Treatment Clinician: 40% of My Caseload Was Using Kratom—Communities Need Honest Education, Not Just Bans

Why it matters

A community symposium in Huntington, NY brought together clinicians, prevention advocates, law enforcement, and local leaders to fill a knowledge gap around kratom—a substance that many community members, including religious leaders, had never heard of. The clinical data shared highlights how rapidly kratom has entered addiction treatment settings.

The big picture

Suffolk County, NY recently held hearings on a kratom ban bill. Treatment centers nationally report 100–225% surges in kratom caseloads. Meanwhile, no meaningful federal age restrictions exist on kratom products, making them accessible to minors at gas stations and convenience stores. New York's Synthetic Kratom Kills Act is advancing in the state Senate.

Key findings

• Jana Wu, a licensed clinical social worker and Director of Clinical Integration at Mountainside Treatment Center, reports that nearly 40% of her caseload has involved kratom use.
• Kratom withdrawal was described as potentially as severe as fentanyl or heroin detox, requiring clinical support.
• Products sold as 'concentrated kratom' often contain extracted 7-OH at potency levels far beyond what naturally occurs in the plant.
• In many jurisdictions there are no age restrictions on kratom sales, making it as accessible to minors as an energy drink.
• Attendees were directed to a free public support group, 'Let's Talk Kratom,' and an independent research study through NY Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.

What they say

"We know from reports that it can be a horrendous detox," said Jana Wu, LCSW, Director of Clinical Integration at Mountainside. "Some people report it is as bad as detoxing from fentanyl or heroin."

Bottom line

A front-line addiction treatment clinician reporting that 40% of her patient caseload involves kratom is a stark signal that this substance has moved from fringe to mainstream in clinical settings.