Outpatient Kratom Detox

Kratom is a popular Kava bar item that was classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance by the DEA effective September 30th, 2016. Kratom is a leaf collected from a tree in the coffee family that has significant psychoactive properties. There are many purported medicinal uses for this substance, including serving as a natural alternative to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, diabetes, chronic pain and fatigue. Many individuals experience an increase in energy, elevations of mood, relief of pain and a general sense of wellbeing when on Kratom. The effects wear off and then the natural inclination is to take more. The benefits can be reproduced but soon physical dependence develops. The nature and severity of the physical dependence caused by regular Kratom use resembles that seen with opioids such as oxycodone and heroin. Affected individuals experience flu like symptoms, sweating, goose flesh, hot and cold flashes, body aches, leg cramps, weakness, fatigue, depression, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms usually last a week or longer in a dependent individual. Most people cannot stand it longer than a day or two and go back on the Kratom. It is at this point that individuals feel trapped and do not know how to get off. Individuals with a history of addiction, even with an otherwise strong recovery, are especially vulnerable to the chemical effects of Kratom. They usually develop physical dependence to Kratom very quickly, or are triggered to relapse onto their opioid drug of choice. A full opioid detoxification is required once physical dependence develops. The Delray Center offers multiple different outpatient methods to detox off of Kratom.

The most conventional method of Kratom Detox is using a modified Suboxone taper. Due to some of the unique properties of Kratom, the Suboxone taper schedule used for Kratom will differ from that used for more conventional opiates. Another treatment available at the Delray Center for coming off of Kratom is the RMOD, which stands for the Rodriguez Method of Opiate Detox. The RMOD is a chemically accelerated or rapid method that involves the use of naltrexone and naloxone. This method is done over 1 to 2 days with an exceptionally high success rate. Another non-Suboxone method of detox is available that uses primarily clonidine and baclofen, among other supportive medications, to mitigate Kratom withdrawal intensity. Aside from detox, Suboxone maintenance also is a viable option for many patients to come off of Kratom and still receive medical suppression of opiate cravings. All of these approaches are safe, effective, and cost-efficient ways to come off of Kratom without having to go for inpatient detox. Dr. Rodriguez is highly experienced in treating Kratom dependence and has been detoxing patients off of Kratom for over 15 years.