According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1999 and 2017, over 700,000 individuals died from drug overdoses. In 2017 there were about 70,200 overdose deaths. And, around 68 percent of those deaths were associated with opioids, such as fentanyl and heroin. Federal and state officials continue to work together to find a solution to the opioid epidemic in the United States. So far, they have come up with public awareness, Narcan (Naloxone) and rehab, all of which have shown to be effective.
What Role Does Kratom Play In Opioid Addiction?
Kratom is very similar to opium in how it affects the brain. These effects vary in intensity depending on the quality of the kratom and dose. Another factor that determines the intensity of kratom effects is the individual. What this basically means is your experience will be unique. Of course, you may share similar experiences with other users, but your experience will still be unique to some degree.
Some experts and individuals with a history of opioid addiction believe that kratom is the answer. The drug is believed to have properties that can destroy the brain’s desire for opiates. It is also believed that kratom can help ease the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.
Many experts agree that kratom is not a miracle cure for opioid dependence. They also agree that kratom is combined with strong willpower that it is possible to fight addiction.
Why People Use Kratom?
Not everyone who utilizes kratom has a history of drug dependency. Some people utilize it to boost their energy levels while others utilize it to control their pain. The properties found in kratom are believed to help a variety of medical conditions, such as diarrhea, insomnia, depression, anxiety and seizures.
A Look Into The Billion Dollar Kratom Industry
Kratom is growing in popularity around the world. While the drug is still banned in many areas, advocates are rising up to the task of convincing lawmakers to make changes in the existing kratom laws. With that said, more and more kratom dispensaries are popping up throughout the country. With improved access to the drug, more people are taking the initiative to sample it.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration continue to view kratom as a banned substance. However, only the DEA still lists kratom as a Schedule I drug. As a Schedule I drug, kratom is on the same list as LSD and heroin, which means it has the tendency to be abused. The DEA ban is very concerning for scientists, as they believe it could suppress research.
In the meantime, the FDA continues to lead a very aggressive crackdown on the Mitragyna speciosa plant, which is primarily grown in Southeast Asia. The organization has taken steps to prevent the plant from making its way into the United States by stopping as many of the imports as possible and rebuke companies that claim the drug has medical benefits.
Scott Gottlieb, FDA Commissioner, recently spoke out against kratom. Gottlieb described the drug as “an opioid”. He went on to say that kratom has been connected with more than a dozen deaths.
Gottlieb, as well as other federal officials, believe that kratom should not even be considered for treating any type of medical condition or opioid addiction. In his most recent comment, he said that there is no scientific evidence to back up the theory that kratom is effective or safe for medical treatment.
Where The People Stand
Advocates and other individuals continue to push for the legalization of kratom. As it is believed that the drug can help combat opioid dependency, more people are getting involved in the kratom campaign. With little evidence to go on, the FDA and DEA continue to refuse to lax their efforts to ban the drug.
There are currently hundreds, if not thousands of people utilizing kratom. Fortunately, the drug is available to a lot of people who are struggling with opiate dependency. A recent study showed that about 70 percent of users are doing so in an effort to fight their urges. Some of these people hope to someday be drug-free and they believe the answer is kratom.
