We parents have quite the challenge on our hands these days. When it comes to drug use, no longer can we concern ourselves with simply teaching kids about the dangers of illicit substances and how to avoid them.
Now we have to dive headfirst down the rabbit hole to pro-actively inform them about legal drugs that they (and ourselves) may benignly encounter under legitimate, seemingly safe, scenarios. Kratom is one such substance that is proliferating like wildfire, threatening unsuspecting consumers – and children – with its little known addictive effects in the process.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia. It contains the substance mitragynine, which is a powerful psychoactive alkaloid.
Not surprisingly, in this part of the world, kratom is popular as a recreational drug.
Kratom Tea
Prepared as a dried and ground herb, kratom tea is a deep green powder that looks strikingly similar to matcha. It is promoted as helpful for anxiety and pain, making those seeking a lifestyle boost particularly vulnerable.
Fans of kratom say it is safe because it has been used in Asia as natural medicine for centuries. Further, they claim that dangerous side effects only potentially occur when mixed with alcohol or drugs.
Here in the North America, this herb is unregulated with dried and crushed versions commonly taken in pill form or brewed into tea.
Even more worrisome, many places that serve kratom tea spike it with CBD oil, increasing the synergistic dangers for a psychotic episode.
One of the first to address the problem, New York City recently banned edibles and drinks containing CBD in bars and restaurants. As of this writing, however, it has taken no action on kratom. (1, 2)
Popular at tea bars where young people like to hang out, kratom is popular for triggering an opioid-like effect. Depending on the dose, those who consume it may experience stimulant like effects or even mild euphoria. Hence the aggressive marketing to “naturally” treat anxiety and pain.
Kratom is Unregulated
Currently, there are no age restrictions on kratom use. This means a minor can order it on their own, and it is frequently available in places where no alcohol is served giving the false impression of safety.
This substance is already the subject of at least one lawsuit, by the parent of a teenager in my local area.
Kratom is suspected of causing brain damage in a 19 year old who drank it frequently starting at age 15 at several tea cafes near her home.
Then, out of the blue, the young woman began to suffer from “psychotic episodes and hallucinations so severe that she was confined” to a nursing home. Her physician made the connection between kratom and her brain injury. The suit alleges that the tea bars failed to warn about its dangerous side effects, making them liable for damages. (3)
Disability from kratom seems to be the tip of the iceberg.
The Food and Drug Administration has linked kratom to dozens of deaths in the United States over a nine-year period. To date, however, the agency has taken no action on prohibiting or regulating its use, saying only that:
There are no FDA-approved uses for kratom, and the agency has received concerning reports about the safety of kratom. FDA is actively evaluating all available scientific information on this issue and continues to warn consumers not to use any products labeled as containing the botanical substance kratom or its psychoactive compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. FDA encourages more research to better understand kratom’s safety profile, including the use of kratom combined with other drugs. (4)
Kratom Effects
Fans of kratom claim that its effects are beneficial and can help wean people off deadly opioid abuse. While potentially true (more research is needed though – see below), it doesn’t justify easy kratom availability to minors.
What about people who don’t or have never even used opioids?
According to the FDA, kratom “affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, [and] appears to have properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and dependence.” (5)
Does this seem like a substance that a 15 year old girl as described above should be able to freely consume at a local tea bar?
Short Term Symptoms
One or more symptoms typically appear within 5-10 minutes of consuming kratom. They usually last between 2-5 hours. The complete list of short term side effects from consuming kratom in tea or capsule form include: (6)
- Skin: Itching, sweating, dry mouth
- Excretory: Constipation, diarrhea, increased urination
- Cardiovascular: Fast or fluttering heartbeat, panic attacks
- Neurological: Feelings of agitation, irritability, or uneasiness, drowsiness, loss of muscle coordination in arms or legs, hallucinations, seizures
- Gastrointestinal: Loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, liver damage
Long Term Dangers
Kratom dependency is documented in the scientific literature in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependency. More than half of users who consumed kratom for six months or longer develop severe dependency problems. The other half show moderate addiction.
Did you get that?
Nearly 100% of people using kratom for 6 months or longer were addicted – either moderately or severely.
Those who consumed 3 or more glasses per day had a higher risk of developing severe addiction. These individuals were also likely to experience uncontrollable kratom cravings and withdrawal symptoms which included: (7)
Physical
- Muscle spasms
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Watery eyes/nose
- Hot flashes
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
Psychological
- Restlessness
- Tension
- Anger
- Sadness
- Nervousness
The journal Addiction Biology also warns of the “evidence for an addiction potential with cognitive impairments for mitragynine [kratom], which suggest its classification as a harmful drug”. (8)
The Effects of Kratom – Bottom Line
The current scientific literature on kratom summarized above is certainly ominous.
However, much more research needs to be done on the effects of kratom.
The best information we have at present is what doctors have observed about dependence in a clinical setting from individual patients experiencing addiction and/or withdrawal symptoms.
In the meantime, savvy parents will take the initiative to warn their children to avoid this herb when frequenting cafes and restaurants with their friends.
I certainly love a good natural remedy as much as anyone, but just because something is natural does not make it safe!
Just Say No … to Kratom!
References
(1) New York City bans CBD in bars and restaurants
(2) Legality of Kratom in New York
(3) Lawsuit says Kratom Tea Caused Teen’s Brain Damage
(4, 5) FDA and Kratom
(6) Kratom Side Effects
(7) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) dependence, withdrawal symptoms and craving in regular users
(8) Abuse potential and adverse cognitive effects of mitragynine
Thanks for the Information. This kratom was not even on my radar. Amazing how people will just put stuff in their bodies.
Kratom will be especially dangerous if it ever becomes a Schedule l substance as it already has in many countries and some states making it available via the black market where there are no regulations at all. The FDA and DEA have engaged in a cat and mouse war on drugs for decades now and by all accounts the problem is only getting worse.
I get a little upset about these posts. Maybe there is some misuse but with any drug misuse can be dangerous. I know of many many people it has helped including me. You just have to know where it comes from and be responsible with it.
For me it has literally given my life back. I had been to many doctors and could not get any help. I have been using it responsibly for almost a year. Maybe the regulation may have to be the source of where it comes from. I would never buy it from a head shop or gas station. You have no idea whats in it.
They talk about the deaths but I bet each one is a result of other circumstances or over use. Unlike opiates that are approved by the FDA are killing hundreds of people a month.
This article needs to dig deeper before it condemns it.
I personally have been on Kratom for 3 years now (daily user due to fibromyalgia and severe anxiety). One thing you failed to say is that out of the “overdoses” these people were also on other things. It’s basic common sense not to mix things with other drugs or alcohol. It is impossible to overdose strictly on Kratom as you will throw it all up almost immediately. There is some minor discomfort when you stop taking Kratom due to your body flushing itself, the same with withdrawal from caffeine or any other legal substance. Yes, it binds with the same opioid receptors but so does methadone and other opioid blockers. I have detoxed off methadone 3 times in my life. Each time going back to my doctor for my pain meds just to be a productive member of society. Yes, there should be research and I encourage anyone who’s going to take anything (even a doctors prescription) to do their research. With all the fake news going around don’t be so quick to judge.
I can’t agree enough with the first comment you neglected to address. If the FDA refuses to do what their position is made for, regulating drugs for safe human consumption, then how can you blame kratom/ kratom advocates? I know for a fact people have gotten continuous relief from this drug for years on end, including myself. I’ve taken weeks off from taking it myself, just because I did not need the focus for school/work and felt no withdraw. I don’t know if your article just features misguided exaggerations, but I have not experienced them.
I’ve taken Kratom for 3 years off and on as needed for pain, anxiety and muscle spasms and have my life back. I have never had any bad side effects and have taken 2 capsules twice a day.
I have to say I have been taking kratom regularly for about 8 months, it helps tremendously with anxiety. I can take it or leave it, I feel it is so hypocritical when someone can write something like this and had never tried it themselves, if you did you would feel pretty silly for writing this. There are mild side effects at times, some constipation, fixed with more water intake, I feel it is almost impossible to take too much as you get a stomach ache. I know someone who didn’t know how it was supposed to be taken and took a whole bag, they ended up going to bed early, that was nearly 10 times the average teaspoon. As for children getting a hold of this, it is a much safer alternative to experimenting with alchohol and the cognitive aspects make it to where you cant get stoned out of your mind. Please don’t judge and spew this crap until you really know, try it. As for the woman who said she was sick in bed with withdrawals from this stuff, is it possible, this was helping with your withdrawals from something else and it helped, without it you were back to feeling gross because of the horrible horrible side effects from pharmaceutical grade medications?? Been 8 months for me..I love kratom, it is a wonderful replacement for the occasional drink, no hang over and much better relaxation.
I started taking kratom 3 years ago because
1. Doctors had me taking opiates for a back injury & I wanted to stop taking them &
2. I needed something for my pain. I tried physical therapy & even acupuncture but the pain is severe. I came across an article about kratom and I researched everything I could about it. I knew it was important to chose a reliable vendor so I researched that too. After reading everything & getting on different message boards I decided to order some. For 3 years I take it when my pain is unbearable. Does it take the pain completely away? No..but it does take the edge off so I can function. Do I get the feeling of euphoria? No. Am I addicted? No. I believe articles about kratom are just scare tactics because big pharma doesn’t want kratom on the market. Think of the money they’re losing. Opiates have made them fat & rich! So why would they want a cheaper alternative? An alternative that they make no money from! They have so many people who lobby against kratom because they’re not making a dime on sales. Come on..it’s all about the God Almighty dollar!
I’m not saying that everyone will have the same experience as me but I believe everything in moderation. For me.. kratom is a God send. I’ve been to more doctors then I can count & still had excruciating pain. I’ve been on more medications then I could name and I get more relief from this powder called kratom than anything else. I just wish the scare tactics would end. People trying to frighten the public by writing articles about something they know nothing or very little about.
I’m sure there are those who take it to get high or whatever..maybe they mix it with alcohol or other drugs..there lies the danger but these are people looking for an effect other than relief from pain.
I am s 72 year old woman who is so grateful I heard about kratom & what it could do for me. I take 2, sometimes 3 doses a day. And there have been days where I take none at all. On those days there is no craving..no withdrawal. If there are some people who have addictive personalities those are the ones who should steer clear of kratom..but they are also the ones who should steer clear of chocolate or coffee or Oreos.
Stop with all the negativity & scare tactics. Talk with some kratom users. Educate yourselves. The FDA has no business trying to regulate kratom or listing it as a schedule 1 drug. Comparing it to heroin? Cocaine? Morphine? Taking kratom away from those if us who rely on it for pain relief just because big pharma is losing money on it. Well with all the money they do make on all their over priced drugs they can afford to lose a little. I’m sure that the little dent kratom makes in their bottom line doesn’t amount to much.
So before anyone “just says no” to kratom.. educate yourselves because it works!
The FDA AND DEA are trying to ban it based on false allegations because it is killing pharmaceutical profits. The are good vendors with pure unadulterated products and then there are the adulterated products. It has helped thousands get off and stay off opiates. People in Asia have consumed Kratom for centuries with No issues ever. People that take it for the high ( which is no different than a small glass of wine that lasts a hour) are the ones abusing it. If people would do their research instead of listening to lies they would see the truth! Go to American Kratom Association online and read THE TRUTH. It should be regulated but NOT BANNED and scheduled. Doing so will cause suicides and OD in people. Its SO MUCH BETTER than the toxic crap pharmaceutical companies are selling out. All of the OTC medications you can buy at the store are WAY MORE TOXIC and all this pill crap you can buy or get prescribed is making people sicker. People wanting to try Kratom for whatever ailment they have need to be educated on Kratom and start slow with small doses. You only get sick on it if you get adulterated products or take it to much. It’s related to the coffee plant! Learn the truth and how to take it.
I personally used kratom to get off the opoid addiction the drs gave me, after a accident were i broke my neck like a trainwrek. With18 yrs of use. I was prescribed end of life doses of Oxocontin and then Fentynal along with Percocet plus valium and more. Kratom was a true blessing and saved my life. Kratom works better for pain then the Pain Poison the drs had me addicted on, its criminal. I started kratom and within ten months my brain healed enough to were I started forgetting to take kratom. Then I was easily able to stop taking Kratom all together. Kratom is a blessing and is not addictive. I hope this helps.