Have you heard about kratom?
Kratom has gained significant attention in recent years, with some people turning to it for pain relief, increased energy, or even to ease withdrawal symptoms from other substances. In fact, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that about 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021, though many experts believe that number is conservative.
At Spearhead Health, we believe it’s important to share balanced information so individuals and families can make informed decisions about their health and recovery. Everyone’s path to healing is unique, but it’s essential that only safe and trusted avenues are used to promote lasting wellness. In this article, we’ll explore what kratom is and the dangers associated with it.
Please note: this information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a doctor or medical professional before considering kratom or any other supplement.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a herbal substance made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, people in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have used kratom leaves in traditional medicine, often chewing them or brewing them into tea for increased energy, pain relief, or to help manage fatigue during long workdays.
Today, kratom is available in many forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts. What makes kratom unique is that its effects depend on the dose: in small amounts, it can act as a stimulant, while in larger amounts, it has sedative-like properties.
However, kratom is not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, which means quality, purity, and safety can vary widely. While some individuals report benefits, medical professionals emphasize that research is still limited, and risks such as dependence, side effects, and contamination are real concerns.
The Dangers of Kratom Use
There is no doubt that kratom use carries significant risks. Between 2014 and 2019, poison control centers in the U.S. received more than 3,400 calls related to kratom exposure. Many of these cases involved serious symptoms such as high blood pressure, confusion, and seizures, and some even resulted in death.
The dangers stem from the way kratom acts on the brain and central nervous system. At higher doses especially, people may experience dizziness, drowsiness, delusions, difficulty breathing, tremors, or seizures. Because it binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, kratom also has the potential to cause dependence and addiction. Regular use can lead to withdrawal symptoms when someone tries to stop, including insomnia, irritability, and muscle aches.
Another concern is that kratom is not regulated like prescription medications. The strength and purity of products can vary greatly, raising the risk of accidental overdose or exposure to harmful contaminants. Reported side effects include nausea, constipation, and increased heart rate, in addition to the more severe complications already noted. Kratom can also interact dangerously with other substances, such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, further increasing the risk of serious health problems.
What the Research Says
Research on kratom is still limited, particularly in the United States. However, at this time, most medical professionals agree that far more research is needed to fully understand its safety and effectiveness.
Experts warn that kratom can interact with other medications, potentially leading to severe effects such as liver damage. Use during pregnancy has also been shown to affect infants, and testing has revealed that some kratom products contain harmful contaminants, including heavy metals and dangerous bacteria like salmonella. In fact, the FDA has linked more than 35 deaths to salmonella-tainted kratom products.
Because of these risks, organizations such as the FDA and CDC continue to caution against the use of kratom, especially outside of a supervised medical setting. The Mayo Clinic has also raised concerns, publishing an article titled “Kratom: Unsafe and Ineffective,” which highlights many of these dangers.
Wrapping Up: Proceed with Caution
Kratom is often marketed as a natural alternative for pain relief or recovery, but “natural” doesn’t always mean safe. The risks, including dependence, health complications, and lack of regulation, are very real with kratom.
At Spearhead Health, we encourage anyone considering supplements like kratom to talk with a medical professional first, especially if you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or substance use recovery. Safer, evidence-based treatments are available, and no one should have to navigate these choices alone.
If you or a loved one are exploring alternatives for pain management or recovery, Spearhead Health is here to help. Our team provides compassionate, informed care to support healthier choices and lasting recovery. Give us a call today at (310) 561-1704.