kratom

USDOJ

Kratom, a plant that is indigenous to Thailand, relieves pain, improves mood, and is illegal to use. But there’s some research that shows that it could help drug users safely withdraw from methamphetamine. (Or cocaine or heroin, but we’re all fixated on meth because of the Breaking Bad finale. And Thailand is fixated on meth because, uh, it is developing a meth problem.)

Reader support makes our work possible. Donate today to keep our site free. All donations TRIPLED!

Scientific American talked to Edward Boyer, a professor of emergency medicine, who explained that drinking tea made from kratom has, in some cases, kept people from experiencing symptoms of opioid withdrawal. And when one patient quit kratom cold turkey, “his only withdrawal symptom was a runny nose.”

It’s not an approved use, but if you’re looking for a treatment for your symptoms of withdrawal from Breaking Bad, Boyer says, “based on my experience researching emerging drugs of abuse is that it is not difficult to get online.” As an alternative form of treatment, we also hear that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is mildly intoxicating and also easy to quit.