Have you ever walked into a gas station or kava bar and noticed small bottles labeled as “energy shots” or “herbal supplements”? Many Floridians are surprised to learn that one of these common products—kratom—can act like an opioid and lead to dependence, withdrawal, and even medical emergencies.
In this blog, we’ll explore what kratom is, why it’s become so popular, the risks associated with it, and what treatment options exist for individuals who may be struggling. This topic is especially important as kratom has recently come under new legal restrictions in Florida.
What is Kratom?
- Gas stations
- Head shops
- Online retailers
- Kava bars across Florida
- Under 5 grams: Stimulant-like (similar to caffeine).
- Over 10 grams: Opioid-like effects (sedation, euphoria).
How Kratom Affects the Brain
The active compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG).
- Mitragynine: Stimulant and opioid receptor activity.
- 7-HMG: Up to 13 times more potent than morphine.
These compounds bind to:
- Opioid receptors (producing pain relief and euphoria)
- Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors (impacting mood and energy)
Risks and Adverse Effects
Despite being marketed as “natural” and “safe,” kratom use is associated with significant risks:
- Liver toxicity
- Seizures
- Kidney injury
- Substance use disorder (dependence and cravings)
- Withdrawal symptoms (restlessness, irritability, nausea, muscle pain)
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome (in newborns exposed during pregnancy)
Learn more about the risks of kratom and how it affects the brain
Legal Status in Florida
- August 2025: Florida’s Attorney General classified 7-HMG as a Schedule I substance (same category as heroin and LSD).
- Kratom leaf products remain legal for adults over 21.
- Sarasota County was the first Florida county to ban kratom back in 2014.
This mixed legal status often confuses consumers, who assume that if it’s legal, it must be safe.
Case Study:
When Kratom Masks Psychiatric Symptoms
A 29-year-old patient presented with depression, lack of concentration, and low motivation. Initially, her symptoms resembled ADHD. On deeper assessment, however, she disclosed daily kratom use for two years. She had escalated from occasional “shots” at a kava bar to dependence.
Her symptoms weren’t just psychiatric—they were worsened by kratom withdrawal cycles. After education and discussion, treatment focused on stabilizing her mood with Wellbutrin, cutting down stimulant substances, and exploring behavioral therapy.
This case underscores why psychiatric intakes should always include questions about supplements, herbs, and energy products.
Struggling with substance use and unsure where to turn?
Our psychiatric team can help you find safe, evidence-based treatment.
Treatment Options for Kratom Dependence
- Withdrawal management: Clonidine, gabapentin, or in some cases buprenorphine (off-label).
- Behavioral therapy: Addressing underlying reasons for use and relapse prevention.
- Community support: Long-term recovery through therapy, support groups, and structured care.
Why Screening Matters in Psychiatry
Because kratom is marketed as an herbal supplement, patients often don’t recognize it as a drug. Clinicians should ask:
“Are you taking any supplements, herbs, or energy products?”
Adding this simple intake question can prevent misdiagnosis, improve medication safety, and uncover hidden contributors to depression, anxiety, or attention problems.
Conclusion
Kratom may appear harmless on store shelves, but it carries potent opioid-like properties, dependence risks, and withdrawal complications. As psychiatric providers and community members, raising awareness is critical to protecting patients from misdiagnosis and guiding them toward safe treatment.
By screening consistently and providing education, we can help Floridians better understand kratom’s risks and support healthier recovery paths.
By learning more about the issue and sharing information, we can help people find healthier recovery paths.
