The Warren County Sheriff’s Department reporting an increase in incidents of juveniles using kratom, an addictive drug that can have fatal side effects.
Warren Sheriff Jackie Matheny said these juveniles look for kratom as a cheaper, more easily accessible option to induce a temporary high. Matheny said kratom is legal, though it is illegal to sell to those under 21 years of age.
“We had eight stores that sold kratom to individuals underage individual[s],” Matheny said. “So most of it is, you know, they can get it at our gas stations or you’ve got brothers or other people that are acquiring it and are giving it to our youth.”
Matheny said kratom is a plant in Southeast Asia. Matheny said people can use the leaves by chewing them or drinking tea. Many people use kratom in powder form or swallow capsules.
Matheny said many people use the drug because it acts like an opioid, relieving pain and boosting energy. Matheny said the active chemicals in kratom stimulate the opioid receptors of the brain, similar to pain pills. Matheny said many people use the drug because it acts like an opioid, relieving pain and boosting energy.
“There might be something that you can use kratom for that helps adults,” Matheny said. “You know, like I said, a lot of people use it for pain relief in older adults, but there is definitely not a use for it for our teens buying this stuff in the gas station.”
Matheny said people often experience rapid heart rate after taking the drug. Matheny said side effects include high blood pressure, nausea, tremors and hallucinations.
“It’s causing bad things to happen,” Matheny said. “Just like the seizures, the unconsciousness, and then the overdoses.”
Matheny said many of the other products you can buy in a gas station do not act on the opioid receptors in the brain and cannot cause an overdose. Matheny said the chances of a kratom overdose are higher when taking other substances, like alcohol or other drugs.
Matheny said the harsh side effects of kratom can harm the developing brains of the local youth. Matheny said kratom is an addictive substance, creating another level of concern. Matheny said younger people tend to fall deeper into that addiction.
Matheny said often older friends and family will acquire the kratom product for the youth, unaware of the potential side effects.