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Kratom: What You Need to Know About This “Natural” Opioid
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Kratom: What You Need to Know About This “Natural” Opioid
Kratom is often marketed as a natural remedy—but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. While some people use it for pain relief or to manage opioid withdrawal, medical experts at University of Utah Health warn that kratom can lead to addiction, overdose, and other serious health risks.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have been used for centuries for their mild stimulant effects, similar to caffeine. But kratom is unique: at higher doses, it acts like an opioid, affecting the same receptors as drugs like morphine or oxycodone.
“In South America, people chew coca leaves (used to make cocaine) for a stimulant effect,” says Michael Moss, MD, the director of the Utah Poison Control Center. “Similarly, with kratom—while not nearly as potent as a stimulant—it is unusual that it also acts like an opioid when taken at a higher dose.”
How Is Kratom Used?
In the United States, Kratom is often consumed as:
- Capsules filled with powdered leaves
- Tea or juice
- Loose powder mixed into drinks
Most users aren’t seeking a caffeine-like boost—they’re looking for the opioid-like effects to manage pain or avoid prescription opioids.
As access to prescription opioids declined during the opioid epidemic, people turned to kratom as a legal, “natural” alternative. It’s easy to find in many states such as Utah—sold in vape shops, gas stations, and online.
“You drive down the street and see a vape shop—you’ll probably see a sign in the window that says ‘Kratom sold here’ in fluorescent letters,” says Moss, an associate professor of medical toxicology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah.
Is Kratom Safe?
In the U.S., kratom is legal in nearly all states and not federally regulated. While six states have banned the plant, four states (including Utah) have created regulations under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).
Kratom is not FDA-approved and cannot be prescribed by doctors. That means:
- There’s no standard dose
- Products may be contaminated
- Its safety hasn’t been thoroughly studied
“Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe,” Moss says. “It’s still an opioid and can cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction.”
Some known health risks associated with kratom include:
- Addiction and withdrawal
- Liver damage
- Anxiety, hallucinations, or psychosis
- Contamination-related illness (e.g., salmonella outbreaks)
Some users experience delirium or severe anxiety after taking too much. Others may overdose or attempt suicide using kratom.
What’s New? A More Potent Form of Kratom
A new, purified compound from kratom called 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7 hydroxy or 7-OH) is now being sold in pill form. It’s more potent than morphine and has led to overdoses requiring Narcan.
“The compound itself, even though it’s present in only 1% of the plant or less, is really potent,” Moss warns. “Instead of a mild opioid effect, people are developing significant tolerance and even overdosing.”
The Utah Poison Control Center has seen a rise in kratom-related calls. Most callers need help with:
- Managing side effects, such as feeling very anxious and delirious
- Navigating overdose situations
- Suicide attempts
Doctors and nurses also call the Utah Poison Control Center for help to treat kratom withdrawal—just like they would for oxycodone or heroin.
“This new 7 hydroxy is brand new and we’re still learning about it,” Moss says. “It definitely has the potential to be more dangerous because it’s more potent and unregulated.”
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is using kratom and experiencing problems, call 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential help 24/7. If someone that used kratom is experiencing an overdose, call 911.
If you are dealing with chronic pain and are worried about addiction, talk to your doctor. They can help find a way to safely treat your pain with less addiction risk.
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Poison Proofing Your Home for Crawlers, Walkers, and Climbers
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