I feel compelled to share a public service announcement about something I’ve been noticing more often in my clinical work: a surprising rise in Kratom use.
Some people are intentionally using Kratom, aware that it’s a plant with opioid-like properties. But more concerning are those who are unknowingly consuming it—often through “health drinks” sold at upscale health food stores, where Kratom is just one ingredient on the label.
Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. While it has traditional uses and can act as a pain reliever or even help with opioid withdrawal, it also carries serious risks. In fact, it’s banned in countries like Malaysia and Thailand due to its addictive potential, yet its availability in the U.S. continues to rise.
The main active compounds in Kratom—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—bind to the same receptors in the brain as opioids. At low doses, it can feel uplifting or energizing. At higher doses, it relieves pain and produces a calming, opiate-like effect. Unfortunately, this also means it can lead to dependence. Chronic use can result in withdrawal symptoms when stopped—sometimes severe enough to require inpatient detox and long-term support.
The most dangerous part? It feels good — and it’s marketed as a natural, healthy herbal remedy. But the ‘natural’ label can be misleading and even harmful.
Side effects can include agitation, drowsiness, confusion, liver damage, seizures, and risks in pregnancy. It’s also not regulated by the FDA, which means there’s no consistency in dosage or purity—raising the risk of toxicity.
In small doses, Kratom might feel as harmless as a cup of coffee. But given its powerful mechanism of action, chronic use can become a slippery slope.
We all want to feel good—but it’s essential to stay informed about what we’re putting in our bodies, especially when wellness products mask risks that mirror those of opioids.
Feel free to reach out with thoughts, Dr Altobelli 🙂