Kratom
Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects.
People have used Kratom to attempt to overcome opioid addiction, chronic pain, and other health problems. However, it is a Schedule 1 drug in Connecticut, and is not approved for any medical use
Reported Health Effects of Kratom Include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Increased urination
- Hallucinations
Kratom, which affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, has properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and dependence. Symptoms of psychosis have been reported in some users. In addition, kratom products have been found to contain contaminants that produce effects not associated with kratom or kratom compounds alone, including heavy metals and harmful bacteria.
Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse, US Food and Drug Administration
Research & Data
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An Assessment of the Scientific Data and Toxicological Concerns Around an Emerging Opioid Threat - FDA
- From kratom to 7-hydroxymitragynine: evolution of a natural remedy into a public-health threat - Pharmaceutical Biology
- Increase in Poison Center Reports Linked to Kratom-Containing Kava Products — National Poison Data System, United States, 2000–2025
- Increases in Kratom-Related Reports to Poison Centers — National Poison Data System, United States, 2015–2025
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Due to Maternal Kratom Use
From the American Academy of Pediatrics
Fact Sheets
Locate a Treatment Facility
Podcasts
Risks of Kratom (Huberman Lab)
Trainings
- Between the Leaves: Prevalence, Withdrawal and Approaches to Care for Kratom Use - Boston Medical Center (BMC) Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance (TTA)
- Clinical Considerations for 7-OH and High-Potency Kratom Derivatives - PCSS-MOUD Clinical Roundtable
- Complexities and Controversies in Assessing, Diagnosing, and Managing Kratom Use - ASAM
Understanding 7-OH – Science, Risks, and Real-World Impact