Kratom
Quick Facts
What is kratom?
- Kratom is the leaves of a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that is native to Southeast Asia.
- Kratom is often used to self-treat conditions such as chronic pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety and depression, opioid use disorder, and opioid withdrawal.
- People who use kratom report both stimulant-like effects (increased energy, alertness and rapid heart rate) and effects that are similar to opioids and sedatives (relaxation, pain relief and confusion).
- Kratom is legal in many countries, including the United States, but the regulation varies. It is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- The FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD).
- Researchers continue to study the effects of kratom.
What are some street names for kratom?
- Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketum, Biak
How is kratom used/abused?
- Chewed (whole leaves)
- Eaten (mixed in food or brewed as tea)
- Occasionally smoked
What are the short-term effects of kratom use?
- Nausea
- Continuous vomiting
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Increased urination
- Loss of appetite
- At low doses: increased energy, sociability, alertness
- At high doses: sedation, euphoria, decreased pain
What are the long-term effects of kratom use?
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Skin darkening
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Hallucinations with long-term use at high doses in some users
- Psychosis
- Liver toxicity
- Tremors
- Seizures
Treatment Options
- Yamhill County Substance Use Programs offer a wide array of treatment options and programs for adults and youth, please visit our Alcohol and Drug Treatment page or call 503-434-7523 for more information.