Doctors are being encouraged to ask patients about Kratom use, just as they would with cannabis or opioids. A recent commentary in the Annals of Internal Medicine warns that while kratom is marketed in the U.S. as a “natural supplement,” it poses serious health risks.
What Is Kratom?
This is a plant native to Southeast Asia. In small doses, it acts as a stimulant. In larger doses, it can mimic the sedative effects of opioids. Many people use kratom to self-manage:
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Chronic pain
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Depression or anxiety
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Opioid withdrawal symptoms
However, its unregulated use has raised alarms in the medical community.
Why Are Doctors Concerned?
Healthcare professionals—like Dr. Eileen Barrett—have reported treating patients harmed by kratom, often without realizing it initially. The substance may be underreported due to stigma or the mistaken belief that it’s harmless.
Both the FDA and DEA have issued strong warnings:
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The FDA has not approved kratom for medical use, citing safety concerns
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The DEA classifies it as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern”
Side effects include:
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Cardiovascular issues (e.g., elevated blood pressure)
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Gastrointestinal problems
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Neurological and psychiatric symptoms
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Severe withdrawal symptoms
While kratom-related deaths are fewer than those caused by opioids, the risk increases significantly when using concentrated kratom extracts—many of which are available at gas stations and smoke shops across the U.S.
Is It Helpful or Harmful?
Some advocates argue that kratom has benefits—especially for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). They claim it can reduce cravings or help avoid opioid side effects. However, addiction experts urge caution.
Medical authorities recommend FDA-approved treatments for OUD, such as:
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Buprenorphine
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Methadone
These medications are regulated, studied, and far more predictable than kratom.
Because of the variability in kratom’s potency and purity, it is unlikely to receive FDA approval in its current form. Still, experts believe regulated use—if standards are developed—might reduce harm in the future.
We Understand Kratom Addiction—And We Can Help
At Vero Beach Recovery Center, we’ve seen firsthand how this substance, especially the extracts, can spiral into addiction. Many of our clients—and their families—never expected a “natural supplement” could lead to serious consequences.
We’ve developed a dedicated treatment plan for Kratom Use Disorder, based on clinical best practices and compassionate care.
Our approach includes:
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Comprehensive substance use assessment
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Treatment Programs for Substance Abuse and underlying mental health conditions
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Relapse prevention planning
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Medical support for withdrawal symptoms
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Peer and family support systems
Kratom addiction often leads to riskier, cheaper, and deadlier substance use patterns if left untreated. It’s often sold at gas stations near your home—making it easy to access and harder to monitor.
📞 Call or 📲 Text us today at (772) 584-3083
Recovery from kratom dependence is possible—with the right support and treatment.
