Samuel Acuff
Samuel Acuff
Dr. Kirsten Smith - What has been happening in the world of Kratom?
Dr. Kirsten Smith - What has been happening in the world of Kratom?
Dr. Kirsten Smith - What has been happening in the world of Kratom?
Monday 24th February 2025
Dr. Kirsten Smith updates us on Kratom's latest developments, its risks, benefits, and regulatory challenges.
73 minutes
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Author:
Samuel Acuff
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Kratom: An Evolving Story with Dr. Kirsten Smith
Episode Overview
- Kratom has both stimulant and opioid-like effects.
- Different Kratom products have varying risk profiles.
- Mitragynine is the primary alkaloid in Kratom.
- Kratom can be used as a harm reduction tool.
- Regulatory challenges continue to evolve.
It's not a trivial amount of change in a fairly short period of time.
Ever wondered what's been happening with Kratom lately? Dr. Kirsten Smith, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, returns to 'The Addiction Psychologist' to shed light on the latest developments in this controversial substance. Hosts Dr. Noah Emery and Samuel Acuff guide the conversation, providing a platform for Dr. Smith to share her extensive research and insights into Kratom's evolving landscape.
Kratom, a botanical native to Southeast Asia, has been used traditionally for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. However, its rising popularity in Western countries has sparked significant debate and regulatory scrutiny. Dr. Smith explains the complexities of Kratom, from its basic leaf form to more concentrated extracts, and the potential risks associated with each type. A highlight of the episode is Dr. Smith's discussion on the chemical composition of Kratom, particularly its primary alkaloid, mitragynine.
She delves into the pharmacological effects and the contentious issue of Kratom's safety profile. With anecdotes from her own research journey, Dr. Smith offers a balanced view on whether Kratom can be a harm reduction tool or if it poses significant dangers. For those in recovery or dealing with addiction, this episode provides valuable insights into how substances like Kratom can impact their journey.
The conversation is not just academic but deeply practical, addressing real-world implications and offering advice on navigating the murky waters of substance use and regulation. Tune in to hear Dr. Smith’s expert take on Kratom and its place in the ever-changing field of addiction psychology. Whether you're curious about the science or concerned about its use, this episode is packed with information that can help you make informed decisions.