Understanding Kratom: A Comparative Safety and Risk Analysis
Introduction
When it comes to understanding substances, isolating them can often lead to an overestimation of their dangers and abuse potential. This is particularly true for kratom, a substance that usually faces criticism for its potential risks. In this blog post, a balanced perspective will be offered by comparing the risk and abuse liability of kratom with other commonly used substances. Using publicly available data on adverse events and substance use disorder (SUD) criteria as defined by the DSM-5, we can better assess the risk profile of kratom. This comparative safety and risk analysis aims to contextualize the safety and risks of kratom, helping individuals make informed decisions about its use.
Comparative Risk Analysis of Kratom
Adverse Event Report Data
Researchers frequently evaluate safety by analyzing data on adverse events from sources such as the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). Between 2017 and 2022, calls to Poison Control Centers regarding kratom were fewer than those for opioids and alcohol. This suggests that kratom is less likely to cause acute health emergencies.
When normalizing the data per 100,000 users, the disparity becomes even more apparent. Calls related to opioids and alcohol far exceed those for kratom, indicating a lower risk of acute toxicity. Data on deaths associated with substance use further supports the relative safety of kratom. From 2017 to 2021, there were 15 reported deaths where kratom was detected, though it's important to note that most of these cases involved the use of multiple substances. In contrast, opioids were responsible for nearly 1500 deaths in the same period, highlighting the significantly higher lethality associated with opioid use.
While these numbers suggest kratom carries a lower risk of fatality than opioids, it's crucial to emphasize that any death is a tragedy. Caution is always warranted, especially when combining kratom with other substances.
Additionally, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) shows a decrease in deaths solely involving kratom from 2019 to 2021, further emphasizing its lower level of risk.
Substance Use Disorder Data
The DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders (SUD) provide a systematic way to understand the severity and characteristics of use disorders across different substances. Heroin has a high rate of SUD, with 85.8% of users developing a use disorder and 61.0% of these cases rated as severe. Similarly, methamphetamine and opioids have high rates of SUD at 67.5% and 68.6%, respectively, with a number of severe use disorder cases.
In contrast, kratom has a lower SUD prevalence of 29.5%. The extent of SUD among kratom users is usually less severe, with only 28.8% of kratom users experiencing severe SUD, while 47.5% are in the mild category. This distribution indicates that kratom, though habit-forming, produces more mild use disorders than other, more harmful substances. Its SUD profile is comparable to caffeine, which is legally consumed worldwide.
Conclusion
As the data illustrates, kratom has some physical impacts and can be habit-forming, but its risk profile is generally lower compared to many other substances. The safety and abuse potential are more closely aligned with substances like cannabis, caffeine, and alcohol rather than drugs with high abuse potential like heroin and methamphetamine. However, it's important to remember that individual reactions and risks can vary.
Understanding these risks in the context of individual consumption patterns and risk profiles is crucial. This knowledge enables more informed decision-making regarding substance use. By considering comprehensive data on kratom, individuals and policymakers can better assess its place within the broader spectrum of substance safety and abuse potential. Ultimately, these insights can help develop balanced public health policies and promote safer consumption practices.