What does the science actually show?

Kratom: Legal high or dangerous addiction? Nick Pell breaks down this gas station opioid alternative here on Skeptical Sunday!

Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by writer and researcher Nick Pell!

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1257

On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:

• Kratom is coffee's rebel cousin with a split personality. This plant from the coffee family produces contradictory effects based on dose: low amounts deliver stimulant energy, while high doses act as a mild opioid mimicking weak Vicodin.
• Daily high-dose kratom use (10+ grams) creates opioid-like addiction. Withdrawal symptoms mirror opioid withdrawal but milder: anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms lasting a week or more with minimal medical support.
• Kratom exists in regulatory limbo due to supplement laws. DSHEA (1994) treats it as food, not a drug, requiring no FDA approval. This creates quality control nightmares with zero potency or purity standards across products.
• Scientific research on kratom is scandalously sparse. Most knowledge comes from Reddit posts and YouTube videos rather than rigorous studies, leaving a potential opioid-replacement tool completely unstudied despite addiction crisis.
• Informed decision-making beats fear or hype. Research dosage, sources, and risks before trying any substance. Understanding how kratom works empowers you to make smarter choices about whether it fits your needs or should be avoided entirely.
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