College students’ deaths fuel unconfirmed claims about kratom and cychlorphine
As authorities investigate the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, online speculation is blurring the line between what has been confirmed and broader concerns about kratom, cychlorphine, and overdose response.
As authorities investigate the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, online speculation is blurring the line between what has been confirmed and broader concerns about kratom, cychlorphine, and overdose response.
The practical takeaway
Review whether your harm reduction materials address emerging and unfamiliar substances, especially for college communities.
What's happening
On September 21, two University of Mississippi students were found dead in separate locations. Investigators found products containing kratom—a loosely regulated herbal supplement with opioid-like effects—during searches connected to both deaths, but they have not confirmed the causes of death, whether kratom contributed, or whether the deaths were connected.
As the investigations continued, warnings about cychlorphine circulated among students. Social media users began connecting the emerging synthetic opioid to the deaths and claim that it was spreading across college campuses or throughout the South. No official evidence has connected cychlorphine to the students’ deaths or confirmed the broader claims.
The overlapping reports are exposing broader uncertainty about unfamiliar substances and overdose response. Online commenters are asking what cychlorphine is, which substances could contain it, whether fentanyl test strips can detect it, and whether naloxone is effective against it. Reports that campus naloxone supplies were running low have added to concern about whether students know where to find it and what to do during a possible overdose.
Questions people are asking
- What are the risks of using kratom?
- What substances can cychlorphine be mixed with?
- Is naloxone effective against cychlorphine?
- What can students do to prevent overdose deaths?
- Where can I get naloxone?
What you can do
Internal readiness: Prepare teams to answer questions about unfamiliar substances. Make sure spokespeople, call center staff, overdose prevention teams, and staff who work with colleges have clear talking points about cychlorphine and kratom. Prepare them to explain the limits of fentanyl test strips and why naloxone should still be given during any suspected overdose.
FAQs + web: Make sure web materials include kratom and cychlorphine. Confirm that information explains the risks of both substances, the potential for laced and counterfeit substances, and how people can respond to a suspected overdose, including that anyone can get naloxone and where to find it nearby. If relevant, highlight your state’s Good Samaritan law in response to concerns about getting involved with an overdose.
Public-facing messaging: Tailor messaging to the college community. If you’re near a college campus, customize messaging for students, parents, and other concerned community members.
Learn more about the Infodemiology Initiative’s monitoring methods.