How One of My Patients Quit Kratom

Dr. Casey Grover shares his clinical experience treating Kratom Use Disorder through a detailed case presentation of a 38-year-old man who struggled to find medical professionals knowledgeable about kratom addiction.

• Many healthcare providers lack knowledge about kratom, causing delays in patients receiving proper treatment
• Kratom creates opioid dependence similar to traditional opioids, leading to withdrawal symptoms when stopping
• The convenience of buying kratom at smoke shops contrasts sharply with the barriers of traditional medical care
• Patients often use kratom to self-medicate underlying conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or pain
• Effective treatment involves addressing opioid dependence with buprenorphine (or methadone) plus treating underlying conditions
• Once dependent on opioids, patients must either use medications like Suboxone/methadone or endure withdrawal
• Understanding the "feel something, take something" pattern is key to breaking the addiction cycle
• Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (Sublocade) combined with as-needed oral doses proved effective

To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com