With 2 million Americans consuming kratom each year for a variety of reasons—from pain relief to managing mental health symptoms or opioid withdrawal cravings—the demand for more robust research into its effects is growing. However, the question on everyone’s mind is clear: Is kratom addictive? A new, federally funded study in the United States is now hoping to answer that important question.

Backed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this clinical trial could shape future regulations around kratom, providing crucial insight into whether its effects can be compared to highly controlled substances like oxycodone. While the final results are still years away, the study highlights the increasingly serious attention being paid to kratom research.

What Is Kratom and Why Is It Under Scrutiny?

Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. Available in powder, pill, gummy, and even beverage forms, it is widely sold through vape shops, online retailers, and other outlets in many parts of the US. Known for its stimulating and pain-relieving properties, it has become a go-to remedy for those seeking relief from a variety of conditions.

However, kratom’s rising popularity comes with growing concerns about its safety and potential for abuse. At high doses, kratom has been linked to dependency, adverse side effects, and even overdose deaths. These concerns, coupled with its ready availability, have fuelled debates on whether tighter regulations are needed.

Back in 2016, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attempted to classify kratom as a Schedule I drug—putting it on par with heroin. However, a public outcry led the agency to step back. Currently, regulation of kratom is fragmented and mostly left to individual states.

New US Kratom Addiction Study Could Inform Policy

The spotlight is now on a new $5.5 million federally funded clinical trial, spearheaded by Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. The aim? To evaluate kratom’s potential for abuse by comparing it with substances on opposing ends of the spectrum, such as the powerful opioid oxycodone and a placebo.

Dr Christopher Verrico, the lead investigator and an associate professor at Baylor, explains that the DEA’s classification of substances considers their potential for abuse. Should the trial demonstrate that kratom has similar effects to oxycodone, it could lead to stricter regulation on a federal level.

Participants in the study (at least 60 individuals in total) will be split into six groups to test different responses. Some will receive placebo doses, others will receive oxycodone, and the rest will receive relatively large doses of kratom, ranging from 8 to 16 grams. Over time, participants will rotate through each group. By measuring factors like how good or high participants feel, the study aims to gather data that could determine whether kratom leans more towards the pleasurable effects of oxycodone or the inert effects of a placebo.

Current Kratom Research and Recent Findings

This clinical trial falls in line with the FDA’s increasing focus on kratom research. The agency has recently completed its first-ever human study of the herb. That research tested how kratom capsules performed compared to a placebo. Early-stage results indicated the capsules were safe, even at high doses, over a monitored two-day period. These findings now form the foundation for the Baylor College study.

Dr Verrico emphasises the importance of this continued research, noting that while kratom is now widely available, its scientific implications are underexplored. By providing concrete data, studies like this can guide US public health policies and inform future regulatory decisions.

The Debate Around Kratom’s Therapeutic and Risk Potential

Though kratom has been highlighted for its therapeutic potential, particularly within the context of substance use disorders, it remains a polarising topic. Advocates argue it is a natural alternative to addictive opioids, and its legal availability enables many to manage chronic pain or mental health challenges independently.

On the flip side, opponents are worried about the risk factors tied to its consumption. Cases of dependency and adverse reactions have been reported, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use. This duality is exactly what places kratom under both public and scientific scrutiny.

The Importance of Regulating Kratom Based on Research

Adopting a balanced approach to kratom regulation depends heavily on understanding both its risks and benefits. Previous attempts to ban the substance faced backlash because of limited scientific evidence, highlighting the importance of thorough, well-funded studies like Baylor’s ongoing clinical trial.

By the time the study concludes in three years’ time, it could set a precedent for evaluating similar substances in future. Whether kratom is found to pose a significant risk of addiction or offers regulated therapeutic value, one thing is certain: informed regulation begins with rigorous science.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Kratom is part of a broader cultural and legal conversation concerning substances traditionally used for therapeutic purposes. For the 2 million Americans who use kratom annually, the findings from this study could dramatically shape their access to this herb. Industries that manufacture and market kratom products stand to experience significant change too, with potential federal regulation looming.

Overall, the Baylor study will play a vital role in bridging the knowledge gap around kratom. It provides a step forward in answering questions not just about kratom’s potential for addiction, but also whether it could serve as a regulated alternative in pain and addiction management. With governments worldwide pushing for greater regulation of herbal supplements, the outcomes of this study could resonate far beyond the US.

Source: Oregon Live