Kratom is an herb derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is widely abused in the Asia Pacific region because of its sedative and stimulant effects. In addition to being effective for treating anxiety, it is also a popular choice for people looking to kick an opioid addiction.

Because of its addictive properties, kratom can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if used for prolonged periods. These symptoms include aches and pains, irritability, aggression, and jerky movements. It can even cause serious problems in infants if their mothers used it during their pregnancy. This is called kratom-associated neonatinence syndrome.

Because general practitioners are often the first line of healthcare for patients, they must be educated about kratom and its benefits and disadvantages. This is especially important as kratom is still understudied and can interact with many other substances, including FDA-approved medications. Moreover, there is little clinical evidence on the effects of kratom withdrawal, which limits the capacity of healthcare providers to provide adequate care to patients.

Although kratom is not a controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Agency considers it a drug of concern. It is used in the Southeast Asia region as a tea or chewed tablet. At low dosages, it acts like a stimulant, but at higher levels, it has opioid-like and psychoactive effects. It is legal, and it is becoming increasingly popular, especially among teens and young people.

While kratom has many potential health benefits, it is still an unproven drug and many people are using it to relieve pain and addiction. There is no proof that kratom can help a person overcome opioid addiction, and the risks are high. Many people who are struggling with addiction are using kratom as a substitute for prescription opiates.