Kratom alkaloids as a new treatment for polysubstance abuse

Interventions to address the global opioid crisis primarily target opioid use, misuse, and addiction, but because the opioid crisis includes multiple substances, the opioid specificity of interventions may limit their ability to address the broader problem of polysubstance use. Kratom, derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa, is receiving increased attention as an alternative to traditional opiates and as a replacement therapy for opiate dependence and as an economical alternative to self-treat pain (see https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/11/748574/experts-high-time-legalise-medical-cannabis-kratom). However, kratom's addictive property and growing numbers of its abuse cases limit its therapeutic potential for polysubstance abuse. The gap we have in research is whether these beneficial effects of Mitragyna can be overcome, thus making the substance a safer and more effective treatment option for polysubstance abuse.