Kratom: Understanding Tennessee's Ban and Your Treatment Options
Kratom has become increasingly popular over the past decade as an herbal supplement marketed for pain relief, increased energy, and relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms. While many people view kratom as a natural alternative to prescription medications, research has shown that it carries real risks, including dependence, addiction, and serious health complications.
As of July 1, Tennessee has banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of kratom products within the state. This legislation reflects growing concerns about the drug's safety and its increasing misuse.
If you or someone you love has been using kratom to manage opioid withdrawal or chronic pain, it's important to understand both the risks of kratom and the evidence-based treatment options available.
Crozier Recovery is an online opioid treatment provider serving patients across Tennessee. Through secure telehealth appointments, our experienced providers prescribe Suboxone when medically appropriate to help patients safely recover from opioid use disorder.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain naturally occurring compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain.
At lower doses, kratom may produce stimulant-like effects such as:
Increased energy
Improved focus
Elevated mood
At higher doses, it can produce opioid-like effects, including:
Pain relief
Relaxation
Sedation
Euphoria
Although kratom comes from a plant, "natural" does not automatically mean safe. Like many drugs, kratom can alter brain chemistry and lead to dependence over time.
Kratom Was Banned in Tennessee on July 1
Beginning July 1, Tennessee prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of kratom throughout the state. Lawmakers cited growing concerns about addiction, inconsistent manufacturing practices, contaminated products, and reports of severe adverse health effects.
Many people turned to kratom hoping to treat pain or avoid opioid withdrawal without medical supervision. However, healthcare professionals have increasingly recognized that kratom itself can become addictive and produce withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by opioids.
With kratom no longer legally available in Tennessee, many individuals may be searching for safer, medically supervised treatment options. For people struggling with opioid use disorder, evidence-based treatment using suboxone has been extensively studied and shown to reduce cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and improve long-term recovery outcomes.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
People commonly begin taking kratom for reasons such as:
Chronic pain
Anxiety relief
Increased energy
Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal
Recreational use
While some users initially report positive effects, regular use often leads to tolerance, meaning increasingly larger doses are needed to achieve the same results.
Over time, this cycle can develop into physical dependence.
Can Kratom Be Addictive?
Yes.
Although it is often marketed as an herbal supplement, kratom has addictive properties.
Regular users may develop both physical and psychological dependence. When they attempt to stop, withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include:
Anxiety
Irritability
Muscle aches
Restlessness
Insomnia
Sweating
Runny nose
Nausea
Mood changes
Strong cravings
These symptoms can make quitting difficult without professional medical guidance.
Risks and Side Effects of Kratom
In addition to dependence, kratom has been linked to numerous health concerns.
Potential side effects include:
Nausea
Constipation
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Liver injury
Seizures
Hallucinations
Confusion
Respiratory depression when combined with opioids or other sedatives
Because kratom products are largely unregulated, users often have no way of knowing the exact strength or purity of what they are taking.
Kratom Is Not a Proven Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Many individuals begin using kratom because they are trying to stop prescription pain medications, fentanyl, heroin, or other opioids.
While kratom may temporarily lessen withdrawal symptoms for some people, it does not treat opioid use disorder.
Instead, many individuals become dependent on both opioids and kratom, making recovery even more challenging.
Medical professionals generally recommend evidence-based treatment rather than attempting to self-manage opioid withdrawal with kratom.
How suboxone Helps Treat Opioid Use Disorder
For individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder, suboxone is one of the most effective medications available.
Suboxone contains two medications:
Buprenorphine
Naloxone
Together they help:
Reduce opioid cravings
Minimize withdrawal symptoms
Lower the risk of relapse
Support long-term recovery
Allow patients to return to work, family, and daily life
Unlike kratom, suboxone has been extensively studied and is approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder when prescribed by a qualified medical provider.
Online Treatment Through Crozier Recovery
Crozier Recovery makes opioid treatment simple and accessible throughout Tennessee.
Using secure telehealth appointments, patients can meet with licensed medical providers from the comfort of home.
Our services include:
Comprehensive medical evaluations
Personalized treatment plans
suboxone prescriptions when medically appropriate
Ongoing medication management
Follow-up appointments
Recovery support throughout treatment
We proudly serve patients across Tennessee, including:
Nashville
Memphis
Knoxville
Chattanooga
Clarksville
Murfreesboro
Franklin
Johnson City
Jackson
Kingsport
Bristol
Cleveland
Cookeville
Columbia
Hendersonville
Gallatin
Smyrna
Lebanon
Spring Hill
And communities throughout Tennessee
When Should You Seek Help?
You should consider speaking with a healthcare provider if you:
Depend on kratom every day
Experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using kratom
Use opioids along with kratom
Have difficulty controlling your use
Experience cravings or repeated relapse
The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances of long-term recovery.
Recovery Is Possible
The July 1 Tennessee ban on kratom reflects increasing concern about the substance's potential dangers. While many people initially turned to kratom believing it was a safer alternative to opioids, dependence, withdrawal, and serious health risks have become increasingly recognized.
If you have been using kratom to manage opioid withdrawal or are struggling with opioid use disorder, you don't have to face recovery alone.
Crozier Recovery provides convenient online treatment throughout Tennessee, allowing eligible patients to receive compassionate, evidence-based care from licensed providers. When medically appropriate, our providers prescribe suboxone as part of a personalized treatment plan designed to help patients reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and build lasting recovery.
If you're ready to take the next step, Crozier Recovery is here to help you begin your recovery journey from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
