Why kratom addiction is emerging as a hidden public health crisis

The Podcast by KevinMD

Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article "Why kratom addiction is the next public health crisis." Muhamad explains how kratom, a botanical imported from Southeast Asia, has rapidly spread across the U.S., marketed as a natural remedy for pain and opioid withdrawal. He warns that its potent alkaloids act directly on opioid receptors, leading to dependence, withdrawal, psychosis, and even fatalities. Muhamad outlines the surge in use during the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks to youth, and the dangers of contamination and unregulated production. He also highlights the lack of tailored treatments for kratom dependence, the need for stronger regulation, and the importance of educating the public about its hidden dangers. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why kratom's growth poses urgent challenges for both clinicians and policymakers.

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