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Kratom, a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, has become a trending substance in the United States. It is usually marketed as an energy booster, pain reliever, or natural alternative to alcohol. However, behind these wellness claims, there is real danger. Kratom can be addictive and, in some cases, deadly.
The active components in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the brain’s opioid receptors. While in small doses, users may feel energized and alert, higher doses cause sedative effects similar to opioids like morphine. This is when the dangers occur.
Despite being sold in gas stations and online wellness stores, kratom is far from natural. Its legal status varies across the US, with bans in places like Wisconsin, Indiana, and Alabama. However, access to kratom remains widespread no matter the location. The most recent boom in kratom use has been through the consumption of drinks like Feel Free, a kratom and kava- infused drink linked to growing cases of dependency and withdrawal. Kratom also comes in other forms, such as pills, powders, or extracts. The symptoms of kratom addiction itself mirror those of traditional opioids, including anxiety, depression, nausea, insomnia, muscle aches, and intense cravings.
Users have reported escalating use from one bottle per day to even four or more, often without realizing they are forming a dependency. As tolerance builds, users need more to feel the same effects, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Especially because these substances are unregulated, some of these products contain dangerously high concentrations, are labeled inaccurately, or are mixed with other substances. Medical experts warn that kratom’s “natural” label is misleading. In fact, natural doesn’t mean safe. Kratom-related calls and emergency room visits have been steadily rising, and in some overdose cases, kratom was the only substance detected.
While more research is needed to fully understand kratom’s long-term effects, it is not the harmless herbal remedy it is marketed to be. At Tellurian, our goal is to help patients every step of the way, no matter the struggle. If you or someone you know is using kratom regularly and is struggling to stop, please contact us at 608-222-7311 or patientservices@tellurian.org.
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