Many people who experience chronic pain and anxiety are looking for ways to find relief. In the process, many have turned to kratom without knowing the risks. In 2021, an estimated 1.7 million Americans ages 12 and older used kratom. Some people also use this substance to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms, hoping for a “natural alternative.” But the side effects can be unpredictable.
Since it comes from a plant, people may think it’s safe to use. But as Groups provider Erica Schumway, APRN, explained to Spectrum 1 News in Louisville, Kentucky, “Just because something says it’s natural, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be safe. Just because you can buy it at a gas station doesn’t mean it’s going to be okay.” Since kratom is not regulated by the FDA, its products can vary in strength and quality. They may also even contain harmful substances like heavy metals or bacteria, which increases the risk of serious health problems. When taken regularly, it’s possible to develop a dependence or addiction to kratom. If you’re experiencing these effects, you can always reach out to Groups for support.
Let’s explore how kratom affects the body and mind, so you can make informed decisions and stay safer.
What is kratom?
Kratom is a plant-based substance that has been growing in popularity. It comes from trees in Southeast Asia and has leaves with psychoactive compounds. Kratom can act as a stimulant at low doses and like an opioid at higher doses. It is typically marketed as an herbal supplement and comes in capsules, powders, and extracts. Many people take it to ease chronic pain, boost energy, or enhance mood.
6 ways kratom affects the body and mind
Knowing how kratom can affect you can help you recognize the effects. It can also help you decide if you should cut back, stop, or talk to your health care provider about what to do. Finding out the risks and side effects can also help you know when you should seek immediate medical attention.
Here are six ways kratom can affect the mind and body:
1. Stimulation at low doses
In small doses, kratom acts like a stimulant. While taking this substance, people may feel:
- Increased energy
- Greater alertness
- Improved focus
- Elevated mood
Some people say it feels like drinking a strong cup of coffee and use it to fight fatigue.
However, the stimulating effects can be hard to predict since the products are unregulated. Some products may cause stronger effects than you may be expecting.
2. Sedation at high doses
At higher doses, kratom acts more like an opioid. The effects may include:
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Slowed reaction time
Kratom’s ability to change from an energizing effect to a calm one is part of what makes its side effects hard to predict, especially when the strength varies from product to product.
Taking large or multiple doses may increase the risk of overdose symptoms, including slower breathing, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It can be even more dangerous when mixed with alcohol or opioids, raising the risks.
3. Mood changes
Sometimes, people turn to kratom as a way to feel better, reduce anxiety, or take the edge off. But chronic use may cause:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anxiousness
- Depressed mood
- Cravings
Since kratom acts on opioid receptors, it can make you feel high before experiencing a “crash.” When this happens, your mood can change quickly, leading you to feel down or depressed.
4. Stomach and digestive problems
It’s common to have digestive side effects after taking kratom, including:
- Dry mouth
- Dehydration
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramping
Using kratom long-term or at high doses can worsen these symptoms.
5. Heart and brain effects
Kratom can also have the following effects on the heart and brain:
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Seizures (rare)
These risks can increase when kratom is combined with alcohol or opioids.
6. Dependence
Regular use of kratom may lead to dependence. People who take this substance frequently may experience:
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- Increased tolerance, which may cause people to take higher doses
Since kratom acts on opioid receptors, long-term or high-dose use may increase the risk of dependence. However, it’s never too late to reduce or discontinue use.
[quote] If you’ve thought that kratom was safe to use, you’re not alone. Many people have tried it to ease pain, increase energy, and enhance their mood. Kratom carries unpredictable risks since products vary so much, and now knowing how kratom can affect the mind and body can help you decide what to do. [/quote]
What are the risks of using kratom?
Kratom may seem like a safe and “natural” choice for pain relief, an energy boost, or mood enhancer, but it carries many risks. Since it’s not regulated by the FDA, its effects can vary widely between products, and there is no dose that is considered safe.
Serious risks include:
- Dependence and withdrawal — Kratom binds to opioid receptors in the brain. Repeated use can lead to tolerance and needing to use more to get the same effects.
- Organ strain — Kratom is associated with liver and kidney damage. This includes jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain.
- Product contamination — Because kratom is not regulated, products can contain harmful substances like heavy metals and bacteria.
- Death — Although rare, deaths from kratom have been reported; they are more likely to occur when mixing kratom with other substances or taking it in high doses.
Anyone experiencing warning signs like yellowing skin or eyes, severe confusion, or seizures should seek medical attention immediately.
How to stay safer while using kratom
If you choose to use kratom, there are several things you can try to reduce your risks:
- Don’t use kratom alone — If you experience any serious side effects, having someone nearby can be helpful.
- Avoid combining substances — Kratom’s effects can get worse when combined with alcohol, prescription medicines, or opioids.
- Stay hydrated and eat well — Drinking water and eating nutritious foods may reduce the risks of digestive problems.
- Monitor your effects — If you’re starting to feel unwell, stop using kratom.
- Get medical attention, if needed — If you start experiencing cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or more serious side effects, reach out to your health care provider immediately.
While these strategies don’t take away all of the risks, they can help you stay safer. It’s important to know the warning signs and take action if you see them. Seeking medical care when needed can help you feel better sooner.
Kentucky’s public health alert for kratom
Kratom has been on the rise in Kentucky, especially among younger workers with physically demanding jobs. Groups provider Erica Shumway, APRN, explains, “In Kentucky, there is a large culture of physical jobs that happen. When you have very physical jobs, people have chronic pain. So, they’re trying to find ways to treat their chronic pain.” Over the past two years, she has seen more people turn to kratom-based products for pain relief and an energy boost. However, when it’s overused, it can be as harmful as opioids. She also noted that people may use kratom to help withdraw from opioids, but this may lead to dependence.
In November of 2025, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that his administration would classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a concentrated, addictive by-product of kratom, as a Schedule I narcotic. This means it is illegal to sell, possess, or distribute isolated or concentrated forms of 7-OH in Kentucky. It was passed to further reduce overall drug overdose deaths in Kentucky, which have been declining for the past three years. However, kratom is regulated but not fully banned.
Groups can help you with kratom recovery
If you’ve thought that kratom was safe to use, you’re not alone. Many people have tried it to ease pain, increase energy, and enhance their mood. Kratom carries unpredictable risks since products vary so much, and now knowing how kratom can affect the mind and body can help you decide what to do. There are strategies to help you use kratom more safely, but you may also decide to reduce how much you use it or stop entirely. If making this change feels too hard to do on your own, that’s OK. Support is available at Groups.
Have questions about your treatment options? Our Recovery Support Coordinators are here to help. Call 888-858-1723 for more information. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
