Kratom Addiction Treatment

Lawmakers in Georgia are working to pass House Bill 181. It would make kratom a Schedule I drug and illegal in the state. Schedule I drugs are classified as such because they are highly addictive and have no medical use.

Currently, state officials are waiting for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to classify kratom on the national drug schedule of controlled substances. This would lower the number of people overdosing from the use of kratom.

Much of the kratom being passed through Georgia does not have proper package labeling. All of the chemicals included in the drug are not listed on the label. This makes taking them highly risky. This neglect can lead to severe health complications for individuals taking prescribed medications or other drugs or with preexisting health conditions.

The Georgia General Assembly is working to make it illegal to purchase kratom if you are under the age of 18. Adolescents are not fully developed and can put themselves in harm’s way.

In October 2022, a 23-year-old Georgia resident died from a lethal dose of kratom. His death was due to cardiac arrest from mitragynine intoxication. Mitragynine is the psychoactive ingredient in kratom.

People often mistake the term legal for safe. Unfortunately, the legality of kratom is not preventing people from becoming addicted to the substance. Though believed to help curb distressing opioid withdrawal symptoms, it is addictive. Unfortunately, kratom poses its own set of negative consequences to those who become addicted.

Kratom presents many challenges due to the lack of understanding and research. The Summit Wellness Group utilizes every tool at our disposal to treat kratom addiction. Our team is constantly fine-tuning our program to incorporate the latest research and medications as they become available.

We are committed to supporting our clients throughout the entire recovery process. This includes substance use disorder and any underlying mental health concerns a person has.

There are currently only a few professional kratom addiction treatment programs nationwide. Why should you choose The Summit Wellness Group to help?

Our Accreditations

We are Gold Seal Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) certified. We also hold certifications with the Georgia Department of Community Health and are part of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. Though we believe in our methods and have seen firsthand how effective our team is, these certifications prove that healthcare organizations have reviewed and approved our work.

Our Staff

Kratom addiction can be challenging to understand. There is so little research, but our staff is dedicated to remaining as up-to-date as possible on the latest advances. Through this, we can modify our treatment plans to ensure our level of care is always at its highest. Not only do we keep up to date, but we remain dedicated to understanding the individual struggles of our clients so that we can better serve them.

Our Amenities

The experience of our kratom detox center is one of a kind in the Atlanta metro area. We pride ourselves on offering care that feels like home during detox. Our facility provides a stable living space with accommodating amenities for our client’s comfort. 

Enjoy amenities like luxury, vinyl plank flooring, catered meals prepared onsite, and onsite drinks and snacks. You are also to bring some of your favorite items from home to provide additional comfort.

Step #1 – Safe Detox Support

Detoxing from kratom is similar to opioid withdrawal, but there are some added risks and difficulties. The intensity and duration of kratom withdrawal may vary depending on how much was used and for how long. One of the greatest risks to recovery is the high relapse rate during withdrawal. This means it is critical to get through withdrawal and into treatment in the safest and most comfortable way possible, thus giving someone the best chance to achieve long-term recovery.

There are significant risk factors that increase possible health conditions during acute withdrawal. Medical supervision is the safest environment for detoxing properly. Many withdrawal symptoms can be treated with medications. The Summit Wellness Group partners with a variety of detox facilities. Trained medical staff monitors clients around the clock to ensure the least discomfort possible. Some of these side effects we look to alleviate include:

• Anxiety and Irritability
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Mood Swings
• Tremors
• Hallucinations

Step #2 – Managing Cravings with Medication

Kratom is a complicated drug with many psychoactive compounds, several still unidentified. What is known for certain is that kratom acts as a stimulant in low doses. At higher doses, it acts as an opioid painkiller. The symptoms of withdrawal are similar to opioid withdrawal. These symptoms will take time to resolve naturally. In the meantime, several types of medications can help treat the symptoms.

Clients undergo an evaluation with a psychiatrist to see which medications, if any, may be helpful for them. Depending on someone’s unique situation and symptoms, a customized treatment plan will be fine-tuned throughout treatment. There is no “one size fits all” psychiatric solution to kratom addiction recovery. Medications may need to be adjusted as necessary throughout treatment. Some of the medications which may help include:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-Anxiety Medications
• Mood Stabilizers
• Anti-Psychotics
• Opiate Antagonists (naltrexone, naloxone, or buprenorphine)
• Blood Pressure Medication

Step #3 – Treatment Options

At The Summit Wellness Group, we recognize that everyone has their own unique experience and situation. We pride ourselves in our work with our clients to provide customized treatment plans that address their needs. Some considerations we look at include:

• The length of time that kratom was used and how much was used
• Other drug or alcohol use
• Any co-occurring mental health issues
• Pre-existing physical health conditions
• Current living and work situation
• Insurance coverage or self-pay
• Preference for unsupervised outpatient or supervised inpatient
• Medication needs
• Diet and eating habits

We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques that are all clinically proven to help someone begin their recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are combined with group therapy and trauma-informed care to provide our clients with the most comprehensive care.

We offer several evidence-based approaches for drug abuse treatment. When you come to us for kratom rehab, we will work to make you comfortable and feel at home as you go through kratom withdrawal symptoms. The same level of care is provided for outpatient treatment services as well.

Holistic Therapy

Kratom can be quite disruptive to both the mind and body. Aside from external help provided by counseling and medication, the body itself can be mobilized to aid recovery.

This is the goal of our holistic therapies, to engage the body as an active player in the recovery journey. Some of the holistic therapies offered as part of our kratom addiction treatment program include:

• Yoga, Therapeutic Fitness and Adventure Therapy. These more physical therapies help exercise the opioid and adrenaline systems within the brain and body the way they were intended to be used. This can bring these systems back to an average level of functioning.
• Nutritional Classes. A well-rounded diet can provide the resources the body and brain need to repair the damage done by kratom addiction.
• Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy. Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Art Therapy and Guided Meditation. Works to strengthen the expression and communication of ideas and feelings. This can help in better articulation of struggles or challenges they may be facing.

Medication Management

Kratom is a complicated drug with many psychoactive compounds, several still unidentified. What is known for sure is that kratom acts as a stimulant in low doses. At higher doses, it acts as an opioid painkiller.

The symptoms of withdrawal are similar to opioid withdrawal. These symptoms will take time to resolve naturally. In the meantime, several types of medications can help treat the symptoms.

Clients undergo an evaluation with a psychiatrist to see which medications, if any, may be helpful for them. Depending on someone’s unique situation and symptoms, a customized treatment plan will be fine-tuned throughout treatment.

There is no “one size fits all” psychiatric solution to kratom addiction recovery. Medications may need to be adjusted as necessary throughout treatment.

Some of the medicines may help include:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-Anxiety Medications
• Mood Stabilizers
• Anti-Psychotics
• Opiate Antagonists (naltrexone, naloxone, or buprenorphine)
• Blood Pressure Medication

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies conflicting behaviors and provides strategies to change them. It improves a person’s organization and time management. You learn to break down tasks into easier-to-manage steps for daily life. CBT builds confidence and controls impulsive behavior. Individuals with kratom addiction learn coping skills rather than engaging in risky behaviors.

Treatment programs must fit your obligations and need to be as effective as possible. We offer three levels of programming that can be customized to fit your daily life.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers structured care during the day, allowing you to return home at night. It provides intensive treatment, including medication management and counseling, tailored to kratom addiction. 

PHP closely watches symptoms, establishes routines, and builds a supportive community. Research shows that PHP significantly improves symptom management and overall quality of life for individuals with drug addiction. 

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a flexible treatment option without an inpatient stay. You get to maintain your daily routines while addressing your kratom addiction. IOP aims to stabilize mood swings, manage symptoms, and improve functioning.

Sober Living

Sober Living Homes offer structured housing that provides additional accountability through drug tests and curfews. Sober living is often used in conjunction with PHP and IOP.

• When is it time to seek help for a loved one with a Kratom addiction?
  Though kratom is legal in parts of the United States, its effects can be devastating when abused. If you believe your loved one is abusing kratom, seeking immediate help is critical before their tolerance becomes high and they turn to opiates. If they begin to justify their increased use and it is clear they have become reliant on the substance, talk to them about how little is known of the long-term effects. Early intervention is the only way to ensure no further harm will come to their brain or body.
• Is it possible to overdose on Kratom?
  It is possible to overdose on kratom. The deaths related to kratom overdoses are increasing each year. Because it mimics opioids, the body, and brain become dependent on the drug, requiring more and more to feel those same effects. Kratom use can also cause significant withdrawal effects, leading to a high relapse rate or progressive use of more potent opioids.
• Is treatment for Kratom addiction vital?

  So much about using kratom and how it can affect people long-term is unknown. The possibility of health consequences is very real. Seeking treatment before the addiction causes irreversible long-term effects is critical. If you feel that kratom addiction has interfered with your average, everyday life, consider professional treatment as the safest option for detox and long-term recovery, especially since addiction to this drug mimics opiate addiction.

We’d love the opportunity to help you during this overwhelming and challenging process. Our sincere passion is assisting people to recover to live whole, meaningful, healthy lives.

Call us 24/7 at 770-299-1677 or visit our Kratom Addiction Treatment Center in Atlanta, GA, or Roswell, GA. A member of our admissions would be happy to assist you.