Expanded 2-paragraph summary at 6th grade level:

This paper talks about a meeting of scientists who study kratom. Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia that some people use as a drug. The scientists talked about whether kratom can make people feel “addicted” or have withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.

The scientists looked at research on kratom use in the United States and Southeast Asia. They also talked about studies in animals that looked at how kratom affects the body. The scientists agreed that high doses of kratom over a long time can cause mild withdrawal symptoms, but they are not as bad as withdrawal from opioids like heroin. The scientists said more research is needed to fully understand how kratom affects the body and brain.

This study was a discussion and review of previous studies, not a new study conducted in a lab or with human participants

Key takeaways:

• Kratom can cause mild withdrawal symptoms in some people who use it heavily, but the symptoms are not as severe as withdrawal from opioids.
• More research is needed to fully understand how kratom affects the body and brain.
• Kratom may be useful for helping people stop using opioids, but more research is needed on this as well.
• The scientists recommend evaluating non-opioid approaches, like gradual dose reduction, for managing kratom withdrawal.

For further reading:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772724623000192

Full Citation:

Giancola, N. B., Caplan, J. P., & McKnight, C. A. (2021). “A Kratom Konundrum”: Management of Kratom Withdrawal With Gabapentin in a Patient With a Left Ventricular Assist Device. Journal of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, 62(3), 368-369.