Kratom: Exploring its pharmacology, mental health effects, and new challenges for addiction and behavioral health experts

Title : Kratom: Exploring its pharmacology, mental health effects, and new challenges for addiction and behavioral health experts

Abstract:

As substance use evolves, clinicians increasingly encounter Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), marketed as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, depression, opioid withdrawal, and overall wellness. Although legal in many areas and widely available, concerns are growing about its psychoactive and psychiatric effects, dependence, and medical complications. Despite its prevalence, many health professionals report limited education on kratom's pharmacology, benefits, and risks.

This presentation reviews Kratom's history, cultural origins, pharmacodynamics, and usage patterns in the US and globally. We will explore how Kratom can produce stimulant effects at low doses and opioid effects at higher doses, explaining its perceived benefits and misuse potential.

Clinical case examples will illustrate cases of Kratom dependence, withdrawal symptoms, polysubstance use, and the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment planning. The presentation will also cover new evidence on adverse effects such as cognitive changes, cardiovascular risks, liver toxicity, tolerance buildup, and interactions with psychiatric medications.

Attendees will learn practical skills for patient assessment, psychoeducation, harm reduction, and treatment, emphasizing nonjudgmental inquiry, informed consent, and collaboration when working with individuals using kratom for self-treatment or recreation.

As awareness grows, healthcare providers must navigate Kratom use in practice. This presentation aims to enhance clinicians' skills, improve patient safety, and support informed decision-making about a fast-growing, misunderstood substance.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe Kratom's pharmacology, action mechanisms, and psychoactive effects.
2. Identify the risks related to mental health, medical issues, and addiction concerning Kratom use.
3. Identify signs and symptoms of Kratom dependence, withdrawal, and interactions with other substances.
4. Evaluate current research, controversies, and clinical considerations regarding Kratom within addiction medicine, behavioral health, and psychiatric treatment settings.

Biography:

Dr. Kimberly Lannon is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Integrative Medical Mental Health Practitioner with more than 30 years of private-practice experience. A Certified Nutritional Mental Health Practitioner and Clinical Sports Psychology Practitioner, she specializes in addiction, trauma, and PTSD, neuropsychopharmacology, and human performance.

Lannon is a Lead Adjunct Professor in an addictions program supporting professional certification in Massachusetts and teaches neuropsychopharmacology at the collegiate level. Her clinical work includes elite Olympic, nationally ranked, and professional athletes, U.S. military veterans, and international military personnel.

She also leads workshops, retreats, and professional trainings addressing compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, burnout, resilience, and sustainable practice for counselors and behavioral health professionals. Her work reflects a whole-person, integrative approach to mental health, recovery, resilience, and peak performance.

Lannon is also the host of the nationally distributed podcast Your Daily Gameface, available across major podcast platforms, with a live broadcast every Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. EST. She is affiliated with her private practice, Dr. Kimberly Lannon and Gameface Sport Consulting.