06/18/2026
**Kratom: What You Should Know**
Kratom is a plant-derived substance from Southeast Asia that is often marketed as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, depression, or opioid withdrawal. However, kratom contains active compounds that can affect opioid receptors in the brain and may produce stimulant effects at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses.
**Potential Dangers of Kratom:**
* Risk of **dependence and addiction**
* Withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea, and muscle aches
* Increased risk of **liver injury**
* Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
* Drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment
* Seizures and, in rare cases, severe toxicity
* Potential interactions with prescription medications, alcohol, and other substances
* Products are not regulated by the FDA, leading to concerns about contamination, inconsistent potency, and adulteration
While some individuals report benefits from kratom use, it is not FDA-approved for any medical condition, and its safety and effectiveness have not been established. Patients should discuss kratom use with their healthcare provider, especially if they are taking other medications or have a history of substance use disorder.
Our partners at the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office recently pushed out an alert on the dangers of Kratom.
There has been an alarming rise in overdoses and deaths involving this so-called "gas station he**in' over the past several years.
While Oklahoma and many other states have passed legislation to ban certain high-potency Kratom products, abuse and distribution remains wide-spread.
OBN encourages parents to have conversations with their teens about the dangers of any intoxicating product that may be found at local stores or online.
