Kratom May Have Less Abuse Potential Than Opioids
The herbal supplement kratom may be less addictive and more effective for the management of pain than opioids, according to new research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.1 In a cross-sectional, self-report survey of 2798 participants, kratom was generally found to be highly effective, with 91% people taking it for pain, 67% for anxiety, and 65% for depression. Others take kratom to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciose) is available online and comes in a variety of forms—pills, tea, powder, capsules, and dietary supplements and ingredients. Derived from a tree, it is grown mainly in the tropics in places like Malaysia and Thailand, as well as other areas in Southeast Asia, including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It has been used throughout history for stimulant-like effects and to reduce anxiety and other symptoms.
