Im sure it's been asked but I'm asking anyway

[SaintAlien]

I have a friend who (for god knows why) chose to try H - instant hook. She was quickly losing her grades for deans list, a job and possible homelessness in 2 months! I told her I rarely recommend this but since she's spiraling on east coast tainted with Fent, H - to head to MMT without being more than 2 days dope sick.  We check levels, so we know you aren't seeking methadone or subs.  She fought me on this and swore her "friend" said Kratom.  Now, I'm absolutely ignorant to this plant? but I felt her life was at stake and didn't feel it would get her unsick in time to resolve what issues she began to fall apart with and do a quick MMT taper in a week or two weeks (cravings won't go away, which is why most remain on and the hellish withdrawal).  

She said no way - it's kratom only.  Even 2 sub strips bought/cut and tapered she could kick the DT's and try to find something to avoid.  I worry she would become dependent upon the kratom and we would be stuck at square 1, as all long-term MMT and sub patients are.  We just put the sickness on hold and work on the issues that got us there. I'm terrified that I can't at least home detox her with the help of meds from the ER for 9 days. She won't listen. 

I'm coming to you here for education to relay to her - although I cannot save her, I love her as a friend and I don't know these "new people".  I just get that bad gut feeling with her bipolar mania and inability to say no that's rapidly changed towards anyone but this group that intro'd her to H to start with.  She knew all the dangers as we lost at least 5 friends from the batch 2 years ago in Ny/nj

Any advice or how it works or what to say? Or do I butt out and pray she doesn't die?

 

[Biteme]

I think kratom has pretty low abuse potential, mainly because it appears that there's an upper limit to how strong an effect you can get from it. For that reason, though, I have my doubts that it would be a good long-term substitute for H. There is research from SE Asia that suggests you can become dependent on it and experience some withdrawal symptoms, but again I don't think it would be nearly as bad as coming off H. I'm also sure it's a lot safer than H. The worse side effects relate to stomach problems & I don't think it's possible to OD on it. If you want some more info on its effects, here's a review article:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657101/