Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) products have gained both scientific and public interest in the US with increased reports of both adverse outcomes as well as potential deaths linked to its use. The scientific literature has reported on potential benefits of kratom as a harm reduction tool for opioid and stimulant use disorders but also reports on the limitations of its benefits by causing dependence, sometimes described as kratom use disorder. This talk is intended to describe the current state of scientific and clinical knowledge to inform healthcare and social work professionals.

Objectives:

1. Translate the complex pharmacology of kratom into clinical presentation, uses of kratom, and adverse effects.
2. Identify the signs and symptoms associated with “kratom use disorder”.
3. Apply the scientific and clinical knowledge about kratom to inform your counseling of patients and other healthcare professionals.
4. Characterize the limitations of kratom use in regard to dose, frequency, and particular kratom products.

Bio: Oliver Grundmann is a clinical professor at the College of Pharmacy and holds a courtesy appointment with the College of Nursing, University of Florida. He received his BPharm from the University of Münster, Germany before receiving his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Florida. His research focuses on natural products and complementary and alternative medicines. He serves as section editor of the journal Current Addiction Reports, is the incoming president-elect of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, and is working with various academic collaborators on the use and clinical impact of dietary supplements.