Current Management Approaches and Future Directions for Kratom Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review
Nkechinyere Mary Harry, MD1*; Adeniyi Kayode Busari, MD2; Ibrahim Lanre Folorunsho, MD3; Soji Ojo, MD, MPH4; Noimot Omobolanle Andu, MBBS5; Zimakor Donatus Douglas Ewuzie, MD6; Obinna Victor Chukwuma, MBBS7
Abstract
This comprehensive literature review examines the current state of knowledge regarding the management of kratom use disorder (KUD). Kratom, a tropical plant containing psychoactive alkaloids, has seen rising popularity and concerns about dependence and public health impacts. The review covers the pharmacology of kratom, diagnostic criteria and assessment of KUD, and various treatment approaches. Psychosocial interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and peer support groups are discussed. Pharmacological treatments explored include opioid agonist therapy, alpha-2 agonists, antidepressants, and emerging potential therapies. Integrative and alternative approaches like acupuncture, mindfulness, and supplements are also examined. Challenges highlighted include limited research, societal stigma, and barriers to treatment access. Future directions emphasize developing novel pharmacotherapies, improving treatment availability through specialized programs and telehealth, longitudinal studies on comorbidities and harm reduction, and evidence-based policies balancing public health and therapeutic considerations. The review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach combining psychosocial, pharmacological, and alternative modalities supported by robust research to effectively address the growing public health challenge of KUD.
Keywords
Kratom Use Disorder (KUD); pharmacological treatments; psychosocial interventions; public health impacts; multidisciplinary approach.
Cite This Article
Harry, N. M., MD., Busari, A. K., MD., Folorunsho, I. L., MD., Ojo, S., MD. MPH., Andu, N. O. MBBS., Ewuzie, Z. D. D., MD., Chukwama, O. V., MBBS. (2024). Current Management Approaches and Future Directions for Kratom Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 5| Issue 3: May-Jun 2024, Pages 619-629, URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Volume5-Issue3-May-Jun-No.626-619-629.pdf
Volume 5 | Issue 3: May-Jun 2024
