WHAT IS KRATOM?

Kratom is a derivative from an Asian evergreen tree that contains the stimulant mitragynine and narcotic 7-hydroxymitraginine. The simulant effects of this substance come from its leaves, which can be eaten whole or brewed into tea.¹ The leaves have been used in traditional medicine, especially for those living in Southeast Asia.  

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF KRATOM?

The effects of Kratom can vary based on the dose and the specific species of the plant ingested. At a low dose, it is apt to have a stimulant-type effect, intensifying attentiveness and momentum. At a higher dose, it can have tranquillizing effects, causing extreme relaxation and relief from discomfort. All Kratom users are in significant danger of physical and mental health damage due to the amount of psychoactive ingredients (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine) in the product.  

HOW PREVALENT IS KRATOM USE?

Some estimates are as many as 5 million people in the United States use Kratom.²  

WHAT ARE PEOPLE USING KRATOM FOR?

People use Kratom as an opioid substitute in an attempt to titrate off or stop using other opioid substances such as heroin or morphine. Kratom users also indicate they are trying to combat anxiety, depression and pain. However, the use of Kratom can lead to psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and confusion. Kratom use can also cause physiological and psychological dependency similar to that of opioids.

 

IS KRATOM LEGAL?

Kratom and products containing Kratom are not illegal. Kratom products are available, though none have been approved by the FDA. The FDA issued a statement in 2022 recording Kratom as a substance of concern. With no regulation by the FDA, these products can be easier to access but have just as harmful effects. Some states have banned Kratom while other states have purchase age limitations; each state is different.  

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF KRATOM?

The FDA continues to caution individuals against Kratom use because of the risk of dependence and addiction. Engaging in continuous use can cause increased tolerance, reliance, and withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioid use withdrawal. According to the DEA drug fact sheet, Kratom causes: sweating; nausea; vomiting; itching; dry mouth; tachycardia; constipation; increased urination; lethargy; and loss of appetite.³ Kratom users can also experience restlessness, insomnia, anorexia, weight loss, chemically caused liver damage, seizures and delusions.³  

DO YOU NEED ADDICTION TREATMENT FOR KRATOM USE?

Kratom can cause dependence that affects your health and quality of life; withdrawal needs to be medically managed. Santé Center for Healing provides integrity-driven, evidence-based, and personalized long-term recovery customized for those suffering from substance use disorders, mental health, trauma, problematic sexual behavior, co-occurring disordered eating and other compulsive behaviors. Founded in 1996, Santé’s mission is to provide the tools for long-term recovery because left untreated, addiction is a fatal disease.  

Sources:

1. Partnership to End Addiction. What is Kratom? Retrieved from https://drugfree.org/drugs/what-is-kratom/.

2. The good, the bad, and the maybe, about kratom. Retrieved from https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20180416/the-good-the-bad-and-the-maybe-about-kratom on April 16, 2018.

3. Drug Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf in April 2020.

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