Kratom most definitely not accurately termed a supplement. That is mere advertising.
Kratom’s active alkaloids, such as 7-HO, are most definitely opioids, much like buprenorphine presenting with a partial agonism. This stuff isn’t as potent or powerful as buprenorphine, with a lower affinity for opioid receptors (although its affinity is higher than morphine), mg for my 7-HO is basically equapotent and has very similar effects to oxycodone IME. Due to its partial agonism it seems to have a ceiling dose whereas oxycodone dose not, but at or below 20mg they’re essentially the same in many respects.
Thank you for pointing that out Myst. Kratom certainly can be helpful, but it should not be though of as anything other than an opioid. It would be most accurately classified as such. It can be an effective form of ORT to help with cravings and get away from illegal drugs, but at a certain point, especially with daily long term and/or high dose use, the dependency and withdrawal is fairly indistinguishable (I mean it is different, just not essentially so) from opioid acute withdrawal syndrome.
That is basically what you’re refering to, no?
I think it is worth mentioning that just because there is the potential for dependency and withdrawal syndrome doesn’t mean it isn’t useful, just that it shouldn’t be characterized as anything but an opioid.