This study looked at how different groups of people used kratom during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers used a national survey to find out how many people used kratom in the past 30 days, more than 30 days ago, or never used it. They also looked at how kratom use was related to mental health issues and other drug use.The study found that about 1.4% of people used kratom more than 30 days ago, and 0.4% used it in the past 30 days. Younger adults, bisexual people, and those with depression or other drug problems were more likely to use kratom. The researchers say these findings show the importance of considering mental health and other drug use when trying to reduce or prevent kratom use.
This study was done in the real world, using data from a national survey of people in the United States.
Key takeaways:
- Kratom use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1.4% using it more than 30 days ago and 0.4% using it in the past 30 days.
- Younger adults, bisexual people, and those with depression or other drug problems were more likely to use kratom.
- Considering mental health and other drug use is important for interventions and policies aimed at reducing or preventing kratom use.
For further reading:
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871622002681
Full Citation:
Adzrago, D., Obekpa, E. O., Suragh, T. A., John, E. R., Yeh, P. G., Gallardo, K. R., &
Wilkerson, J. M. (2022). Kratom use categories and their associations with co-occurring substance
use and mental health disorder symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug and Alcohol
Dependence, 239, 109605.
