The Science on Kratom: Kratom Journal Club (Bonus)
The Science on Kratom: Kratom Journal Club (Bonus)

Addiction Medicine Made Easy

Dr. Casey Grover teams up with Dr. Sonia Del Tredici and Dr. John Keenan to explore the multifaceted nature of Kratom, its uses, benefits, and challenges in addiction medicine.

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53:15•18 Nov 2024

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About this podcast

Addiction Medicine Made Easy

Casey Grover, MD, FACEP

A practical and evidence-based podcast on how to think about, diagnose, and treat substance use disorders in the Emergency Department and Acute Care. Why? One American dies every 6 minutes from a drug overdose, and one American dies every 5 minutes from excessive alcohol use. As many as 64% of adult Emergency Department (ED) patients meet criteria for problematic substance use. Patients with untreated substance use are 81% more likely to require admission when they come to the ED. We need to learn more and do better in treating substance use in the acute care setting.

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Episodes: 177

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Unpacking Kratom: Science, Uses, and Healthcare Experiences

Episode Overview

Kratom has both stimulant and opioid-like properties.
Patients use Kratom for pain relief, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal.
Healthcare providers should ask open-ended questions about Kratom use.
A significant percentage of Kratom users mix it with other substances.
There is a need for better education and labelling regarding Kratom's effects.

“The number one reason for use endorsed by about 70% of the respondents was, and I quote, just to feel less crappy in general and improve my quality of life.”

In this episode of Addiction Medicine Made Easy, Dr. Casey Grover collaborates with Dr. Sonia Del Tredici and Dr. John Keenan from the Addiction Medicine Journal Club to tackle the complex subject of Kratom. They dive into its historical uses, current applications, and the science behind this controversial herb. Dr. Grover and his colleagues share their experiences treating patients with Kratom use disorder, offering insights into its potential benefits and risks.

They discuss Kratom's dual nature as both a stimulant and an opioid-like substance, examining its effects on various receptors in the body. The episode also covers a comprehensive review of three scientific articles on Kratom, highlighting why people use it, where they buy it, and their experiences within the healthcare system. The doctors provide a balanced view, acknowledging both the therapeutic potential and the challenges posed by Kratom use.

With light-hearted banter and professional expertise, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted nature of Kratom and its impact on addiction medicine.

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