Kratom Addiction Treatment In Phoenix | The Embers

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. [1] Its leaves contain compounds that can have stimulant-like effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses.

Traditionally, people have used kratom for its ability to boost energy, relieve pain, and enhance mood. While it has been used for centuries in various forms of traditional medicine, kratom has also gained in popularity over recent years around a wide variety of uses.

The active compounds in kratom, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain. [2] At lower doses, kratom can increase alertness and improve focus, while higher doses may produce effects similar to those of opioids, such as pain relief, euphoria, and relaxation. However, the substance can be highly addictive, and repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult for people to stop using it without help.

While kratom is legal in many areas, its safety remains a concern. [3] Research on its long-term effects is limited, and kratom has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including nausea, liver damage, and seizures. The lack of regulation and consistent quality control makes kratom especially risky for those who use it regularly.

Kratom Addiction and Abuse

Kratom addiction and abuse have become an increasing concern, especially as more people seek out the stimulant and opioid-like effects of kratom leaves. [4] The active compounds in kratom, particularly mitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, creating feelings of euphoria and pain relief, much like opioid use. However, with continued kratom use, people may develop a physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms include cravings, anxiety, irritability, muscle aches, and insomnia.

If left untreated, kratom dependence can lead to a substance use disorder, complicating mental health conditions and making it harder for people to quit without proper addiction treatment.

Kratom abuse can significantly impact both physical and mental health. Prolonged kratom use, especially at high doses, can cause dangerous side effects such as constipation, psychosis, and even liver damage. [5] Additionally, those struggling with kratom addiction often experience negative emotional consequences, including depression and anxiety, which are exacerbated by withdrawal.

For long-term recovery, The Embers offers a variety of treatment programs, including group therapy, support groups, and holistic approaches like mindfulness or yoga therapy, aimed at promoting overall wellness. Dual diagnosis treatment may also be necessary for kratom users dealing with both substance abuse and mental health conditions.

Can You Get Addicted to Kratom?

Yes, it is possible to become physically addicted to kratom. [6] While kratom is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), its active compounds, particularly mitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to opioids. Over time, regular use of kratom can lead to physical dependence, meaning your body becomes reliant on the substance to function normally. As dependence develops, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, irritability, muscle pain, insomnia, and nausea, when you stop using it.

Physical dependence occurs when the brain adapts to the presence of kratom and requires higher doses to achieve the same effects, a condition known as tolerance. This cycle of escalating use can easily lead to addiction, making it difficult to quit without experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms.

What Are the Signs of Kratom Withdrawal?

Kratom withdrawal occurs when someone who has developed a physical dependence on the substance stops using it. The withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and intense, similar to those experienced during opioid withdrawal. Symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the level of dependence and duration of use, but they generally include both physical and psychological effects: [7]

• Cravings for kratom or other substances
• Fatigue and general lack of energy
• Irritability and mood swings
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating and chills
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Depression and feelings of hopelessness
• Tremors or shaking

How We Treat Kratom Addiction

At our treatment center near Phoenix, The Embers offers a variety of comprehensive programs to help our patients overcome kratom addiction. Through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Outpatient Program (OP), we provide a supportive, structured environment where patients can receive the care they need to recover. These programs include a blend of evidence-based therapies, holistic approaches, and personalized treatment plans designed to address the unique challenges of kratom addiction.

• Art Therapy: This therapy encourages creative expression as a way to process complex emotions and reduce stress. Through visual mediums, clients explore feelings and experiences, fostering emotional healing.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, developing healthier coping strategies to manage addiction and emotional challenges.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it particularly effective for managing intense emotions and impulsive behaviors associated with addiction.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This mental health therapy is beneficial in reframing negative emotions associated with memories to allow for healing.
• Experiential Therapy: This hands-on approach uses engaging activities, such as red light therapy, breath work, and sound baths, to help clients explore their emotional responses and develop new coping mechanisms.
• Family Therapy: Family therapy strengthens communication, rebuilds trust, and addresses relational dynamics, providing a critical support system for individuals in recovery.
• Group Therapy: Group sessions create a sense of community and shared experience, where clients can discuss their struggles, gain insight, and offer mutual support for long-term recovery.
• Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation to access the subconscious, helping clients to uncover deep-seated beliefs and shift unhelpful patterns.
• Individual Therapy: Tailored one-on-one sessions with licensed therapists allow clients to address the root causes of their kratom addiction and mental health challenges in a safe, private setting.
• Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS helps participants connect with and heal different parts of themselves while reducing inner conflicts.
• Life Skills Development: This therapy focuses on teaching practical tools for managing daily responsibilities, including financial management, time organization, and healthy communication.
• Medication Management: Our medical professionals evaluate and manage medications to address withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and stabilize mental health during recovery.
• Mindfulness Coaching: Mindfulness coaching introduces meditation and breathing techniques to help clients stay present, manage stress, and develop emotional resilience.
• Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback trains the brain to regulate its activity, helping people improve focus, manage stress, and enhance emotional resilience, supporting recovery from addiction and mental health challenges.
• Trauma-Informed Care: This approach prioritizes safety and empowerment, helping clients process past trauma in a compassionate environment without re-traumatizing them.
• Yoga Therapy: Yoga therapy promotes physical wellness, stress reduction, and emotional balance through movement, breathing exercises, and mindfulness, helping clients reconnect with their bodies.