The Dangers of Kratom Use: What You Need to Know

Kratom use has been quietly rising across the United States, including within the LGBTQ+ community, where individuals often turn to substances as a way to cope with discrimination, trauma, and the unique stressors of living authentically in a society that doesn’t always accept them. Marketed as a “natural” herbal supplement for pain relief and mood enhancement, kratom may seem like a safer alternative to prescription medications or illicit drugs. However, the dangers of kratom are increasingly coming to light as research reveals serious health risks, potential for addiction, and even fatal outcomes.

At No Matter What Recovery, we understand that LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionately high rates of substance use—an estimated 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ+ community struggles with substance abuse compared to about 9% of the general population. As kratom becomes more accessible and popular, it’s essential to understand the real risks this substance poses, especially for those already navigating the complex intersection of identity, mental health, and substance use.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, belonging to the coffee family. The leaves of the kratom plant contain psychoactive compounds—primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. At low doses, kratom produces stimulant-like effects such as increased energy and alertness. At higher doses, it creates opioid-like effects including pain relief, sedation, and euphoria.

People use kratom for various reasons, including self-treatment of pain, management of opioid withdrawal symptoms, mood enhancement, and increased energy. The substance is typically consumed as a powder, capsule, tea, or extract and is widely available online and in smoke shops across the United States.

The Rising Popularity of Kratom

Approximately 1.7 to 1.8 million Americans used kratom in the past year according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, with numbers continuing to rise. The increase in kratom use coincides with the ongoing opioid epidemic, as many individuals seek alternatives to prescription painkillers or ways to manage withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction.

Within the LGBTQ+ community specifically, kratom use may be linked to the same factors that drive higher rates of substance use overall: minority stress, discrimination, internalized homophobia or transphobia, social isolation, and the need to self-medicate mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Research indicates that individuals with opioid use disorder are more likely to use kratom, with approximately 10.4% of those with prescription opioid use disorder reporting kratom use.

What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?

The kratom side effects can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on dosage, frequency of use, individual physiology, and whether kratom is combined with other substances.

Common Kratom Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Drowsiness and sedation
• Dry mouth
• Increased urination
• Loss of appetite
• Itching

Serious Kratom Side Effects

Research has documented rare but serious effects among kratom users, including psychiatric, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory problems. More severe complications include:

• Seizures
• Liver damage and hepatotoxicity
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular issues
• Psychiatric disturbances
• Respiratory depression
• Brain bleeding
• Cardiac arrest

According to a comprehensive study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, up to one-third of kratom users may experience adverse side effects, which can lead to serious medical emergencies.

The Dangers of Kratom: Addiction and Dependence

One of the most significant dangers of kratom is its potential for addiction and physical dependence. The active compounds in kratom act as partial opioid agonists, meaning they bind to the same brain receptors as opioids like morphine and heroin, though with less intensity.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Regular kratom use can lead to physical dependence, and individuals who stop using the substance may experience withdrawal symptoms including:

• Muscle aches and body pain
• Joint pain
• Anxiety and irritability
• Restlessness and agitation
• Depressed mood
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Fever and chills
• Runny nose and tearing
• Tremors
• Loss of concentration

These kratom side effects during withdrawal can be uncomfortable and may drive continued use, creating a cycle of dependence. While kratom withdrawal is generally considered less severe than withdrawal from traditional opioids, it can still be challenging to manage without professional support.

Kratom and Overdose Deaths

Perhaps the most alarming danger of kratom is its association with fatal overdoses. A CDC study examining over 27,000 overdose deaths found that kratom was present in 152 cases and was determined to be a cause of death in 91 of those cases. While this represents a small percentage of total overdose deaths, it’s important to note that in seven of these cases, kratom was the only substance detected in the deceased’s system.

More recent research has revealed dozens of deaths where kratom (mitragynine) exposure alone was the cause, challenging the narrative that kratom is entirely safe when used by itself. However, the majority of kratom-related deaths involve polysubstance use, with fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, prescription opioids, and cocaine being the most commonly co-occurring substances.

The dangers of kratom are compounded when combined with other substances, as kratom can interact dangerously with:

• Opioids (fentanyl, heroin, prescription painkillers)
• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
• Alcohol
• Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine)
• Psychiatric medications (particularly medications like Seroquel)

Kratom and Mental Health

For LGBTQ+ individuals who may be using kratom to self-medicate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma, it’s crucial to understand that kratom is not a safe or effective treatment for mental health conditions. While it may provide temporary relief, kratom use can actually worsen mental health over time and create additional complications.

Research indicates that approximately 80% of individuals who died from kratom-related causes had a history of substance misuse, highlighting the vulnerability of those already struggling with addiction. For transgender individuals, who face even higher rates of substance use due to discrimination and stigma, the risks are particularly concerning.

The Lack of Regulation

One of the hidden dangers of kratom is the complete lack of federal regulation. Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and because it’s classified as an herbal supplement rather than a controlled substance, there is no oversight regarding its manufacture, purity, or potency.

This means:

• Kratom products may contain harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, and Salmonella
• The concentration of active compounds varies widely between products and even between batches
• Products may be adulterated with other substances
• Dosing is inconsistent and unpredictable
• There are no quality control standards to ensure consumer safety

The FDA has recently begun cracking down on kratom products containing high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), the more potent opioid-like compound in kratom, due to concerns about overdose risk.

Kratom Use Disorder: Recognizing the Signs

While kratom use disorder is not officially recognized in the DSM-5, research suggests that approximately 12.3% of people who use kratom would meet criteria for a substance use disorder. Signs of problematic kratom use include:

• Using kratom in larger amounts or more frequently than intended
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop using kratom
• Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from kratom
• Cravings or strong urges to use kratom
• Continued use despite negative consequences (relationship problems, work issues, health concerns)
• Developing tolerance (needing more kratom to achieve the same effects)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using kratom
• Neglecting responsibilities or activities due to kratom use

For LGBTQ+ individuals, it’s important to recognize that substance use often serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with minority stress, discrimination, and trauma. Addressing kratom use disorder requires not only treating the addiction itself but also addressing the underlying factors that contributed to substance use in the first place.

What Treatment is Available For Kratom Addiction?

If you or someone you love is struggling with kratom use, effective treatment is available. At No Matter What Recovery, we provide LGBTQ+-affirming addiction treatment that addresses both the physical aspects of dependence and the unique psychological and social factors affecting our community.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Research has shown that buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) can be an effective treatment for kratom dependence, helping to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings during detoxification and maintenance therapy. Other treatment approaches may include:

• Individual therapy to address underlying mental health issues and trauma
• Group therapy to build community and receive peer support
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
• Trauma therapy to heal from past experiences of discrimination, abuse, or violence
• Holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices

LGBTQ+-Affirming Care Makes a Difference

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, seeking treatment at a facility that understands and affirms your identity is crucial. LGBTQ+-specific treatment programs have been shown to produce better outcomes because they:

• Address unique stressors such as minority stress, internalized homophobia/transphobia, and discrimination
• Provide a supportive community where you can be authentic without fear of judgment
• Offer culturally competent care from staff trained in LGBTQ+ issues
• Recognize the intersection of identity, mental health, and substance use
• Create personalized treatment plans that account for your unique experiences

Outpatient Treatment Options

At No Matter What Recovery, we offer flexible outpatient treatment programs designed to fit your life while providing comprehensive support:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP provides structured treatment several days per week while allowing you to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. This level of care is ideal for individuals who need significant support but don’t require 24/7 supervision.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

For those who need a higher level of care, our PHP offers intensive daily treatment while you return home in the evenings. This program bridges the gap between inpatient care and traditional outpatient treatment.

Outpatient Rehab

Our outpatient services provide ongoing support for individuals in recovery, with flexible scheduling options that accommodate your commitments while ensuring you have the resources you need to maintain sobriety.

The Bottom Line on Kratom Dangers

While kratom is often marketed as a natural, safe alternative to opioids, the reality is far more complex. The dangers of kratom include:

• Physical dependence and addiction
• Serious health complications including liver damage, seizures, and cardiovascular problems
• Potentially fatal interactions when combined with other substances
• Overdose risk, particularly at high doses or with polysubstance use
• Unpredictable effects due to lack of regulation and quality control
• Worsening mental health symptoms over time

For LGBTQ+ individuals already facing higher rates of substance use and mental health challenges, kratom represents another potential path toward addiction rather than a solution to underlying problems.

Get Help for Kratom Addiction Today

If you’re struggling with kratom use or any substance use disorder, you don’t have to face it alone. At No Matter What Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment in an LGBTQ+-affirming environment where you can heal without fear of judgment or discrimination. Contact us today to learn more.

Our secular, trauma-informed approach addresses the whole person—not just the addiction—recognizing that recovery involves healing from the underlying pain that led to substance use in the first place. Whether you’re dealing with drug addiction, alcohol use disorder, or co-occurring mental health conditions, we’re here to support you every step of the way.