Understanding Kratom: Uses, Risks, and Safety

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, may look like a harmless green plant, often dried and brewed into tea. However, there’s more to this substance than meets the eye.

Native to Southeast Asia, kratom comes from a tropical tree found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Its leaves contain compounds that alter the mind. People use kratom in various ways—chewing the leaves, brewing tea, smoking, or adding it to food. Today, it’s commonly sold as capsules or fine powder. While some praise kratom for pain relief, it also carries serious risks.

For example, mixing kratom with alcohol can lead to dangerous side effects. It’s also easy to develop a full-blown addiction, even without alcohol involved.

A Brief History of Kratom

Kratom’s history spans centuries. Indigenous communities have used its leaves in rituals and cultural traditions. For them, kratom wasn’t just recreational; it was part of daily life and served as a pain remedy.

In the 20th century, several Southeast Asian countries recognized kratom’s risks and imposed bans or restrictions. Thailand, where kratom was deeply rooted in society, banned it in 1943 over addiction concerns.

In recent decades, kratom has gained popularity in the U.S. The digital age, with viral trends and online marketing, fueled its rise. Online forums sparked curiosity, and by the 2000s and 2010s, kratom was marketed as a natural supplement in teas, capsules, and powders.

As its use grew, so did safety concerns. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have warned against kratom, highlighting potential harms and questioning its portrayal as a safe, natural product.

The rise of kratom in the U.S. reminds us that while traditional practices offer insights, it’s vital to approach such substances with caution and awareness of risks.

Kratom’s Effects: What You Should Know

Kratom’s appeal lies in compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with the brain’s opioid receptors. These interactions produce various effects, but they come with costs:

• Sedation and drowsiness: Kratom can cause intense drowsiness, interfering with daily tasks and making activities like driving unsafe.
• Decreased appetite: Some users experience reduced hunger, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies over time—this is not a healthy diet solution.
• Constipation: Opioid receptors in the gut can slow bowel movements, causing constipation.
• Respiratory depression: Breathing may slow or become irregular, posing life-threatening risks in severe cases.
• Mental effects: Kratom can cause confusion, delusion, or hallucinations, impairing judgment and leading to dangerous situations.
• Increased heart rate and hyperactivity: Despite its sedative nature, kratom may trigger rapid heart rate, hyperactivity, or hypomania, especially risky for those with heart conditions.

In short, while kratom might seem like a natural alternative, it carries many potential adverse effects. Always prioritize your health and safety.

Unpacking the Risks of Kratom

Beyond its perceived benefits, kratom poses significant dangers:

• Risk of addiction and dependence: Kratom activates opioid receptors, leading to tolerance—needing more to achieve the same effect—and eventual physical and psychological dependence.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Quitting can cause nausea, sweating, tremors, and other unpleasant withdrawal effects.
• Physical harm: Kratom use has been linked to liver damage, respiratory depression, and seizures.

Kratom and Alcohol: A Dangerous Combination

Mixing kratom and alcohol is risky. Each substance has its own dangers, but together, they amplify potential harm:

• Double drowsiness: Both cause sedation, leading to slowed reflexes, poor coordination, and respiratory issues. This mix increases accident risks and is unsafe for driving.
• Neurological effects: Alcohol’s euphoria combined with kratom’s confusion can result in muddled thinking and poor decisions. For some, kratom’s stimulating effects may trigger mania or psychosis when mixed with alcohol.
• Digestive problems: Alcohol irritates the stomach, and kratom slows digestion, together wreaking havoc on your gut.
• Dependency issues: Both substances can lead to dependence, making it harder to quit if used regularly together.

Reducing or eliminating alcohol and kratom use supports overall health, boosting your immune system, improving sleep, and lowering chronic disease risks. Be cautious with kratom, as it can become a substitute addiction for alcohol, trapping you in a similar cycle.

10 Steps to Stay Safe

If you’re using kratom or alcohol, or both, these steps can help you stay safe and make positive changes:

• Stay informed: Research both substances using reliable sources like PubMed or the National Institute on Drug Abuse to understand their effects and risks.
• Limit peer pressure: Surround yourself with supportive friends who respect your decisions to cut back or quit.
• Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with dependence, consult a counselor or therapist for guidance.
• Safe disposal: Remove kratom or excess alcohol from your home to avoid temptation.
• Stay hydrated and nourished: Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and consider supplements after talking to a healthcare professional to support detox.
• Establish a support system: Share your goals with trusted friends or family for encouragement and accountability.
• Replace the ritual: If you usually drink or use kratom at certain times, switch to a new activity like reading or a hobby.
• Set up a routine: Structure your day with meaningful activities to reduce idle time and old habits.
• Document your journey: Use a notebook or digital tool like the Quitemate app to track urges, triggers, and progress. This helps identify patterns and build healthier coping strategies.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge each day you resist urges or reduce use. Marking progress on a calendar can motivate you to keep going.

The Big Picture

Kratom and alcohol may seem harmless initially, but they’re not—and combining them is especially perilous. Your well-being comes first, so always make informed choices.

Looking deeper, it’s about finding true freedom. Both substances can weave into your life, creating dependency that’s not just physical but mental and emotional. Breaking free from them, especially together, is challenging but achievable.

Remember, real freedom isn’t in a bottle or a leaf. Every step you take toward reducing or quitting brings you closer to a fuller, authentic life—and that’s worth the effort.