Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia, primarily as a stimulant and to relieve symptoms of opioid withdrawal. In the context of alcoholism, there is some ethnobotanical and anecdotal evidence suggesting that kratom has been used by individuals seeking to reduce or abstain from alcohol consumption. Historically, kratom users in regions like Thailand and Malaysia have claimed that the plant helps manage withdrawal symptoms from various substances, including alcohol. However, controlled scientific studies specifically examining kratom’s efficacy for treating alcohol dependence are lacking. Most of the available information comes from case reports, user surveys, and traditional accounts, rather than rigorous clinical trials.

Kratom contains alkaloids (notably mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) that interact with opioid receptors in the brain, which may mitigate some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety and cravings. Despite these potential mechanisms, the absence of robust clinical research means that its use in this context is not scientifically validated. Safety concerns, including the risk of dependence, side effects, and possible interactions with alcohol, further limit its recommended use. In summary, while there is a traditional basis for using kratom to support those with alcohol use disorder, this practice is not supported by high-quality scientific evidence at present.

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