What withdrawal is
Withdrawal is what happens when the body has adapted to the regular presence of a substance and that substance is removed. The adaptation is physical rather than psychological, which is why willpower alone often is not enough and why the appropriate response is medical rather than moral.
Products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine can produce dependence with sustained regular use. That is a property of the compounds, not a character flaw in the person using them.
Commonly reported symptoms
- Restlessness and agitation
- Anxiety and irritability
- Sweating, temperature swings
- Stomach upset, nausea, digestive changes
- Muscle aches and cramping
- Runny nose, watery eyes
- Sleep disruption, insomnia
- Low mood, difficulty concentrating
- Strong urge to use again
Severity varies widely with dose, frequency, duration of use and the individual. We do not publish timelines, because the published data is limited and anyone quoting a precise number of days with confidence is overstating what is known.
Get medical help if you experience
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizure, severe confusion, fainting, or any symptom that frightens you. Call emergency services. These are not symptoms to ride out at home.
Why tapering is generally preferred to stopping abruptly
A gradual reduction lowers the amount over time so the body has less of a shock to absorb. It is not comfortable, but it is generally more manageable and more likely to be completed than an abrupt stop. It is also a decision that should be made with a clinician rather than alone – see tapering sensibly.
What helps
- Professional guidance. The single most important factor.
- An honest record of your intake. Your clinician needs the real numbers.
- Support from someone who knows. Accountability measurably improves outcomes.
- Reducing on-hand supply. A large stock in the house undermines every attempt.
- Sleep and routine stability. Sleep disruption is a major symptom and a major relapse trigger.
- Patience. Slower and successful beats faster and repeated.
What does not help
- Substituting another substance without medical supervision
- “Masking” or “detox” products sold online – we do not sell them and would not recommend them
- Going it alone because of embarrassment
- Buying more “to help with the taper”
- Relying on forums instead of a clinician
Where to get help
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Our position
We would rather sell nothing than contribute to a dependence problem. If you are in this situation, the right move is to buy less or none, and to talk to a professional. Our dosage guide and health disclaimer explain the risks in full, and signs you should take a break may help you recognise a pattern early.
Related reading
Use it responsibly
Read the full dosage guide before your first order – it covers tolerance, dependence and interactions.
