Addiction?

Unlike many recreational drugs, kratom is frequently used to self-treat pain, opioid withdrawal, or emotional distress. Over time, this pattern can develop into a substance use disorder with severe physical and psychological consequences. Kratom addiction treatment centers like MPower Wellness are equipped to address these complexities through integrated medical and behavioral care.

What Are the Risks of Mixing Kratom with Alcohol or Other Drugs?

Combining kratom with alcohol or other drugs significantly increases the risk of adverse outcomes. Mixing kratom with drug/alcohol combinations can intensify sedation, impair judgment, and increase the likelihood of severe physical reactions, including respiratory depression and cardiovascular strain.

The Drug Enforcement Agency and other public health organizations have documented serious adverse events involving kratom when used alongside alcohol, prescription opioids, or other psychoactive drugs. These combinations increase the risk of overdose, mental health destabilization, and long-term substance use disorder. Treatment at MPower Wellness includes screening for polysubstance use and developing a safe, individualized plan to address all substances involved.

Begin Recovery with Kratom Addiction Treatment in PA

Kratom addiction often begins with a genuine attempt to find relief, whether from chronic pain, emotional distress, or the challenges of opioid withdrawal. Over time, that search for relief can quietly turn into dependence, leaving individuals feeling stuck or uncertain about where to turn next. At MPower Wellness, kratom use disorder is treated with the same seriousness, compassion, and clinical care as any other substance use condition.

If you or someone you love is struggling with kratom misuse, withdrawal symptoms, or substance use concerns, MPower Wellness is here to help. Contact our team to learn more about treatment options, ask questions, or take the next step toward recovery with support you can trust.

Sources

Chang-Chien, G. C., Odonkor, C. A., & Amorapanth, P. (2017). Is kratom the new legal high on the block? The case of an emerging opioid receptor agonist with substance abuse potential. Pain Physician, 20(1), E195–E198.

Kratom. (n.d.). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom

Sokup, B., & Pippin, M. M. (2025). Kratom. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585120/

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Tom DeVitis, MA, LPC, CAADC

Executive Director

Tom DeVitis is a dedicated behavioral health leader and clinical expert with over a decade of experience in the field of substance abuse treatment. As the Executive Director of MPower Wellness, Tom combines his clinical background as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with a passion for educational outreach and advocacy.

Dr. Deepraj Singh

Medical Director

Dr. Deepraj Singh is a board-certified psychiatrist and the Medical Director at MPower Wellness. With a career spanning emergency psychiatry to outpatient and inpatient care, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a passion for medical education to her work. Dr. Singh previously served on the faculty at Drexel University, where she dedicated herself to teaching resident physicians and medical students.

Last updated: February 6, 2026