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00:00:00 – 00:26:30
In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman explores the complex topic of kratom, addressing its origins, uses, and effects, particularly in the context of the opioid crisis. Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Indonesia, can act as a mild stimulant in low doses and an analgesic at higher doses, with effects similar to opioids. Huberman discusses the fine line between habit-forming and addiction, highlighting kratom's potential to help wean off stronger opioids while cautioning about its addictive nature at high doses.
He delves into the varying responses individuals have to opioids and kratom, noting that 10% to 40% of people might have a heightened risk of addiction. The discussion includes the pharmacology of kratom, emphasizing its primary action on the mu-opioid receptor, which causes effects such as sedation, euphoria, and pain relief but also leads to addiction and dependency issues. Huberman compares kratom's regulatory challenges and safety concerns to those of cannabis, underscoring the importance of evaluating substances based on their inherent risks and benefits rather than relative harm.
The webinar also touches on the physiological impacts of kratom, such as its potential to suppress respiration when combined with other substances like opioids or alcohol. Huberman references a discussion with Dr. Jack Feldman about opioid-related respiratory issues and advises caution with kratom use. He concludes by encouraging viewers to consider the comprehensive information provided and invites them to support the Huberman Lab podcast through premium subscriptions that fund further research into mental and physical health protocols.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Andrew Huberman introduces the Huberman Lab podcast, specifically an Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode for premium subscribers. He explains that the premium channel supports both the free podcast and research at Stanford and elsewhere, with matched funding from the Tiny Foundation. Subscription options include monthly, yearly, and lifetime memberships. Huberman then addresses the first question about kratom, highlighting its origins, usage, and effects. Kratom, derived from the mitragyna speciosa tree in Indonesia, acts as a mild stimulant at low doses and an analgesic and sedative at higher doses, functioning similarly to opioids, which makes it controversial amidst the opioid crisis.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around the opioid crisis in the United States, highlighting that it’s characterized by overconsumption and widespread addiction to drugs like morphine and oxycodone. The speaker explains the distinction between habit-forming and addictive substances, noting the severe impacts of opioid addiction on people’s lives. The segment then shifts to kratom, a substance some people use to wean off stronger opioids. However, kratom is also habit-forming and can be addictive, especially at higher dosages, leading to kratom withdrawal. The speaker reflects on divided public opinions regarding kratom’s safety and efficacy.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses personal and others’ experiences with kratom, highlighting its addictive nature. They note numerous cases where kratom use led to addiction and the necessity of rehab. Conversely, some argue that kratom can be beneficial at lower doses for tapering off other opioids. Medical professionals caution against using kratom but acknowledge its potential role in weaning off stronger opioids if administered with a commitment to reducing and eventually stopping its use. The speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding kratom if not already taken and consulting a physician for opioid addiction treatment.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of being mindful of kratom dosage and acknowledges that people have varied responses to opioids. They highlight that dosages ranging from one to six grams of kratom are generally considered non-addictive but caution that different brands have different alkaloid compositions, affecting the opioid system differently. The segment also emphasizes that a subset of people, about 10 to 40%, respond exceptionally well to opioids and can develop a preference, unlike others who might find them unpleasant. This variability in response is compared to alcohol consumption, where a small percentage of people experience heightened dopamine responses, increasing their risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the varying susceptibility to opioid addiction, highlighting that 10% to 40% of people may be at heightened risk. Specifically, they caution against the use of kratom for these individuals, noting their tendency to escalate dosages and potential denial about their dependency. The speaker makes a parallel with cannabis, mentioning that some users might experience significant anxiety or withdrawal symptoms when asked to abstain. The segment transitions into a brief overview of the pharmacology of kratom, explaining that opioids, including endogenous ones produced by our body, activate the opioid system and can induce effects like mild euphoria and analgesia, often referred to as a runner’s high.
00:15:00
In this segment, the speaker addresses the effects and misconceptions surrounding kratom, morphine, and hydrocodone. The main points include how all three substances act on the mu-opioid receptor, causing similar effects like sedation, euphoria, and pain relief, depending on the dosage. The speaker clarifies that, contrary to some claims, kratom does not primarily interact with the kappa opioid receptor. They also emphasize that kratom, like other opioids, indirectly stimulates the brain’s dopamine and serotonin systems, contributing to its addictive potential. Additionally, the speaker notes that blocking the mu-opioid receptor negates kratom’s effects, underscoring its opioid nature. The segment concludes by acknowledging the polarized views on kratom’s safety and effectiveness.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses different viewpoints on kratom, particularly focusing on the argument that kratom is less harmful than other substances, which they consider weak. They compare this to similar arguments made about cannabis, noting the need to evaluate substances based on their own risks and benefits rather than in comparison to others. The speaker highlights concerns about the lack of regulation over kratom supplements and their potential for abuse and addiction, similar to other opioids. They also mention the rare but possible occurrence of death directly from kratom use. Additionally, there is an explanation of the physiological sigh – a breathing pattern that helps reduce stress and how it relates to the mechanism by which opioids can suppress respiration, potentially leading to death. The speaker references a discussion with Dr. Jack Feldman from the University of California, Los Angeles, about opioid-related respiratory studies.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the relationship between opioids and kratom, focusing on their effects on respiration and potential for addiction. Opioids suppress physiological sighing by binding to specific brain receptors, leading to fatal respiratory suppression during sleep. Kratom, while generally not suppressive at low to moderate dosages, can cause respiratory failure when combined with opioids or alcohol. Although deaths from kratom are rare, higher dosages increase the risk. The addictive potential of kratom is emphasized, noting that while it is sometimes used to wean off more potent opioids, it can also lead to significant addiction issues. The potency of kratom, while less than hydrocodone, still results in some users consuming higher and more concentrated dosages.
00:24:00
In this part of the video, the speaker advises against using kratom unless it is absolutely necessary and urges current users to consider the discussed information. The segment introduces the Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode and invites viewers to access the full episode on the Huberman Lab Premium channel. The premium channel supports the standard podcast, which continues to be released every Monday, without changes. Funds raised through the premium subscription also support human-centered research aimed at developing protocols for mental health, physical health, and performance. The Tiny Foundation will match the research funds raised. Subscribing to the premium channel costs $10 per month or $100 annually and provides access to exclusive AMAs, transcripts, and additional premium content.