title: Experiences of Kratom Users: A Qualitative Analysis.
abstract: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a psychoactive plant that has been used since at least 1836 in folk medicine in Southeast Asian countries. More recently, kratom has become widely available in the West and is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. There has, however, been little scientific research into the short- and long-term effects of kratom in humans, and much of the information available is anecdotal. To supplement the increasing scientific understanding of kratom's pharmacology and research into its effects in animals, we report the results of a qualitative analysis of first-hand descriptions of human kratom use that were submitted to, and published by, a psychoactive substance information website (Erowid.org). Themes that emerged from these experience reports indicate that kratom may be useful for analgesia, mood elevation, anxiety reduction, and may aid opioid withdrawal management. Negative response themes also emerged, indicating potential problems and unfavorable "side" effects, especially stomach upset and vomiting. Based on our analyses, we present preliminary hypotheses for future examination in controlled, quantitative studies of kratom.
authors.affiliation: a Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry , University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester , NY.
authors.forename: Marc T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Swogger
authors.affiliation: b Research Associate , University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester , NY.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.affiliation: c Erowid Center , Grass Valley , CA.
authors.forename: Fire
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Erowid
authors.affiliation: c Erowid Center , Grass Valley , CA.
authors.forename: Earth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Erowid
authors.affiliation: d Research Associate , University of Rochester School of Nursing , Rochester , NY.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Trabold
authors.affiliation: b Research Associate , University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester , NY.
authors.forename: Kaila
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yee
authors.affiliation: b Research Associate , University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester , NY.
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Parkhurst
authors.affiliation: b Research Associate , University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester , NY.
authors.forename: Brittany M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Priddy
authors.affiliation: e Associate Professor , University of British Columbia , Kelowna , BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Zach
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D032065:Mitragyna / Q000009:adverse effects; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Mitragyna speciosa; analgesia; kratom; social anxiety; substance use