The overprescription and illicit use of opiates have resulted in one of the worst drug-related epidemics the United States has ever seen. With more and more developing a dependency on opioids, there is a search for all-natural solutions. And some research suggests you may be able to use kratom for opioid addiction. In this article, we’ll explore how you can use kratom, its potential benefits for opioid addiction, and what drawbacks you may face.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a natural tree native to Southeast Asia in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Its leaves have been used in herbal medicine since the 19th century and cause stimulating, pain-relieving effects. These have been compared to modern pain-relieving medications, such as opiates.

To obtain such effects, you have several different options for the consumption of the kratom plant. You can chew the leaves directly or digest them through a capsule/powdered extract. Kratom has also been used in elixirs and teas. ¹

How Does Kratom Work in the Body?

Kratom will provide you with sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain, especially when consumed in large amounts. It also changes brain function by utilizing two compounds found in kratom leaves. These compounds interact with opioid receptors and create a sedating effect.

When taken in small doses, kratom can also enhance stimulation. Therefore, some people use it in the morning to enhance energy. ²

Can You Use Kratom for Opioid Addiction?

Those who use kratom have sworn by its positive effects. Patients dealing with daily chronic pain from injuries and disorders like fibromyalgia have turned to kratom to deal with pain management.

The American Kratom Association (which counts 3-5 million regular users) acknowledges kratom’s compounds bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as opioids. Therefore, it’s been stated that kratom can be an all-natural alternative to opiates for having the same biochemical reaction in the brain.

What Does the Research Say?

The question still remains whether or not kratom use can be a complete alternative to opioids for pain management. Several studies have been done to look into the therapeutic qualities of kratom:

• A study done by Dr. Scott Hemby, chair of basic pharmaceutical sciences at the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy at High Point University, found that “MG (Kratom) does not have abuse potential and reduces morphine intake.” ³ This result illustrates that kratom has less potential to be as addictive as prescribed or illicit opioids. Not to mention, it can result in a reduction in the use of those who abuse painkillers.

• Another study done by Kai Yue found that kratom use has fewer liability complications than long-term opioid use and that there could be “potential for mitragynine (kratom) treatment to specifically reduce opioid abuse.” The study concluded that  “mitragynine (kratom) is deserving of more extensive exploration for its development or that of an analog as a medical treatment for opioid abuse.”

Benefits of Kratom

Kratom is commonly consumed in teas, grounded-up powders, and capsule form. Those who take it daily have said it produces the following effects: ⁴

• Analgesia
• Euphoria
• Enhanced sociability
• Increased energy
• Relaxation
• Sensory enhancement
• Warm and tingly sensations

Kratom Dosage Recommendation

As a result of the lack of research and regulations, there isn’t a recommended kratom dosage. In a study done on the use of kratom for opiate withdrawal, it was determined that five grams of powder taken up to three times per day was adequate. ⁵ Participants in this study consumed kratom by mixing the powder into tea.

Kraken Kratom, a popular online retailer, has released a serving-size guide as a resource for those who are trying to find a proper dose. They’ve stated that powdered forms of kratom should be a teaspoon. This provides you with 2.6 grams of plant-based material.

What are the Risks of Kratom?

Admittedly, kratom use has several drawbacks that require close attention. One of the largest complications is the lack of research and studies to conclusively say what the plant is doing inside the body.

Still, a collection of testimonies and medical reviews have shown kratom use may cause the following negative effects: ⁶

• Changes in urine
• Dry mouth
• Liver damage
• Muscle fatigue and pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss

Likewise, long-term kratom use can cause cognitive repercussions and strain on the body’s nervous system through:

• Breathing complications
• Coma
• Death
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Kratom Side Effects

The risks for kratom commonly occur in large doses or over a long period. However, there is evidence to support that long-term use can lead to addiction.

The side effects of kratom are essentially what leads to the substance’s drawbacks. Those who have taken it in large doses have reported: ⁷

• Constipation
• Inflammation
• Interaction with other medications
• Loss of appetite
• Renal damage

Can You Overdose on Kratom?

As a result of the overuse of kratom, there are concerns you could potentially overdose. Overdoses are rare but have been reported. The potential danger of an overdose ultimately comes down to how much you take.

Consequently, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have pushed against kratom use over fears of overdoses and adverse effects. However, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) hasn’t outright banned the use or sale.

The effects of an overdose on kratom are: ⁸

• Coma
• Death
• Delirium
• Difficulties breathing
• Kidney and liver toxicity
• Lack of urination
• Lethargy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures

Kratom for Opioid Addiction Reviews

Despite its potential dangers, kratom is still available for purchase on the internet. If you’re interested, several online retailers make kratom available to those who want to try for a substance use disorder.

Yet, they also specialize in the sale of kava kava and cannabidiol (CBD). The company also offers educational resources about kratom to maximize the effects of its products.

Kratom products are available in different options, ranging from powders, whole-leaf extracts, and capsules. Their most popular and sought-after product is their powdered kratom which vary by their different strains and potency.

Kratom Country offers kratom in capsules, powders, and whole-leaf varieties. They sell their products in one-ounce pouches, with varying strengths and potencies. Customers have reported positive experiences with their products.

Final Word

While the United States continues to struggle with an opioid epidemic, all-natural alternatives provide hope. And they do so without causing the same dangerous consequences that opioids offer.

Still, while kratom has its perks, there remain a lot of hazards in taking these products. If you plan to use kratom for opiate abuse or other conditions, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider.

References

¹ Jentsch MJ, Pippin MM. Kratom. 2023 Aug 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 36256767.

² Grundmann O, Hendrickson RG, Greenberg MI. Kratom: History, pharmacology, current user trends, adverse health effects and potential benefits. Dis Mon. 2023 Jun;69(6):101442. doi: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2022.101442. Epub 2022 Jun 19. PMID: 35732553.

³ Yue K, Kopajtic TA, Katz JL. Abuse liability of mitragynine assessed with a self-administration procedure in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2018 Oct;235(10):2823-2829. doi: 10.1007/s00213-018-4974-9. Epub 2018 Jul 23. PMID: 30039246.

⁴ Singh D, Narayanan S, Vicknasingam B. Traditional and non-traditional uses of Mitragynine (Kratom): A survey of the literature. Brain Res Bull. 2016 Sep;126(Pt 1):41-46. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.05.004. Epub 2016 May 10. PMID: 27178014.

⁵ Boyer EW, Babu KM, Adkins JE, McCurdy CR, Halpern JH. Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal using kratom (Mitragynia speciosa korth). Addiction. 2008 Jun;103(6):1048-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02209.x. PMID: 18482427; PMCID: PMC3670991.

⁶ Striley CW, Hoeflich CC, Viegas AT, Berkowitz LA, Matthews EG, Akin LP, Iheanyi-Okeahialam C, Mansoor U, McCurdy CR. Health Effects Associated With Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Polysubstance Use: A Narrative Review. Subst Abuse. 2022 May 20;16:11782218221095873. doi: 10.1177/11782218221095873. PMID: 35645563; PMCID: PMC9130800.

⁷ Saingam D, Singh D, Geater AF, Assanangkornchai S, Jitpiboon W, Latkin C. The Health Impact of Long-Term Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) Use in Southern Thailand. Subst Use Misuse. 2023;58(10):1212-1225. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2215301. Epub 2023 Jun 3. PMID: 37270449.

⁸ Ahmed S, Tran QV, McLean M. The Great Imitator: A Case of Accidental Kratom Overdose. Cureus. 2023 Aug 8;15(8):e43144. doi: 10.7759/cureus.43144. PMID: 37560054; PMCID: PMC10408695.