Kratom Side Effects: What Tennessee Residents Need to Know

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On September 9, 2025

Kratom side effects can be dangerous, especially for people already struggling with opioid addiction. While some turn to kratom to manage withdrawal, it often leads to new health risks, dependence, and long-term struggles. At Recovery Care of Columbia, we’ve helped over 1,000 Tennesseans break free from opioids and kratom using safe, effective, and virtual Suboxone treatment.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia, often marketed as a “natural” pain reliever or energy booster. However, the DEA has reported growing concern about kratom’s addictive potential, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose risks. Many people in Tennessee buy kratom at gas stations, smoke shops, or online, not realizing how dangerous it can be.

Common Kratom Side Effects

Like opioids, kratom affects the brain’s opioid receptors, leading to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal. The most reported kratom side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Loss of appetite and weight changes
Sweating and itching
Rapid heart rate or high blood pressure
Anxiety, irritability, and depression
Seizures in high doses
Risk of overdose or death when mixed with opioids or alcohol

Long-term kratom side effects can mirror opioid addiction, leaving individuals trapped in a cycle of use and withdrawal.

Why People in Tennessee Use Kratom

Many of our patients first tried kratom after struggling with:

Prescription painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone, or Percocet
Surgery recovery or chronic pain management
Pressure from friends, family, or their environment
Fear of opioid withdrawal symptoms
Trying to quit heroin or fentanyl without medical help

Unfortunately, kratom is not a safe solution. It often delays true recovery and leads to deeper dependence.

The Dangers of Mixing Kratom with Opioids

Kratom combined with opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or methadone can cause respiratory depression, seizures, and overdose. The CDC and DEA warn that kratom-related deaths often involve other opioids. If you or someone you love is mixing substances, the risk of fatal overdose increases dramatically.

Safe Alternatives: Virtual Suboxone Treatment in Tennessee

The good news? Recovery is possible without suffering through withdrawals. At Recovery Care of Columbia, we provide telemedicine-based Suboxone treatment that virtually eliminates cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Why Choose Recovery Care of Columbia?

✅ First clinic in Tennessee to receive a virtual medical license for addiction treatment
✅ Over six years of experience treating more than 1,000 Tennesseans
✅ Fully accredited by The Joint Commission
✅ More than 100 five-star reviews on Google (Read Reviews)
✅ Master’s-level addiction counselors providing compassionate care
✅ The owners are in recovery themselves and built the clinic they wished existed

Our team created the acronym TeleMAT (Telemedicine Medication-Assisted Treatment), now widely used across the U.S., because we believe treatment should be accessible, private, and judgment-free.

How Virtual Addiction Treatment Works

You’ll never need to drive to a clinic in Nashville, Chattanooga, Columbia, Jackson, or Clarksville. All appointments happen on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Register online:
Meet your provider virtually – no travel required.
Get Suboxone prescribed safely to manage withdrawal and cravings.
Work with our caring counselors to build long-term recovery.

You can also review our insurance and pricing options.

Kratom Side Effects vs. Suboxone Treatment

Kratom Use	Suboxone Treatment
Causes dependence	Stabilizes recovery
Risk of overdose	FDA-approved safety
Unregulated & unsafe	Medical supervision
Withdrawal symptoms	Virtually eliminates withdrawal
Temporary relief	Path to lifelong recovery

FAQs About Kratom Side Effects and Treatment

Can you get addicted to kratom?

Yes. Kratom can cause tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal—similar to opioids.

Is kratom safer than opioids?

No. While marketed as “natural,” kratom can be addictive and dangerous, especially when mixed with opioids.

What’s the best way to stop using kratom?

The safest option is Suboxone treatment with medical supervision. At Recovery Care of Columbia, we make the process simple and virtual.

Will I have to come into the clinic?

No. Our program is 100% telemedicine—you never need to leave home.

How do I get started?

Text us directly at (931) 548-3062 or register online through the links above.

Kratom Side Effects: Choosing Recovery Today

If you’re tired of chasing kratom or opioids just to feel “normal,” you are not alone. Many people in Tennessee face the same struggle—and many have found freedom through Suboxone and counseling with Recovery Care of Columbia.

Your life matters. Addiction doesn’t have to end in overdose or death. We’re here to help you recover safely, privately, and with dignity.

👉 Meet our supportive team today and take the first step toward lifelong recovery.