What Is Kratom?

What Is Kratom?

Kratom (KRAY-tum) is a tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves are used to make over-the-counter supplements. Kratom is advertised to help with mood, energy, and pain. Some kids and teens may try kratom products because they’re sold as “natural” and are legal in many states. But just because something comes from a plant doesn’t mean it’s safe. Kratom can be dangerous and addictive, especially for growing bodies and brains.

A chemical in kratom called 7-OH (short for 7-hydroxymitragynine) is sometimes sold on its own. Products with 7-OH are often stronger than kratom itself and may have more powerful effects.

Kratom and 7-OH are easy to find in places like gas stations, convenience stores, and online. Bright packaging and sweet flavors make the products look fun. Kids may also see online influencers and other people on social media promoting kratom and 7-OH.

What Does Kratom Do?

The way kratom works on the brain can cause people to crave or want more and more of it. In small amounts, kratom is like a stimulant, which can boost alertness, attention, and energy. In large amounts, it’s like an opioid, which can lessen pain and make people more relaxed.

Some kids and teens use kratom to stay awake longer or help them focus while studying. Athletes might use it to block pain or have more energy. Other people take it to help them quit opioid drugs, but they often become addicted to kratom instead.

Doctors haven’t found that kratom can help with any conditions, and they say it’s harmful.

How Is Kratom Used?

Kratom can be chewed (leaves or gum) or swallowed (tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, teas, and powders that are mixed into food or drinks). What kratom looks like depends on the form.

Some kratom products, like drinks, are labeled as herbal supplements or alcohol alternatives, which can make them seem safe when they’re really not. They may be sold under names like Feel Free.

7-OH also comes in some forms that appeal to kids, like gummies, drink mixes, tablets, and even “ice cream” cones.

What Else is Kratom Called?

Kratom is also known by many different slang or street names, as well as local names from countries where the plant grows. Some of these names are:

• biak or biak-biak
• herbal speedball
• kakuam
• ketum
• thang
• thom

Is Kratom Safe?

Kratom is not safe, especially for kids and teens. It can cause serious health problems like liver damage and seizures. In rare cases, people have died after taking kratom, mostly when using it with other drugs.

Kratom products aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means that the makers don't have to follow any safety standards. Sometimes extra kratom is added to make products stronger, and because labels aren’t clear people might not know how much — or what — they’re taking. Some products have harmful substances in them, like lead and salmonella bacteria, which can make people very sick. In fact, some people have died from kratom with salmonella in it.

What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?

Kratom can cause side effects quickly, and they can last for hours. These include:

• fast heartbeat or sweating
• itching
• nausea or vomiting
• dry mouth
• peeing more
• constipation
• confusion
• drowsiness

Long-term side effects are also possible, and include liver damage and heart problems. Using a lot of kratom can make side effects even more likely.

Is Kratom Addictive?

Kratom can be addictive, and the risk is high for kids and teens because their brains are still developing. Over time, the brain gets used to kratom and needs more of it to get the desired effects. Kids may be driven to do whatever they can to keep that feeling, including taking risks.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

If kids or teens are becoming addicted to kratom, they may have:

• a runny nose
• sore muscles, bones, and joints
• tremors or jerky movements
• sweating, chills, or goosebumps
• pupils that are very tiny, like pinpoints
• depression or anxiety
• mood swings or be easily annoyed

Some people who use kratom regularly may go through withdrawal when they try to stop. This means they feel sick, tired, and crave the drug.

Can You Overdose on Kratom?

It’s possible to overdose (take too much) on kratom. When someone uses a large amount of kratom, dangerous side effects are more likely. When kratom is taken along with other substances, it’s even more dangerous.

Signs of Kratom Overdose

Someone who is overdosing might:

• have small, “pinpoint” pupils
• pass out
• have slowed or no breathing
• be limp
• have blue lips and nails
• make choking or gurgling sounds

What Should I Do If Someone Is Overdosing?

If you think someone might be overdosing:

• Call 911.
• Give naloxone (brand name Narcan) nasal spray, if available.
• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking in case there’s vomiting.
• Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Start rescue breathing and chest compressions (CPR) if needed.
• Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.

It’s not always clear if someone is overdosing. Even if you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose. Giving Narcan to someone who isn’t overdosing won’t be harmful.

What Else Should I Know?

How Can I Prevent My Child From Using Kratom?

Here are some tips to help protect your child:

• Talk about kratom and its dangers. Regular chats can make kids less likely to experiment with kratom or to rely on friends for answers. Make sure your child knows that “natural” products aren’t always safe. Herbal supplements aren’t studied or regulated in the same way as traditional medicines.
• Watch what your child buys. Check labels on drinks and other products. Look for “kratom” and chemicals in kratom, like “7-OH” and “mitragynine.”
• Have chats about media use so your child knows to come to you if there’s online talk about kratom products or buying them.

What If My Child Uses Kratom?

If your child is using kratom, try to stay calm and have a talk. First, ask why your child is taking it. Maybe it’s to feel more alert or relaxed, or to fit in. Together, find healthier ways to feel better. For example, getting more sleep, exercising, and eating healthy often help kids have more energy and less stress. Or come up with social activities where kratom isn’t involved.

Your doctor can help as well by talking to your child and seeing if medicine is needed to treat any conditions that may be causing symptoms. Doctors can also suggest treatment programs (texting, online, and in person), if needed.

For more on treatment options, visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Other Common Questions

What About Kratom and Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

If someone takes kratom while pregnant, it can also pass to the baby, who may get used to the drug. The baby may then be born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (symptoms of no longer having a drug in the body). Babies will need medical care to get healthy.

It’s best to avoid kratom when breastfeeding because doctors don’t know if it’s safe yet.

Does Kratom Show Up on Drug Tests?

Kratom doesn’t show up on many basic drug tests, but it can appear on some that test for more substances.