Growing Concerns Over Kratom Use Prompt Warnings from Physicians
As practicing physicians, we are alarmed by the increase we are seeing of kratom use and its harmful impacts on patients of all ages,” reads a statement from a growing number of medical professionals raising concerns about the increasingly popular herbal supplement. The concerns center around potential addiction risks, undisclosed health dangers, and a lack of regulation surrounding the substance.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, is marketed and sold as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal. However, doctors are reporting a surge in patients presenting with adverse effects linked to kratom use, ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to more severe complications like liver damage, seizures, and respiratory depression.
The ease with which kratom can be purchased is also a significant worry. In Idaho, for example, kratom is readily available for sale in many stores, often without clear warnings about the potential risks, according to reporting from KIVI-TV. This lack of transparency is fueling the increase in use and, the number of patients seeking medical attention for kratom-related problems.
The supplement’s effects are described as “opioid-like,” and this is a key area of concern for medical professionals. Doctors warn that kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, potentially leading to dependence and addiction. Newsday reports that regulations surrounding kratom are currently being considered as ex-users and doctors alike highlight the addiction risks associated with the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can be similar to those experienced with opioid withdrawal, including muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, and anxiety.
The rise in kratom use is also drawing scrutiny on social media, with viral supplements sparking health warnings. ABC7 Los Angeles reported on a specific kratom supplement gaining traction online, prompting further investigation into its safety and potential side effects. This increased visibility is bringing the issue to a wider audience and raising awareness about the potential dangers.
In Berkeley County, South Carolina, families and doctors are voicing their concerns about the dangers of kratom, as reported by WIS News 10. The concerns echo those being raised across the country, highlighting a national trend of increasing kratom-related health issues. The lack of consistent regulation across states further complicates the issue, allowing for varying levels of access and oversight.
FOODbible reports that doctors are issuing a warning over the popular supplement, emphasizing its opioid-like effects and the potential for harm. This warning underscores the need for greater public awareness and education about the risks associated with kratom use. The supplement is often marketed as a safe alternative to opioids, but medical professionals caution that it is not without its own set of dangers.
The growing body of evidence suggests that kratom is not a harmless herbal remedy. Doctors are urging individuals to be cautious about using kratom and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. The lack of regulation and the potential for addiction and adverse health effects necessitate a more comprehensive approach to addressing the risks associated with this increasingly popular substance.
