Kratom, an Addict’s Alternative, Is Found to Be Addictive Itself

(The New York Times, Jan. 3) Kratom is an addictive plant that heroin users often seek out as an alternative way out of addiction. However, the plant itself has similar effects to the brain as heroin, causing kratom users to crave it more and more until they relapse and go back to heroin. Kratom is sold in head shops and at kratom-specific bars, where people drink it as a juice. Some users claim it is a natural painkiller. However, it has been linked to seizures and respiratory depression. It's classified as a botanic dietary supplement, which means it can't be restricted for sale by the FDA. The FDA did ban the import to the US in 2014, and several states have banned it as well. It's also banned in Thailand, where widespread abuse was occurring. READ MORE.