The Addiction and Harm Reduction Potential of Kratom in Substance Use Disorders

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) products have gained both scientific and public interest in the US with increased reports of both adverse outcomes as well as potential deaths linked to its use. The scientific literature has reported on potential benefits of kratom as a harm reduction tool for opioid and stimulant use disorders but also reports on the limitations of its benefits by causing dependence, sometimes described as kratom use disorder. This talk is intended to describe the current state of scientific and clinical knowledge to inform healthcare and social work professionals. Objectives: 1. Translate the complex pharmacology of kratom into clinical presentation, uses of kratom, and adverse effects. 2. Identify the signs and symptoms associated with “kratom use disorder”. 3. Apply the scientific and clinical knowledge about kratom to inform your counseling of patients and other healthcare professionals. 4. Characterize the limitations of kratom use in regard to dose, frequency, and…