Arizona woman’s kratom hospitalization revives online discussion about the supplement’s risks

Meanwhile, a video about substance use disorder and isolation sparked an outpouring of support.

Over the past two weeks, discussion about kratom increased following an Arizona woman’s life-threatening hospitalization. In other conversations, a video about feeling isolated while living with substance use disorder prompted solidarity and offers of support. Meanwhile, the FDA’s approval of a new over-the-counter pain medication fueled discussion about pain management.

In response, communicators may reiterate kratom’s risks, circulate SUD recovery and support resources, and share information about pain management.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

In late July, Arizona news outlets reported that a woman had been hospitalized on life support after taking kratom for about a week. She was reportedly using kratom gummies purchased at a gas station to help manage leg pain. The woman is now recovering, and her family is urging others to avoid kratom. Social media users expressed sympathy for the woman and her family. Some called for a national ban on all kratom products, sharing the side effects and withdrawal symptoms they experienced. Others, however, defended using kratom to manage pain and opioid withdrawal and questioned whether the woman had an underlying health condition that led to her hospitalization.

On July 2, a TikTok user shared a video with text saying they were “mid relapse” and trying to find someone to text or call. The video gained widespread attention over the past month, garnering hundreds of thousands of likes and hundreds of comments as of August 4. Many commenters strongly related to the video and said that living with SUD made them feel isolated. Some said they felt like they couldn’t reach out to family and friends for support due to fear of judgment or negative past experiences with disclosing substance use. Many commenters offered to exchange messages or have phone conversations with the TikTok user, creating an informal support system, and some called for more treatment resources and social support.

On July 24, the FDA approved Tylenol with Naproxen, an over-the-counter pain medication containing both acetaminophen and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Social media users across platforms doubted that the medication would relieve severe or long-term pain, and many said they have struggled to access effective pain management because of opioid prescribing restrictions. Several also expressed concern about the medication’s potential risks, noting that NSAIDs like naproxen—commonly sold individually as Aleve—may cause side effects like ulcers and kidney damage. Some, however, expressed hope that the new medication could curb opioid use, noting that taking opioids carries a risk of dependence.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.

Kratom and 7-OH continue to draw significant attention online, and communication teams may want to create or update materials that address these products’ risks. Messaging may stress that the supplement is not approved by the FDA to treat any medical or mental health condition and that kratom is linked to serious health risks like confusion, seizures, liver damage, and dependence. Communicators may encourage people seeking treatment for chronic pain, mental health conditions, or opioid withdrawal symptoms to talk to a health care provider about safe, approved treatment options.

Conversations about SUD and isolation show a need for treatment and support resources. Communicators may highlight that individuals facing substance use concerns—including resuming use—can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline day or night to speak to a trained counselor. Resources may also direct people to local recovery groups and SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), which connects people to treatment and support resources. Additionally, messaging may encourage people to view those with SUD with empathy and recognize that recovery is possible, especially in the lead-up to Recovery Month in September.

Questions about pain management appeared in conversations about both Tylenol with Naproxen and kratom, indicating that the public is actively searching for information about options. Communicators may want to highlight the risks of opioids, the signs of opioid use disorder, and safe non-opioid alternatives for pain management. Communicators may encourage patients to talk to their health care provider about the risks and benefits of pain management options, including over-the-counter medications.