A psychiatrist’s perspective on a practical, hopeful path to healing

As a psychiatrist with 20 years of experience in addiction and mood disorders, I’ve worked with many people who turned to kratom seeking energy, relief from anxiety, or a way to manage pain—only to find themselves stuck in a cycle of tolerance, withdrawal, and worry. The good news: recovery is absolutely possible, and medication can play a safe, effective role in your plan.

If you’re searching for “medication management near me,” “psychiatrist near me,” or “anti depressants near me” in Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; or Charlotte, North Carolina, this guide will help you understand how treatment works, what to expect, and how to take the first step.

This article is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you’re concerned about kratom use, talk with a qualified clinician who can tailor a plan to your needs.

Understanding Kratom Use and Risks

What is kratom and why do people use it?

Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia with active alkaloids (mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine) that interact with opioid receptors and other neurotransmitter systems. At lower doses it may feel stimulating; at higher doses it can feel sedating or analgesic. Many people use kratom for energy, mood, pain relief, or to self-manage anxiety or opioid withdrawal. Because products vary widely in potency and purity, experiences are unpredictable.

When does kratom use become a problem?

Like other psychoactive substances, kratom can lead to dependence. Signs that use is becoming risky include:

- Needing more to get the same effect (tolerance)

- Withdrawal when you cut back: anxiety, irritability, muscle aches, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, restlessness

- Spending more time obtaining or using kratom than you’d like

- Interference with work, school, relationships, or health

- Using despite negative consequences

Kratom is not FDA-approved for any medical condition. Reported risks include elevated blood pressure, liver injury (rare but serious), heart rhythm changes, seizures, and dangerous interactions with other sedatives or opioids. Because many products are unregulated, contamination and variable dosing are concerns.

Why professional support matters

Recovery goes more smoothly with a plan. A clinician can:

- Assess the severity of use and co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia)

- Create a safe taper or discontinuation strategy

- Prescribe medications to reduce withdrawal, cravings, and relapse risk

- Coordinate therapy, lifestyle support, and follow-up

If you’re in Cleveland or Columbus, Ohio; Dayton or Cincinnati; Detroit; or Charlotte and searching “psychiatrist near me,” consider reaching out to a practice experienced in substance use and mood disorders for individualized care.

How Medication Can Help Recovery

The goals of medication in kratom recovery

Medication is not a magic fix, but it can make recovery far more comfortable and sustainable by:

- Easing withdrawal symptoms

- Reducing cravings and impulsive use

- Treating underlying anxiety, depression, insomnia, or pain that may drive use

- Stabilizing sleep and mood so therapy and life changes can take hold

Evidence-informed medication options

There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for kratom use disorder. Clinicians adapt evidence-based strategies from opioid, stimulant, and anxiety treatment to match each person’s pattern of use and physiology.

- Buprenorphine-naloxone: For people with significant daily kratom dependence and opioid-like withdrawal, this medication can reduce cravings and withdrawal and support long-term stability. It requires careful assessment and a structured induction plan, sometimes using “micro-induction” to minimize discomfort. Not everyone needs this approach, but when appropriate, it can be transformative.

- Clonidine or lofexidine: Non-opioid options that reduce autonomic withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, agitation, and rapid heart rate. These are often used short-term during a taper or discontinuation.

- Sleep and anxiety supports: Short-term medications like hydroxyzine or low-dose trazodone may help with insomnia and anxiety during early recovery. Melatonin and sleep hygiene strategies are often added.

- Pain and GI symptom relief: NSAIDs or acetaminophen for aches, antiemetics for nausea, and cautious use of antidiarrheals can increase comfort. Your clinician will tailor these to your medical history.

- Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs): If depression or anxiety is present, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) can be highly helpful. If you’re searching for “anti depressants near me,” a psychiatric provider can evaluate whether medication is appropriate and safe with your history.

- Naltrexone: In select cases, after kratom is fully out of your system, naltrexone can help block opioid effects and reduce the incentive to return to kratom. Starting it too early can precipitate withdrawal, so timing and medical oversight are critical.

- Gabapentin or pregabalin: Sometimes used off-label for anxiety, sleep, or pain, but they carry their own risks and are not first-line for everyone. These require careful risk-benefit discussion.

Medication decisions are individualized. What matters most is matching the right tool to your goals, your body, and your life circumstances.

Tapering vs. stopping: choosing the right approach

- Gradual taper: Many people prefer a slow, structured taper to minimize withdrawal. Your clinician can design a schedule and add comfort medications. This may work best if you have consistent access to a predictable kratom product and strong support.

- Buprenorphine-assisted transition: For heavier use or repeated failed tapers, transitioning to buprenorphine-naloxone can stabilize the system and reduce cravings. Micro-induction strategies allow starting at very low doses while kratom is still present, reducing the risk of precipitated withdrawal.

- Acute discontinuation with supportive care: Sometimes preferred when access to a clean, consistent supply is limited. This approach prioritizes comfort meds, close follow-up, therapy, and structured support during the first 1–2 weeks.

Your clinician will also screen for other substances, medications, and health conditions to prevent interactions and complications.

Therapy and skills make the medication work better

Medication is most effective when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes. Evidence-based approaches include:

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to unlearn the thought-feeling-behavior loops that drive use

- Motivational Interviewing (MI) to strengthen internal motivation

- Trauma-informed therapy if past trauma contributes to current symptoms

- Contingency management and recovery coaching for accountability

- Sleep, movement, and nutrition plans to stabilize energy and mood

If you’re looking for “medication management near me” in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Detroit, or Charlotte, ask whether the practice integrates therapy and medication under one roof or coordinates closely with therapists for seamless care.

What about testing and monitoring?

Standard urine screens don’t reliably detect kratom; specialized assays exist but aren’t universally available. Clinicians often rely on honest check-ins, symptom tracking, and functional goals (sleep, work, relationships). Expect a respectful, nonjudgmental approach focused on safety and results.

Accessing care locally and via telehealth

- Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio: Many patients start with a telehealth consult, then weave in in-person therapy as needed.

- Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio: Hybrid models allow flexible scheduling around work and family.

- Detroit, Michigan, and Charlotte, North Carolina: Telepsychiatry and coordinated therapy provide accessible “psychiatrist near me” options without long waitlists.

When you contact a practice, ask about same-week intakes, medication refills, and how they handle transitions if your plan changes.

The Future of Kratom Treatment Options

Better data, clearer guidance

We need more high-quality research on kratom’s pharmacology, dependence, and best treatment strategies. Encouraging developments include:

- Clinical trials comparing taper-only vs. medication-assisted approaches

- Standardized protocols for buprenorphine micro-induction from kratom

- Clearer guidance on when and how to use naltrexone

- Improved assessment tools for cravings and withdrawal specific to kratom

Safer products and smarter monitoring

While kratom remains unregulated, consumer safety is a concern. In the future, we may see:

- Stricter quality controls, labeling standards, and contamination testing

- Wider availability of kratom-specific urine or blood tests for clinical monitoring

- Digital therapeutics and apps that pair medication with CBT skills and real-time support

- Expanded access to integrated care through telehealth, improving outcomes in cities like Detroit and Charlotte as well as Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati

Whole-person care as the standard

The most successful models are collaborative: psychiatrists, therapists, primary care, and, when appropriate, pain specialists working together. Expect treatment to evolve toward personalized medicine—using your symptom patterns, preferences, and health data to fine-tune the plan.

Conclusion: How Medication Helps With Kratom Use Recovery

Kratom recovery is not about willpower alone; it’s about having the right support, the right skills, and the right medications at the right time. Medication can help by easing withdrawal, reducing cravings, stabilizing mood and sleep, and treating conditions like anxiety and depression that often sit beneath the surface. Combined with therapy and lifestyle supports, it gives you a solid foundation to move forward.

If you’re in Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton or Cincinnati, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; or Charlotte, North Carolina and you’ve been searching “medication management near me,” “psychiatrist near me,” or “anti depressants near me,” you’re not alone. Experienced help is available, and you deserve care that’s respectful, evidence-informed, and tailored to you.

Take the next step today. Book an appointment with a therapist at Ascension Counseling by visiting https://ascensioncounseling.com/contact. Whether you’re ready to taper, want to explore medication options, or simply need a judgment-free space to talk, we’re here to help you build a recovery plan that works—for your body, your brain, and your life.