Kratom is an opioid-like plant-based drug. While kratom and some of its derivatives, like mitragynine and 7-OH are commonly sold at places like gas stations and corner stores as a "natural" way to boost energy, focus, and your mood, kratom use isn't regulated. There's no way to be 100% certain about what's actually in the product you're using or how it might affect you.
The vast majority of U-M students don't use kratom. They know that there are good and bad highs, and it can be unpredictable as to which one you might experience. If you do choose to use it, try some of these strategies for a better experience:
- Know the laws and policies around kratom use and possession.
- Go low. Choose a lower dosage (<5 g), especially with products that are new to you. You never know how your body is going to react.
- Be patient. Kratom can take up to 90 minutes to have an effect.
- Hydrate! Kratom is a diuretic, so drink plenty of water to avoid negative side effects related to dehydration.
- Use kratom on its own rather than mixing it with alcohol or other drugs.
- Use a trusted source, especially if you're using synthetic products like 7-OH. Think critically about any health claims they're making, especially if the vendor isn't a medical professional, by asking yourself questions like:
- How do they want me to use their product?
- Would those benefits they're advertising actually work?
- How do they benefit from my business?
- Have Narcan on hand, just in case. It is possible to overdose on kratom and 7-OH products, and Narcan (naloxone) can help reverse the overdose.
What's inside?
Since kratom and 7-OH products are often sold to look like supplements or energy boosters, some people don't even realize they're consuming a drug. You might also see products being sold that look like other everyday items, such as gummies, candies, and teas.
Kratom affects everyone differently, and even the same person using the same product can lead to unpredictable effects on different days. In general:
- At low doses (1-5 g), kratom can act as a stimulant, similar to caffeine.
- At high doses (>5 g), it can have sedative and euphoric effects similar to an opioid. The likelihood of experiencing negative effects increases with higher doses.
Keep in mind that because kratom and 7-OH products aren't regulated:
- Product labels might not match what's actually inside.
- Potency and ingredients can vary a lot, even within the same product.
- Some kratom products have been found to contain harmful compounds like heavy metals and other drugs.
Know your why
What role does kratom or 7-OH products play in your life? For some, it's to boost concentration or alleviate pain. Some use it for cultural reasons. Still others choose not to use for a variety of reasons, including having a bad prior experience, being in recovery, or just not being interested.
Use these prompts to reflect on your relationship with kratom or 7-OH products. What does it look like right now? What do you want it to look like?
- What messages are you seeing around town and in the media about kratom?
- How do you consume kratom?
- How often do you use?
- What do you like about using?
- What don't you like about using?
- How do you plan ahead?
- How do you know if you're using too much?
Worried about a friend?
While less common, people can and do have a bad experience, become addicted, or overdose on kratom and 7-OH products. The signs of a kratom overdose are very similar to those of an opioid overdose. If you notice any of these warning signs in someone you think may have consumed kratom or a 7-OH product, administer Narcan and get immediate medical help.
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