Navigating Kratom Use: A Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry Perspective
Introduction:
Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry closely follows the insights from "Kratom Use in the US: What Clinicians Should Know" by Rodriguez, MA, LPC, AHC. This article provides a thorough understanding of the complexities surrounding Kratom use, which is increasingly prevalent in the United States.
Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia, contains psychoactive compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Users often turn to Kratom for pain relief, mental health symptom management and as a substitute for opioids.
Despite its growing use since 2007, Kratom has faced regulatory scrutiny. The FDA has issued warnings due to toxicity concerns, and the DEA's proposal to classify it as a Schedule I substance in 2016 met with public resistance. Critics argue thhat Kratom's risks, particularly overdose, are often linked to polysubstance use.
Our approach at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry involves applying this information to each patient individually, considering the whole person, not just their diagnosis. We recognize that while some patients report benefits such as pain relief and mood improvement, there are significant concerns. These include the potential for substance use disorders, habit formation, withdrawal symptoms and side effects like liver damage.
Experts like Dr. Garcia-Romeu and Dr. Swogger acknowledge Kratom's minimal "high" and its use in managing pain, mood and anxiety. However, they also note the risks of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The FDA's warnings are seen as perhaps overly negative and there is a call for more scientific research rather than unsubstantiated claims.
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we work with patients using Kratom, focusing on the potential downsides even for those who feel it benefits them. We emphasize the need for informed decision-making and offer support through psychotherapy, exercise, and addressing underlying conditions.
Conclusion:
For those interested in learning more, we encourage a visit to our comprehensive blog on all aspects of lamotrigine, including dosing, side effects and the risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: Lamotrigine.
Begin your journey towards comprehensive and integrative care with us at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry. Visit www.phillyintegrative.com or call 610-999-6414 to schedule a consultation. Together, we strive for betterment, uniting families and healthcare providers in the pursuit of wellness.
