Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a medicinal leaf harvested from large trees native to southeast Asia.
They contain many natural, medicinal alkaloids, including some which react with mu-opiod receptors, giving the herb numerous positive, therapeutic effects including aiding depression, fatigue, and from increasing studies, assistance with opiate dependence.
I began experimenting with Kratom about 3 months ago as I was tapering off a year of buprenorphine maintenance and still struggling with post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). I've found it, personally, to be almost a miracle herb in this process and have been eager to spread the word about this natural, legal alternative.
To an opiod dependent/tolerant person the effects of Kratom will be different/diminished compared to someone who is naive, but there are still many benefits to be found to those of us who are actively reducing intake of full agonist opiates, or at the tail end of tapering off a maintenance program such as suboxone or methadone. You will want to be pretty damn close to clean to reap the highest benefits of Kratom but for the long haul this herb has helped immensely with the lingering phases of w/d, particularly with the fatigue, dysphoria, and chills.
Many online retailers of Kratom and its extracts can be found through a simple google search. Some sellers tout "stronger" extracts and tinctures.. I have not tried these so I can't vouch for their potency but I generally shy away from gimmicky "head shop" products in general.
I have been using plain powdered leaf from a great company called MuSynergetics; having about a tablespoon (approx. 10g) of it in the morning in a cup of tea or mixed into some yogurt or applesauce. It has a mild, yet definitely noticeable effect of a clean energy and mood boost, and it really helps with curbing cravings and preoccupation with other 'addictive tendencies'. I'm not affiliated with Mu in anyway but have simply found their product in particular to be consistent and of high quality at an extremely fair price.
I must stress that to someone with a large habit, or if you are looking to get "high" Kratom will NOT satisfy "that itch" by any means. But if you are a recreational opiate user or are struggling with the end of a taper this herb can be a great reprieve from the traditional western options that are most regularly available to us. Kratom can also have its own minor habit forming properties but to someone conditioned to dealing with a full agonist opiate dependence it really is nothing in comparison.. Personally, I have not noticed any issues with this so far (although I try to dose only every other day to be safe..)
Please feel free to leave any thoughts or questions in the comments here, or drop me a line and I would be happy to expand on any musings by this topic.
This has been a Harm Reduction post.
Stay well Jynxies, and remember you ARE in control of your health and happiness!
