AMA #9: Kratom Risks, Does Infrared Sauna Work & Journaling Benefits

Kratom, a substance derived from a tree in Indonesia, has both short and long-term effects. At low dosages, Kratom acts as a mild stimulant, while at higher dosages, it acts as a sedative and painkiller, with opioid-like properties. This makes Kratom a controversial topic due to the ongoing opioid crisis. The opioid crisis refers to the overconsumption and addiction to opioids, which can have severe negative consequences on various aspects of a person's life. Kratom, although different from drugs like morphine and oxycodone, shares some similar properties and is also considered an opioid. Understanding the effects and potential risks of Kratom is essential in addressing the larger issue of opioid addiction.

While Kratom has been used successfully by some individuals to wean themselves off potent opioids, it can also be habit-forming and addictive, particularly at higher dosages. Many people have reported negative experiences with Kratom, including addiction and the need for rehab. Medical professionals caution against taking Kratom unless absolutely necessary, as there is a high probability of it becoming habit-forming. However, these same professionals acknowledge that for some individuals, Kratom has been a useful tool for transitioning away from stronger opioids. The consensus is that if someone chooses to use Kratom as a substitute, they should commit to gradually lowering their dosage and eventually coming off of it altogether.

If you have not tried Kratom, it would be wise to avoid it to prevent the risk of addiction. It is impossible to become addicted to a substance that you've never consumed, so it is best to err on the side of caution. However, if you are already addicted to other forms of opioids, it is important to consult with your physician on how to safely wean off them. Some evidence suggests that Kratom has been used successfully by some individuals to help transition from stronger opioids. If you already take Kratom, it is crucial to be mindful of your dosage and understand that people have varying responses to opioids. Different brands of Kratom can have significantly different concentrations of alkaloids, which can impact their effects on your brain and body biology.

A subgroup of people, estimated to be between 10 and 40%, respond to opioids in a particularly potent way and tend to like them. On the other hand, those outside of this subgroup, like Andrew Huberman, do not enjoy opioids and even find them unpleasant. Similar to alcohol, where about 8 to 10% of people experience an increased dopamine response, this specific subgroup of individuals is at a higher risk of developing addiction. Therefore, it is crucial for these individuals to avoid substances such as Kratom and monitor their dosage carefully. Additionally, this phenomenon is not limited to opioids and alcohol but also applies to cannabis, where some people rely on it for anxiety control and other forms of brain and bodily chemistry modulation. Overall, understanding these individual differences is essential in addressing addiction risks and providing appropriate treatment options.

Opioids, including Kratom, interact with the body's endogenous opioid system, which is responsible for releasing natural opioids and providing pain relief and mild euphoria. When individuals take substances like morphine or Kratom, they bind to specific opioid receptors in the brain, triggering various effects. While endogenous opioids can be released through activities like long duration effort ("runner's high"), opioids like Kratom are much more potent and have stronger sedative and euphoric effects. It is important to note that Kratom binds preferentially to the mu opioid receptor, contrary to the misconception that it binds to the kappa opioid receptor. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and effects associated with Kratom use, as it is not safe for everyone.

Kratom has opioid-like effects because it binds to the mu opioid receptor. This activation of the mu opioid receptor indirectly activates the reinforcement Circuitry related to dopamine and serotonin, leading to mild sedation, analgesia, and pain relief. It also triggers shifts in cognition and creates a mild euphoria. It is important to note that Kratom can be addictive, as it activates the dopamine and serotonin systems. Blocking the mu opioid receptor abolishes the effects of Kratom. Therefore, Kratom should be seen as an opioid, despite some controversy around its classification. Rather than comparing substances and arguing for one being better than the other, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and benefits of each substance individually.

When considering the use of substances like cannabis, alcohol, or Kratom, it is important to assess both the potential benefits and risks involved. Andrew Huberman emphasizes the need for regulation in the supplement industry, especially for products like Kratom that contain opioid compounds. While death directly from Kratom is rare, it has occurred, and when combined with other opioids or alcohol, it can suppress respiration and potentially lead to fatal consequences. The conversation highlights the dangers of opioid use and the physiological effects they have on the respiratory system. It serves as a reminder to approach substance use with caution and consider the potential risks associated with it.

Kratom is not a benign substance. Although it may be used by some people to help alleviate withdrawals from stronger opioids, it carries its own risks of addiction and respiratory failure, especially when taken in progressively higher dosages. Kratom's similarity to more potent opioids makes it attractive for some users, but it can become a trap in itself, leading to addiction and dependency. Some individuals may even modify the type and dosage of Kratom to achieve effects similar to those of stronger opioids, further increasing the risk. Therefore, the advice is clear: if you haven't used Kratom, it's best to avoid it completely. And if you are taking Kratom, it's important to be aware of its potential dangers and exercise caution.