Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) comes from the leaves of a tropical evergreen plant native to Southeast Asia. It’s a popular natural remedy, frequently used for pain relief, energy, mood elevation, and to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.
There are several standard methods of using kratom, including chewing the leaves, swallowing dry leaves, drinking a beverage brewed from the leaves, or consuming an extract.
Although it is not banned at the federal level, it is not FDA approved for medical use as a supplement or food additive, leaving it in a complex legal position. Some states have taken steps to ban, control, or limit access to kratom due to its potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.
Roughly 2 million people in the U.S. report some level of kratom use annually, and just over a quarter of those people report symptoms that meet the criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) as defined by the DSM-5.
These trends make education surrounding this potentially dangerous substance a priority, helping users and their loved ones understand the risks of kratom use and the signs that it may be time to seek structured help through kratom treatment centers.
Kratom rehab programs help patients stay safe and comfortable as they work towards recovery. Providers help manage withdrawal symptoms and provide critical medical and psychological support that helps set patients up for long-term, stable recoveries.
If you or someone you love needs help with kratom abuse, RehabNet is a free, confidential resource for finding treatment. Just reach out to us through our helpline or online contact form. We’re available to provide support and guidance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
