Krazy for Kratom: The dangers of kratom as an opioid withdrawal and drug treatment.

As unintentional overdose deaths trend upward in San Francisco, many search for solutions to the city’s drug problem, and how to help addicts stop using these harmful substances. Since 2015, kratom — an herbal extract from the leaves of an evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that grows in Southeast Asia — has been promoted and sold in the U.S. as a natural and safe alternative to opioid or alcohol use. While it was first introduced to the U.S. by Southeast Asian immigrants in the 1980s and 1990s, it has only become widely popular within the last twenty years. Kratom contains over 50 alkaloids, but specifically mitragynine and 7-OH act on the brain’s opioid receptors and other chemical systems like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine to cause opioid-like effects. While it claims to have health benefits and purports to be able to help those addicted to opioids wean off them, the risk of addiction to kratom is far too high to recommend for use.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), kratom cannot be lawfully marketed in the U.S. as a drug product, dietary supplement or food additive. However, Kratom-containing drug products are often shipped to the U.S. and are falsely declared as other items, such as potpourri or incense. It is easy to find in most smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations, usually retailing around $10 to $30, depending on the amount and what form it is in; making it easy to purchase without knowing the full adverse effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Commercially available kratom products are not ‘natural.’ They often have high levels of very addictive substances. And kratom may contain dangerous contaminants, including heavy metals and harmful bacteria.” 

Kratom has gained popularity as a way for recovering opioid addicts to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. While the origins of its rise are murky, its perceived benefits have been promoted online. People likely trust this information because of the scarce amount of scientific research available on kratom and due to confirmation bias. Those who have heard of kratom’s benefits online likely look up phrases like, “benefits of kratom,” if they look it up at all. This causes search engines or social media sites to push articles or videos that affirm that belief and those looking it up are likely to look for information that reinforces what they have already learned about kratom. This is true of many health and wellness fads on the internet, and the more awareness of the potential of false advertising is spread, the more people will stop blindly believing things they see online without doing independent research.

Due to kratom’s potential for addiction, those consistently using it who discontinue use may experience flu-like withdrawal symptoms, including agitation and anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is possible to overdose on kratom just as with pain medication and recreational drugs, but it’s rare. The treatment for a kratom overdose is like the treatment for an opioid overdose, using naloxone (i.e. Narcan, Kloxxado, etc.) and getting medical attention. While a kratom overdose is rare, in July 2018, Daniel Schwartz, a 29-year-old from Colorado, died unexpectedly from acute mitragynine toxicity, the active compound found in kratom. He struggled for years with depression, anxiety and addiction, but found periods of sobriety and joy after an inpatient rehabilitation program. Despite improvements in his life (reconnecting with his passion for music, working and being in a relationship) Schwartz began using kratom, believing it was a safe, natural supplement. Because of his struggles, there were many moments when his life could have ended. Yet, after surviving them all, it was kratom, a substance he thought was harmless and natural, that ultimately caused his death. 

Schwartz’ unforeseen spiral into kratom addiction is not an isolated event. Christina Galindo shared her story online of how she became dependent on kratom after being misled that it was a safe, vitamin-like supplement for energy and focus. Instead, it severely harmed her health, causing high blood pressure, panic attacks, vomiting, depression and intense withdrawal symptoms that nearly destroyed her marriage and drove her and her wife to suicidal thoughts. After a painful withdrawal process, they are kratom-free, regaining their health, motivation and rebuilding their relationship. Galindo and her wife co-founded kratomquitters.com, which provides support meetings online daily, resources like a list of alternative supplements and provides recommendations on tapering use for people trying to quit, warning that kratom’s widespread availability could spark a new epidemic. 

Overall, people need to think critically and do research before purchasing goods that claim to be natural and believed to have health benefits, especially when it comes to substances. It’s important to think twice before taking mood-altering substances, especially ones that claim to provide remedies for certain issues. Always consult a doctor or do independent research with reputable sources to keep yourself safe from potentially harmful substances that could lead to addiction. It’s imperative to remember we are all susceptible to addiction and we need to take the necessary precautions to prevent falling into it. There is still much more scientific research that needs to be done on the effects of kratom before it should be used as a treatment for any ailment; however, the risk of addiction associated with it seems to negate any benefit it could provide as a method of management for pain or otherwise. Be smart, don’t fall into the kratom craze.