- 4 Oct 2025
Kratom has gained popularity for its natural ability to support mood, energy, and pain relief. However, frequent use can lead to what’s known as kratom tolerance—a condition where your usual dose becomes less effective. If you’re noticing that kratom isn’t working like it used to, you might be dealing with tolerance.
In this article, we’ll explain what kratom tolerance is, why it happens, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to reset it safely.
Kratom tolerance happens when your body becomes accustomed to the active alkaloids in kratom—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—causing a reduction in their effectiveness. This typically occurs with frequent or high-dose use.
Some common causes of kratom tolerance include:
Using the same strain every day
Taking high doses repeatedly
Using kratom multiple times daily
Reduced effects even at regular doses
Needing larger quantities to feel the same relief
Shorter duration of effects
Feeling less stimulated, relaxed, or pain-free than before
If you’re unsure how much kratom you’re taking, check out our guide on how many grams are in a pill of kratom to assess your dosage.
The most effective way to reset your system is to stop using kratom temporarily.
Occasional users: 3–5 days
Daily users: 1–2 weeks
Long-term high-dose users: Up to 4 weeks
During this period, focus on hydration, rest, and proper nutrition. Some users find relief from withdrawal symptoms using CBD products, which you can explore in our anxiety and stress CBD guide.
Not all kratom strains are the same. Red, green, and white strains affect the body differently. Rotating between them helps minimize tolerance buildup.
Gradually tapering your dose down is another effective way to reduce tolerance without quitting cold turkey. Learn more about how dosage can affect your risk in our article: Can You Overdose on Kratom?
Instead of daily use, try taking kratom only when necessary—such as for occasional pain or energy. This preserves its effectiveness and lowers your risk of dependency.
Kratom tolerance is reversible with the right approach. Whether it’s taking a break, lowering your dose, or rotating strains, you can get back to feeling the full effects of kratom safely and responsibly.