YouTube Analysis Reveals Kratom Mostly Self-Medicated for Opioid Dependence and Pain

Why it matters

Analyzing nearly 20 million YouTube views on kratom reveals that most users are self-medicating serious conditions like opioid addiction and chronic pain — providing real-world insight into kratom demand that clinical research has yet to fully address.

The big picture

Social media analysis of kratom use patterns underscores the urgent need for clinical trials: millions are using kratom to manage opioid dependence and chronic pain largely based on anecdotal online experiences, yet formal clinical evidence on safety and efficacy remains scarce.

Key findings

• • 500 kratom-related YouTube videos with 19.4 million total views and 134,863 comments were analyzed
• • Kratom was primarily used for opioid dependence/addiction (83.4%), pain (75%), anxiety (67%), depression (42%), and energy boosting (50%)
• • Most described experiences were positive (58%), but side effects were common: dependence/withdrawal (50%), nausea (42%), loss of appetite (25%), sedation (25%)
• • Side effects were associated with chronic ingestion in 25% of cases; use was predominantly therapeutic rather than recreational

What they say

Netnographic analysis using YouTube Data Tool; multinational research team (Maastricht, Hertfordshire, Tampere, London, Malaysia, Rome); published in Emerging Trends in Drugs, Addictions, and Health 2021.

Bottom line

YouTube data shows kratom is overwhelmingly used for self-medication of opioid dependence and pain rather than recreation, with mostly positive experiences but significant dependence risks from chronic use.