How essential is kratom availability and use during COVID-19? Use pattern analysis based on survey and social media data

Abstract

Background: Kratom, a tree native to Southeast Asia, is increasingly used in Western countries for self-treatment of pain, psychiatric disorders, and mitigation of withdrawal symptoms from drugs of abuse. Because kratom is solely supplied from its native locations, supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic may impact the availability of preparations and hence force consumers to change their patterns of use. The aim of this study was to understand if and how COVID-19 was influencing kratom purchasing and use. Methods: Additional questions specific to kratom availability and changes in use during COVID-19 were added to an international online survey with responses collected between January and July 2020. During the same period, kratom-related social media posts to Twitter, Reddit, and Bluelight were analyzed for themes similar to the survey questions. Results: The survey results indicated no changes in kratom use patterns although the sample size was relatively small (n = 70) with younger consumers reporting a potential issue in obtaining their desired products from their usual sources. The survey respondents identified primarily as non-Hispanic whites (87.1%). Social media themes revolved primarily around quitting kratom during COVID-19, misinformation about the effects of kratom on COVID-19, and other non-COVID-related discussions. While some consumers may increase their kratom dose because of additional stress, a majority of discussions centered around reducing or rationing kratom due to COVID-19 or a perceived dependence. Access to quality kratom products was also a major discussion topic on social media. Conclusions: Kratom use patterns did not change due to COVID-19 but consumers were concerned about potential product shortages and resulting quality issues. Clinicians and public health officials need to be informed and educated about kratom use as a potential mitigation strategy for substance use disorders and for self-treatment of pain.

Keywords:

• Kratom
• COVID-19
• social media
• use patterns

Disclosure statement

None of the authors report a conflict of interest. The funding organization had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Financial support was provided by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Drug Abuse at the NIH (https://irp.drugabuse.gov/).