Prompt Cast
The Controversy Surrounding Kratom: A Potential Tool for Opioid Withdrawal but with High Addiction Potential
TLDR Kratom, a substance derived from a tree in Indonesia, has both stimulant and analgesic effects and acts as an opioid in the body. While it can be a useful tool for weaning off more potent opioids, it is highly addictive and should be avoided if possible.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Kratom is a substance derived from a tree in Indonesia that has both stimulant and analgesic effects, and acts as an opioid in the body, which has led to controversy due to the opioid crisis.
03:14
Kratom is an opioid that has been used by some people to wean themselves off of more potent prescription opioids, but it can also be habit-forming and addictive, especially at higher dosages.
06:31
Kratom can be a useful tool for getting off other opioids, but it should be avoided if possible because it can be habit-forming and addictive, although some medical professionals have seen success in using kratom to taper off more potent opioids.
09:36
Kratom products can vary significantly in their alkaloid content, which affects their impact on the brain and body, and there is a subgroup of people (10-40%) who respond to opioids in a particularly potent way and are at a higher risk of addiction, so they should avoid kratom.
12:47
Kratom acts on the endogenous opioid system in the brain and body, binding to opioid receptors, primarily the mu-opioid receptor, and to a lesser extent, the kappa-opioid receptor, which is a common misconception.
16:02
Kratom acts similarly to opioids by binding to the mu-opioid receptor and indirectly activating the reinforcement circuitry in the brain, making it addictive and providing pain relief.
19:15
Kratom is not a benign substance, as it has a high abuse potential, high addiction potential, and can suppress respiration when combined with other opioids or alcohol, leading to death in some cases.
22:34
Kratom can be a trap for people trying to come off other opioids, as it can lead to addiction and users can end up using it in a way that is comparable to morphine and hydrocodone.
Categories:
Health & Fitness
Science
