Concerns About Kratom
We all know about the danger posed by opioids. However, there's another dangerous substance currently being used and abused that's received less attention. It's legal in most of the U.S. and fairly easy to get. In fact, it's sold in some health food stores as a supplement. It's called Kratom.
"Kratom is a plant that comes from Southeast Asia that has opioid-like properties and stimulant properties, too," says Paula Cook, MD, an addiction medicine specialist at University of Utah Health. "The perception is that it's relatively safe, but it's not."
Kratom is commonly sold as a powder and ingested several different ways. It can be made into a tea or taken as a caplet. Many mix it into food or juice as well. Those who use it say it can have both a calming and energizing effect. Some say it helps with withdrawal from opioids. However, they may be trading one drug for another.
"We're seeing more and more people come in with trouble getting off of Kratom," Cook says, "because they're now using so much of it that they have a withdrawal syndrome when they stop. Or they're having other problems associated with Kratom."
Because it affects the nervous system and brain, health problems associated with Kratom include dizziness, hallucinations, or even seizures. Kratom can also cause an increase in blood pressure and slowing of respiration, in addition to a risk of liver toxicity.
"There have been a few case reports of death with Kratom use," Cook says. "Poison control centers all over the country have definitely noticed an increase in calls regarding Kratom, and emergency departments are seeing more patients as well."
Kratom is not regulated by the FDA, which means that there's no oversight regarding its sale. This could put users at risk for taking substances they're not aware of or experiencing possible dangerous drug interactions.
"You could be buying what you think has Kratom, but it could be mixed with all kinds of other substances," Cook explains. "You're actually getting a product that they didn't buy into."
It's possible for users to stop using Kratom on their own—depending on how much they've been taking and for how long. Others, though, may go through withdrawal symptoms and need to get help.
"There are folks who are tapering themselves off of it once they realize that it's not helping them anymore," Cook says. "And then there are folks that can't get off themselves. They've tried it, but the withdrawal syndrome is pretty severe."
Where to Go When You Need Mental Health Help Right Away
A mental health crisis does not always require a hospital bed, but it does require compassion and professional support. Learn how the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center offers immediate help—no appointment or referral needed.
Utah's New Mental Health Crisis Center Offers Immediate Support for Adults in Distress
You do not need to be suicidal or in psychosis to be in crisis. A mental health crisis can mean overwhelming anxiety, grief that would not lift, or a stretch of time when functioning feels impossible. Designed to be an alternative to ER visits or jail, the new Huntsman Mental Health Institute facility is open to any adult in need, no appointment required.
Emergency Mental Health Care Without Going to the ER: How Utah’s MCOT Comes to You
Crises do not wait for appointments—and neither does the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. Learn how this no-cost, judgment-free service is helping Utahns avoid unnecessary ER visits and navigate moments of crisis with real-time, compassionate care.
