New Resource: Kratom
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia with leaves that can have psychotropic properties. It is mostly consumed in pill or capsule form, while some people chew or smoke the leaves, brew the dried or powdered leaves as a tea, or eat the substance in food.
Some of the compounds of kratom are believed to interact with opioid receptors in the brain. While persons who use kratom in small amounts feel it energizes them, larger amounts can have a sedative effect. The Mayo Clinic in the U.S. has labeled kratom unsafe and ineffective and can cause dependence especially in persons who consume kratom for longer than 6 months. Research has shown the substance holds little promise in its future use or development.
Symptoms
Nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, loss of appetite, seizures, and hallucinations.
More serious adverse effects include: hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, kratom-induced hepatoxicity, central nervous system effects causing seizure and coma or posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome, overdose, psychosis, and death.
Legal Status
In the U.S and many parts of the world, kratom is not currently illegal or regulated. Some countries, like Belgium, have legalized it, and some such as France, have banned it altogether. Regardless of location, consumers are easily able to circumvent bans by ordering the drug on the internet.
Workplace
It is important to remember that there are many novel psychoactive substances, with new ones being constantly developed that can negatively affect a person’s faculties and cause harm to themselves or others in an accident. Regardless of its legal status, employers are encouraged to always document and address any employee’s adverse workplace behavior. If it is a part of your drug-free workplace program, drug and alcohol testing is suggested.
What new psychoactive substances are available in your country? How do you take action?