Kratom commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce stimulant effects(increased alertness and energy) oropioid-like effects (pain relief). Kratom and kratom-based products are legal in many areas, though agencies in the United States continue to review and evaluate emerging evidence to inform policy.

Research indicates that those who use kratom regularly may risk becoming dependent. This can occur because the body naturally adapts to regular exposure to kratom. When someone stops taking it, withdrawal symptoms can emerge as the body adjusts to no longer having the substance. Physical dependence can lead to cravings to relieve these symptoms.

Published by the American Psychiatric Association, these criteria include:

• Lacking control over the amount of the substance taken or the frequency with which it is used.
• An inability to stop using the drug despite multiple attempts to do so.
• Neglecting responsibilities and relationships.
• Lacking interest in social, recreational, or other activities that used to be important.
• Decreasing productivity at home, school, or work.
• An increase in risk-taking behaviors.
• Continuing to use the drug in full awareness of problems its use may create.
• Needing to take more of the drug to feel its effects, which is also known as tolerance.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used.

Large doses of kratom can cause many serious side effects, including nausea, aggression, hallucinations, trouble breathing, and death.

Long-term use has been linked with dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to other opioids.

Kratom is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act; however, there may be some state
regulations or prohibitions against the possession and use of kratom. The FDA has not approved Kratom
for any medical use. In addition, DEA has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern

Mostly abused by oral ingestion in the form of a tablet, capsule, or
extract. Kratom leaves may also be dried or powdered and ingested as
a tea, or the kratom leaf may be chewed.

No, kratom products are not regulated at this time because they have not been approved for any medical use.

Yes, consuming kratom poses a risk of overdose and potential death.
While fatal overdoses have been reported in conjunction with kratom usage, many of these cases
involved the use of kratom in combination with other substances such as prescription opioids, alcohol and over-the-counter medications, which could have contributed to the overdose.