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Kratom products have rapidly evolved from traditional plant forms into highly potent semi-synthetic compounds now widely available in retail settings. This shift has introduced new risks, including use disorder, severe withdrawal, and overdose, while outpacing clinical guidance. This episode examines how these newer compounds differ pharmacologically, why they are more dangerous, and how clinicians can recognize and respond to kratom-related complications. Listeners will gain practical strategies for identifying kratom use disorder, managing withdrawal, and having informed, non-stigmatizing conversations with patients as these products continue to emerge and change.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Podcast introduction and overview of the series
• [00:01:00] Introduction to synthetic kratom and emerging risks
• [00:02:00] Guest introductions and episode focus
• [00:03:00] Learning objectives and clinical goals
• [00:05:00] First clinical case of severe kratom-related withdrawal
• [00:06:00] Rise of more dangerous synthetic kratom products
• [00:07:00] Historical use of kratom vs modern synthetic variants
• [00:10:00] Potency differences and hidden risks in retail products
• [00:15:00] Treatment discussion and buprenorphine use begins
• [00:47:00] Key takeaways and clinical recommendations

Links

• AMERSA
• The Bridge Center / Network for Emergency Addiction Treatment (NEAT) Clinician Kratom Survey Results
• Bridge/NEAT Clinician Kratom Survey Analysis
• Bridge/NEAT Clinician Surveys Sign up (for future surveys)
• Bridge Guide to Adjuncts/Comfort Meds (see PAGE 2)
• Kratom | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Find us online at amersa.org/amersa-podcast 

Frontiers in Substance Use & Stigma & Substance Use are sponsored by Provider’s Clinical Support System – Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (PCSS-MOUD). Learn more about PCSS-MOUD at pcssnow.org.

Funding for this initiative was made possible by cooperative agreement no. 1H79TI086770 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Substance Use Across the Lifespan and Innovation in Actionare sponsored by the Opioid Response Network (ORN). Learn more about ORN at opioidresponsenetwork.org.

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.