Have you heard of “Kratom” yet?
The first time I saw that word, it was on a flashing neon sign at one of the ubiquitous local smoke shops that have proliferated around Lewis Center.
I don’t typically go into those vape places, so I didn’t know what Kratom was – just thought it must be a brand name of some kind.
Then, recently, our 15-year-old daughter told me about Kratom. She said it comes in pill form under brand names like Kama, can be found all over Olentangy Schools, and that “anyone can get it because it’s not expensive and they sell it at gas stations, online and in vape shops.”
She’s right – because Kratom is as-yet unregulated, it is readily available. Now that I’m aware and paying attention, I’ve seen it at many local vape shops and gas stations. Thankfully, they don’t sell it on Amazon – but they do offer many Kratom-related books and other paraphernalia.
The kids take Kratom because in low doses, it acts as a stimulant and in higher doses, it has opioid-like sedative effects. Kratom allegedly helps with anxiety and depression (NOT true; in fact it can make them worse) and supports weight loss (this may be true – it acts an appetite suppressant).
But once you know the facts about Kratom, it is utterly terrifying.
Kratom is unsafe, according to the FDA. It can appear just like one of the energy drinks that are popular with teens, yet Kratom acts on the brain in the same way as opioids, can be addictive and often results in terrible withdrawal symptoms.
Kratom withdrawal symptoms may include jerky movements of the limbs; insomnia and disturbed sleep; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain and cramping; cravings for Kratom; watery eyes; runny nose; hot flashes; sweating; diarrhea; tremors; restlessness; anger; nervousness; depressed mood; tension and sadness.
Sounds like a junkie coming off heroin or meth, am I right? And yet our teens have easy access to this substance.
Governor DeWine is currently trying to outlaw Kratom, which would make Ohio the first state to ban Kratom. But the legal process takes time – and in the meantime, Kratom is readily available to any high schooler with access to convenience stores, gas stations or smoke shops.
I’m not trying to be alarmist, but I am very alarmed. Add Kratom to the list of things you don’t want to talk about with your kids, but you must. I hate writing about topics like this – and I wish I didn’t have to know about Kratom as a parent! But our kids know about it and are exposed to it, so clearly we should know all about it, too.
Have you heard about Kratom before now – and have you talked to your kids about it? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram.
