The use of opioid in treating a patient with kratom use disorder: A case report

Abstract

Kratom is a botanical plant product that is used around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is believed that it has potential benefits as a painkiller and for relieving fatigue. Specifically, kratom can produce an opioid effect, which makes it addictive. We report a 26-year-old man who presented to the clinic for treatment of kratom use disorder. He was willing to be treated because he could no longer withstand the withdrawal effect and the financial cost of his addiction. Our team successfully initiated treatment using buprenorphine-naloxone (suboxone) in pill form to treat his kratom use disorder. The patient also received non-pharmacological treatment such as psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and motivational interviews. He was successfully treated with suboxone and within a week he was kratom free and happy.