States Divided on Opioid-Withdrawal Alternative
Legislation on an alternative substance that some say could help mitigate the effects of opioid withdrawals is divided along state lines.
Kratom, a tropical tree from Southeast Asia with leaves that produce stimulant and sedative effects, has been used in the Fort Smith region to both treat chronic pain and mitigate the effects of opioid painkiller withdrawals. Though it is sold legally through alternative medicine stores throughout Oklahoma, it is listed as a banned substance in Arkansas.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has listed kratom as a “Drug of Concern.” In February, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said claiming kratom is harmless is “shortsighted and dangerous” and that it’s “an opioid that’s associated with novel risks because of the variability in how it’s being formulated, sold and used recreationally.”
In Oklahoma, a similar debate is being held.
“Right now, I just don’t think everyone is on board with banning it,” said Kayla Madera, an employee at the kratom store Earthly Mist in Roland. “They’re just butting heads right now.”
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