BestCare sees uptick in dangerous kratom use in Central Oregon
Jillian Fortner
(Update: adding video, comments from BestCare, Recover Together Bend)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – BestCare Treatment Services says they’re seeing more people walk through their doors because of kratom, a substance some turn to for pain or anxiety.
Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant containing mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Low doses can stimulate while higher doses can sedate, like opioids.
“The perception is that this is safe and natural,” BestCare’s medical director, Billie Cartwright, said Friday. “That perception isn’t not necessarily true. Kratom actually is a plant. But ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean safe.”
BestCare Addiction Clinic says they’re now seeing a few patients each week coming in for help with kratom use. Some people in recovery have relapsed after trying it.
“It totally reactivates their addiction that may have been stable and in remission,” Cartwright said.
Some have developed a dependency, despite having no prior history of addiction.
“I’ve seen another set of patients, you know, an older population that is using it for pain,” Cartwright added.
BestCare warns 7-OH is far stronger than mitragynine, especially in synthetic or concentrated products. It has already been banned in some states, including Florida.
Back in August, KTVZ spoke with Recover Together Bend about the dangers it poses.
“7-OH can be as potent and at times even more potent than morphine and heroin themselves. The problem lies in the fact that it’s unregulated,” said Dr. David Campbell of Recover Together Bend.
The CDC identified 91 kratom-involved deaths in 2016-2017. Only seven were kratom-only. Most involved fentanyl, opioids or benzodiazepines.
Naloxone may help in mixed overdoses but isn’t always effective for kratom alone, according to BestCare.
Cartwright mentioned adverse effects include nausea, liver injury, seizures and psychiatric symptoms.
This year, the Food and Drug Administration referred 7-OH to the Drug Enforcement Administration for possible scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. This referral targets synthetic and concentrated 7-OH products, not traditional kratom leaf.
Local Resources & Support:
BestCare Addiction Medicine Clinic: 541-668-9070
BestCare Withdrawal Management Services: 458-218-2027
Recover Together Bend Withdrawal Management Services: 832-398-1138
Call 911 immediately in case of overdose.