The Mail Order Drug to Get High
Recently, I treated a patient struggling with depression and substance abuse who had found a legal way to get high. He had ordered Kratom capsules on the Internet. Lots of his friends have ordered up supplies, too. I hadn’t heard of Kratom, and you probably haven’t, either, but I think you will.
It mimics some of the effects of opiates (like morphine and opium) and can relieve physical pain and produce a sense of increased well-being and increased energy. Depending on the dose taken and the way it is used (smoking versus chewing leaves versus drinking Kratom tea), it can cause anything from euphoria to sedation.
Kratom trees are native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, but plants can be and are being grown in this country, as well. While Kratom may turn out to have medicinal uses in treating chronic pain, helping people detox from heroin and even in controlling anxiety and depression, very little is known about its real risks and benefits. It can certainly be addictive, especially for those who end up using Kratom on a daily basis. Abruptly stopping it can lead to severe depression and severe anxiety.
With marijuana decriminalization potentially on the horizon across the country, I expect to see even more of the long-term effects of daily marijuana use in my psychiatric practice. I have treated many patients who have lost motivation, succumbed to chronic depression and found it difficult to focus their attention after months or years of smoking marijuana. Kratom could be another “quick fix” that young people flock to in order to avoid their complicated emotions and the complex realities of the world in which we live.
Only time will tell, but I can tell you this: My patient didn’t limit his substance abuse to Kratom. He ended up using cocaine, too. And Oxycontin. Underneath it all, there’s an epidemic of anxiety and depression in our population. Ultimately, that epidemic will only be addressed through introspection, counseling and the judicious use of approved medications. Kratom, alcohol, marijuana and the rest of the quick fixes for unwieldy feelings are really only roads to my office and those of my colleagues.
Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement including www.livingthetruth.com. Dr. Ablow can be emailed at info@keithablow.com.
Tags: cocaine, depression, drugs, Kratom, marijuana, Oxycontin, substance abuse
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I have been taking lexapro 20 mg for last 5 years, don’t know if it works. Seemed to work at first.
My symptons anger and depresion. I pray for my death tryed suicide. big chicken.
I drink at least 30 beers a week and smoke at least 2 pack a day. [pleasure]
My goal is to go back to the blank before I was born. [heaven to me]
GREAT POST! THANKS
Liberal Media has lost viewers to Fox Network, therefore losing money. Sarah Palin is a very attractive Conservative Candidate for President and that is a threat to Liberals. Their only weapon is the use of casting ASPERSIONS on Sarah Palin. Liberals doesn’t have any Character and has lost all credibility with the American people. Obama is a Liar and wants to implement Socialism into our way of life. All Democrat Senators are TRAITORS to the majority of the voters and willing to accept bribes in lieu of re-election, these bribes are TAXPAYERS MONEY
Rep. John Murtha: You are not a man of Wisdom, You have had many experiences in life but none you could say prepared you for wise decisions concerning others. I find you to be very self-centered, arrogant, and self-serving. It’s past time for you to retire, you have nothing to contribute, and this world has moved past you so please don’t run for re-election. There are others better prepared to represent this Great Nation. FAREWELL!
thanks for letting everyone know about a new drug to abuse Dr Ablow
It is the first time I ever heard about of KRATOM
I would like to see marijuana use legalized PERIOD!! and would vote to put the person in office.It is safer than alcohol.I have lost father,sister,uncle,and a friend to alcohol. It also makes some people very mean.I HATE IT!!
Thank you for allowing me to comment.
Pat
in Virginia
God Bless The United States Of America
and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
There is no quick fix when it comes to abuse – whether they be herbal in nature or created by man.
Wow, thanks for this freakishly timely post, Dr. Ablow!
I just recently learned about Kratom, and was all set to recommend it to my friend with paranoid schizophrenia and major depression, because there is some evidence Kratom can help with those problems. But after reading your blog, I realized what a big mistake that would have been, since my friend would most certainly end up abusing it, as he’s abused so many other substances in the past.
You’re a life-saver, Dr. Ablow! Thank you!!!
Ah yes, nothing like a major news outlet pushing a new ‘killer’ drug on the market to let kids know what to take next. You know, if you would stop the fear mongering you wouldn’t have the drug problems we have now. Try education for a change. Geez, it was Dan Rather on CBS that showed the nation how to cook meth with step by step instructions including pictures while screaming about how bad it is. You guys do more to get kids using drugs than any drug pusher. Remember salvia? Oh, how you screamed about that. Well, that train never took off but you told the kids about it and they tried it but didn’t like it. I predict the same with kratom. You’ve told ‘em about it and they’ll try it but most likely will not like it. You point it out, get everyone to try it, and then scream for prohibition. Again, try education for a change.
How’s that cannabis prohibition working out? Do we really need another prohibition? Has any prohibition worked. Alcohol? Drugs? Unless you call making the wrong people rich, breeding a disrespect for the law for millions of citizens, and having the country awash in the substance you are trying to prohibit…what? a noble experiment? Where did I hear that before? Geez, you can’t make this stuff up!