Kratom use as more than a "self-treatment".
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| Title: | Kratom use as more than a "self-treatment". |
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| Authors: | Smith, Kirsten E. (AUTHOR), Dunn, Kelly E. (AUTHOR), Rogers, Jeffrey M. (AUTHOR), Grundmann, Oliver (AUTHOR), McCurdy, Christopher R. (AUTHOR), Garcia-Romeu, Albert (AUTHOR), Schriefer, Destiny (AUTHOR), Swogger, Marc T. (AUTHOR), Epstein, David H. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse. 2022, Vol. 48 Issue 6, p684-694. 11p. |
| Subjects: | Kratom, Nicotine, Buprenorphine, Social stigma, Opioids |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | Background:Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is increasingly used in the United States for its pharmacological effects. Kratom's relative novelty makes for a dynamic situation, such that use motivations are not firmly established and may be changing. Investigators and clinicians require frequent updates on kratom trends. Objectives: To assess the current state of kratom-use initiation, sourcing, motivations, preference, conceptualizations, and perceived stigma, using survey responses from current and former users. Methods: Between April-May 2021 we recontacted 289 respondents who reported lifetime kratom use (on an unrelated survey) to answer kratom-specific questions. Results: The sample (N=129) was majority female (51.9%) and white (71.9%). Most (69.0%) reported first trying kratom after 2015. Mean age of use initiation (29.9 years) was older than for other substances, including opioids. Kratom ranked as a preferred substance by 48.5%. The strongest drug association with past-year kratom use was vaped nicotine (OR=3.31,95% CI 1.23-8.88). Use was less likely among those prescribed buprenorphine in the past year (OR=0.03, CI 0.01-0.28). Past-month cannabis use (OR=4.18,CI 1.80-9.72) had the strongest association with past-month kratom use. Over 40 use motivations were endorsed, many (but not all) supporting the "self-treatment" narrative of kratom use, including use as an opioid, alcohol, or stimulant substitute. Treatment shortfalls were associated with decisions to try kratom. Conclusions: Kratom use motivations are diversifying, with multiple factors driving use. As sales continue to increase, the public-health, clinical, and policy responses to kratom should be grounded in rigorous bench-to-bedside scientific research. Comprehensive study of kratom is currently lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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