Hey TruffulaTree,
I am very experienced with kratom, having used it for around 2.5 years now, so maybe I can help fill you in a bit. In terms of addictiveness, it definitely is that. But comparatively to other opiates, significantly less so. Before I started, I was slipping into a habit with codeine, and after switching I can say kratom has both less side effects and is a lot less addictive. I would rate it about as habit-forming as marijuana, but obviously with the potential for physical withdrawals.
Some people use much higher doses than others though, and the higher the doses, the greater addiction risk and withdrawals. My own patterns are a 2-4g dose 1-3x a day, spaced out 5 or more hours apart. I usually buy enough to use daily for 2-4 months, and then I take a 3-5 week break.
Upon taking a break, the only time I noticed any withdrawals is when I went longer than usual (~5-6 months), using higher doses/frequency than I stated above and with no taper. The withdrawals were pretty mild over all, the biggest symptom was mild diarrhea, followed by anxiety and some difficulty sleeping. They started about 2 days after stopping and lasted about 2 weeks and were not unbearable. After that time though, I'm more careful to reduce my dosages in the week leading up to the break and to limit the amount I purchase so I am not using it for as long.