Kratom headlines revive debate about the supplement’s safety

Meanwhile, commenters expressed conflicting attitudes about harm reduction.

Popular videos and articles discussing kratom fueled another wave of online conversation about whether the loosely regulated supplement can lead to substance use disorder (SUD). Plus, the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy and provisional overdose data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prompted debate about harm reduction.

Given these discussions, communicators may reiterate kratom’s risks and explain how harm reduction tools can help save lives.

---

What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

On May 13, a YouTube video highlighted kratom’s risks and received more than 500,000 views as of May 18. Most commenters expressed concern that kratom remains available in most states, noting that it can be dangerous and may lead to SUD. A few alleged that kratom is “not addictive” or “only slightly addictive.” Similar comments emerged in response to news commentator John Oliver discussing kratom on his television show. Meanwhile, a kratom-related death in Michigan, bills aiming to restrict kratom, and a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that ChatGPT contributed to a college student’s kratom-related overdose sparked debate about the supplement’s safety. Some commenters said they rely on kratom to manage chronic pain, mental health conditions, and opioid withdrawal symptoms.

On May 4, the Office of National Drug Control Policy released its 2026 National Drug Control Strategy, which aims to stop the sale of illicit drugs and reduce drug use by emphasizing prevention and treatment, including faith-based treatment. Some social media users praised the strategy, while others—including public health experts and the International Drug Policy Consortium—crticized its “punitive rhetoric” and emphasis on “drug-free” messaging over harm reduction, noting that naloxone is the only harm reduction tool mentioned in the strategy.

On May 13, the CDC released provisional data showing that overdose deaths declined in 2024 for the third year in a row. Social media users celebrated the trend and discussed potential contributing factors, such as the accessibility of naloxone and weaker fentanyl in the illicit drug supply. Many encouraged others to carry naloxone and seek support from harm reduction programs to help prevent overdose deaths. Some commenters expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use drugs, suggesting that they do not deserve harm reduction tools like naloxone.

---

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.

In response to ongoing conversations about kratom, communicators may reiterate that kratom is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat any medical or mental health condition. Kratom is linked to serious health risks like confusion, seizures, and liver damage. Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Agency lists kratom as a “drug and chemical of concern” because consuming it can potentially lead to SUD. Ongoing messaging may encourage those seeking treatment for chronic pain, mental health conditions, or opioid withdrawal symptoms to consult a health care provider about safe, approved treatment options.

Debate about harm reduction provides an opportunity to explain that harm reduction programs offer a range of tools to prevent overdose deaths and help people with SUD live healthier lives. Their lifesaving services may include naloxone, drug test strips, infectious disease testing and treatment, vaccinations, and referrals to care, which help the whole community stay safer. Communicators may also want to share tips for reducing stigma against people with SUD.