Kratom
What is it?
Leaves from the tropical tree Kratom in Southeast Asia which causes stimulant and sedative effects in different doses. More commonly abused in the Asia Pacific region than the United States.
Street Names
Thang, kakuam, thom, ketum, and biak
How is it used?
Swallowed as a pill, crushed and smoked, brewed as a tea, chewed raw leaves
Paraphernalia
How does it affect the body?
- At low doses, increased alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness
- At high doses, sedation
- Addictive: causes hallucinations, delusion, and confusion
- Nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, and loss of appetite
- Long-term use can cause anorexia, weight loss, and insomnia