Is Kratom as Safe as Some Make it Out to Be?

The use of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has surged in recent years. It is relatively easy to obtain in many states and is often touted as a safe herbal remedy for various ailments including pain and opioid withdrawal. However, kratom may not be as safe as it seems. In a recent op-ed for HCPLive, Dr. Gary Malone, Medical Director at Greenhouse Treatment Center, shares his perspective on kratom and why he believes its reputation as harmless is false. Malone discusses the fact that kratom is unregulated by the FDA, meaning that doses may be inconsistent, and that high doses may lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, disrupted heart rhythms, and psychosis. He also discusses its addictive potential and the fact that kratom should not be seen as a safer option to other drugs of misuse and advocates for stricter regulations. Read the full article.