Understanding Kratom Use: A Guide for Healthcare Providers
Over the last few years, kratom has grown from just a fringe topic of interest into one that a variety of healthcare providers and patients have echoed. Billed to be complex in its effects while growing in popularity, kratom is sought for: pain alleviation, enhancing focus, and most noticeably, promoting relaxation. Understandably, healthcare professionals will benefit from knowledge of the best kratom for relaxation and its implications for patient care. This guide shall seek to put into perspective all that kratom is and what health professionals should know about the herb and its uses.
Why Patients Turn to Kratom for Relaxation
Anxiety and stress can be treated by kratom since many find it a more organic solution. Among the several strains of kratom, red vein kratom is supposed to be the most efficient variety of kratom for relaxation purposes. It is considered among the top relaxing strains; thus, many utilize it in lessening tension, providing better rest, and enhancing sleep qualities. Unlike prescribed medicines that may cause harm to patients due to their side effects, kratom is seen by many as a natural treatment for health conditions.
Challenges for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers face several challenges when addressing kratom use:
- Lack of Regulation
Presently, kratom is not regulated by FDA in the United States. Due to this, there is a lot of inconsistency regarding the quality and potency of the product, thereby making safety hardly possible. - Limited Research
The anecdotal evidence may be indicating that kratom actually works. However, professional studies are few and far between. Hence, it may become difficult to make an accurate risk-to-benefit assessment by a provider. - Potential for Dependency
It may be a botanical, but kratom still has the potential for dependency and withdrawal symptom, especially with high-dose or long-term use.
Tips for Healthcare Providers
- Engage in Open Dialogue
Encourage patients to share their reasons for using kratom. It may give some insight into what health issues they might have, and perhaps alter or complement their treatment. - Educate Patients
Educate patients on the potential harms associated with kratom use, such as the non-standardization of products. - Monitor and Document Use
If the patient continues to want to use kratom, continue monitoring and observe for adverse effects or dependence.
Conclusion
The knowledge of kratom use, particularly the strongest kratom for relaxation, is one avenue in providing relevant counseling to patients as healthcare providers. As promising as kratom is for relaxation and analgesic purposes, its lack of regulation and associated risks implore prudent and evidence-based counseling. Health professionals who keep updated with new information can better facilitate safe and appropriate health decisions for their patients.
