Addiction Education and Awareness

What You Should Know About Kratom and Its Risks

September 20, 2025

Kratom has become a widely discussed and controversial substance in recent years. For some, it is marketed as a natural herbal supplement that provides energy, relieves pain, or helps with opioid withdrawal. For others, it represents a dangerous drug with addictive potential and serious health consequences. Families, healthcare providers, and policymakers are increasingly asking the same question: what should people really know about kratom and its risks? To answer this, we need to explore what kratom is, how it works in the body, why people use it, and what science tells us about its dangers and potential role in addiction.

What Is Kratom?
Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which grows in Southeast Asia. For centuries, people in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have chewed kratom leaves or brewed them as tea for energy, relief from fatigue, and pain management. In lower doses, kratom acts like a stimulant, increasing alertness and energy. In higher doses, it acts more like an opioid, creating sedation and pain relief. This dual effect has contributed to its popularity in the United States, where it is sold in powder, capsule, and liquid form, often at smoke shops, supplement stores, or online.

How Kratom Works in the Brain and Body
The active compounds in kratom, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain. These are the same receptors that opioids like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl target. This explains why kratom can relieve pain and produce feelings of euphoria. However, kratom is not classified as an opioid in the traditional sense, and it also affects other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. The result is a drug with complex effects, making it unpredictable in different doses or for different individuals. Kratom is often marketed as natural, but natural does not mean safe. Many plants produce powerful psychoactive compounds, and kratom is no exception.

Why People Use Kratom
People use kratom for many reasons. Some take it to manage chronic pain as an alternative to prescription opioids. Others use it for anxiety, depression, or to increase focus and productivity. A growing number of individuals report using kratom to self-treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, claiming it eases cravings and helps them taper off stronger drugs. Some use it recreationally, seeking euphoria or relaxation. The wide range of reasons reflects both its availability and the lack of regulation around how it is marketed.

The Risks of Kratom Use
Although some users claim benefits, kratom carries significant risks. One of the biggest dangers is addiction. Because kratom acts on opioid receptors, it can produce dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. These symptoms may include irritability, muscle aches, insomnia, runny nose, and mood disturbances. Kratom can also cause nausea, constipation, sweating, itching, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. At high doses, it can lead to seizures, hallucinations, or psychosis. Cases of liver damage linked to kratom use have also been reported. Another risk is contamination. Because kratom is not regulated by the FDA, products may contain harmful additives, heavy metals, or bacteria. Laboratory testing has found salmonella contamination in some kratom products, causing serious illness.

Kratom and the Overdose Crisis
Kratom is often marketed as a safer alternative to opioids, but its role in the overdose crisis is concerning. While kratom is less potent than drugs like fentanyl, cases of overdose involving kratom alone or combined with other substances have been documented. The CDC has reported deaths where kratom was present, though many also involved other drugs. Because kratom can depress the central nervous system at high doses, particularly when mixed with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines, the risk of overdose increases. Families should be aware that kratom is not harmless, especially when combined with other substances.

Legal and Regulatory Status
The legal status of kratom varies. In the United States, kratom is not federally scheduled, meaning it is not illegal under federal law. However, the FDA has issued warnings about its safety, and the DEA has listed it as a drug of concern. Some states and cities have banned kratom, while others allow it to be sold. Internationally, countries like Thailand and Malaysia have long histories of regulating or banning kratom use. The patchwork of laws adds to confusion and inconsistency in how kratom is viewed and accessed.

Why Kratom Appeals to People in Recovery
One of the most debated aspects of kratom is its use by people in recovery from opioid addiction. Some claim it helps reduce cravings and withdrawal, allowing them to avoid relapse. Others argue that kratom itself is addictive and that substituting one dependence for another is dangerous. The truth is likely complex. While kratom may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying issues of addiction and may create new problems. People who turn to kratom without medical supervision risk developing another substance use disorder. Treatment providers caution that while kratom may appear to help, it is not an evidence-based or safe long-term solution.

The Myth of Safety in “Natural” Products
A common misconception is that because kratom comes from a plant, it must be safe. This is a dangerous myth. Many natural substances are toxic or addictive. Tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine all originate from plants but carry enormous health risks. Kratom is no different. The fact that it is marketed as a supplement often leads people to underestimate its potential harms. Families should understand that natural does not mean risk-free.

Signs of Kratom Misuse
Recognizing kratom misuse can be difficult, especially since it is legal in many places and often sold as a wellness product. Signs of misuse include taking increasingly larger doses, experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, changes in mood or behavior such as irritability or anxiety, physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, or tremors, and secrecy around use. If a loved one is using kratom and showing these signs, it may be time to seek help.

Treatment Options for Kratom Addiction
Treatment for kratom misuse is similar to treatment for other substance use disorders. The first step is often detox, which should be medically supervised due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, muscle pain, and insomnia. Medications may be used to manage symptoms and support comfort. Behavioral therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed therapy help address underlying issues and build coping skills. Group therapy and peer support provide accountability and reduce isolation. Some patients may benefit from medication-assisted treatment, especially if they also struggle with opioid use disorder. Long-term recovery requires integrated care that addresses physical, psychological, and social needs.

The Role of Families in Recovery
Families play an important role in supporting loved ones struggling with kratom misuse. Open, compassionate communication helps reduce stigma and encourages treatment. Families should educate themselves about the risks of kratom and participate in family therapy when possible. Setting healthy boundaries prevents enabling behaviors. Families can also support recovery by encouraging healthy routines, stress management, and connection to supportive communities.

Prevention and Education
Prevention begins with awareness. Because kratom is often marketed as safe or natural, education is critical. Schools, healthcare providers, and communities should provide accurate information about its risks. Patients should be cautious when considering kratom for pain or withdrawal and consult healthcare providers before use. Policymakers should consider regulations that ensure product safety and prevent misleading marketing.

Stories of Hope
Consider Lisa, who began using kratom to manage chronic back pain. At first, it helped her function, but over time, she found herself needing higher doses. She developed withdrawal symptoms and realized she was dependent. With medical support and therapy, she tapered off kratom and learned healthier ways to manage her pain. Or take Jason, who used kratom to cope with anxiety and ended up isolating himself from family and friends. Through a recovery program that included therapy and peer support, he rebuilt his relationships and found healthier coping strategies. These stories show that while kratom can lead to problems, recovery is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is kratom addictive? Yes. Kratom acts on opioid receptors and can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms, making it addictive for many people. Can kratom help with opioid withdrawal? Some people use it for this purpose, but it is not medically recommended. Safer, evidence-based treatments are available. What are the risks of combining kratom with other drugs? Combining kratom with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines increases the risk of overdose and death. Is kratom legal? Kratom is legal in some states and banned in others. It is not federally scheduled, but the FDA warns against its use. Can kratom damage the liver? Yes. Cases of liver toxicity linked to kratom use have been reported. What does kratom withdrawal feel like? Withdrawal may include anxiety, irritability, muscle aches, sweating, and insomnia. Can someone recover from kratom addiction? Yes. With treatment, therapy, and support, recovery is possible. Are there safe doses of kratom? Because kratom is unregulated and unpredictable, no dose can be considered completely safe. Why is kratom sold as a supplement? Loopholes in regulation allow it to be marketed this way, despite the risks. How can families talk to loved ones about kratom? Approach with compassion, avoid judgment, and focus on safety and support.

Actionable Takeaways
Kratom is a plant-based drug with opioid-like effects that is increasingly popular in the United States. It is marketed as natural and safe but carries real risks of dependence, withdrawal, and overdose, especially when mixed with other substances. Families should recognize the signs of misuse and know that treatment is available. Recovery requires medical supervision, therapy, and support. Prevention and education are key, as misinformation about kratom is widespread. Natural does not mean harmless, and kratom should be approached with caution.

Conclusion
Kratom may be marketed as a supplement or natural remedy, but the reality is more complicated. It carries risks that are often hidden from consumers, including addiction, withdrawal, and health complications. For families and individuals, the most important step is awareness. Understanding what kratom is and how it works helps people make informed choices and avoid harm. For those already struggling, treatment offers hope. With medical care, therapy, and support, recovery is possible. Kratom is not a safe shortcut to relief. Real healing comes from addressing pain, stress, and addiction with evidence-based strategies and compassionate care.