Events

ORN Spring 2026 Hot Topics in Addiction Medicine

Description: This talk will provide a background on traditional kratom and an overview of the recent proliferation of novel, kratom-derived products. Industry marketing, confused media coverage, and dynamic government policy will be described, as all influence public health responses. What is known about the harm-reduction aspects of these kratom compounds will be considered. Next steps for developing a better epidemiological understanding will be identified along with the roles clinicians play. The pharmacology of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl will be explained in a manner geared at helping clinicians understand how pharmacology influences addiction potential. Patient-level factors that may influence substance use disorder or adverse event trajectories will be articulated. Use motivations will be discussed alongside risks. Case reports will be used to highlight the complexity of assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients consuming new kratom-derived products. Ample time for attendee Q&A will be reserved to facilitate learning and discussion.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

1. Upon completion, describe the basic pharmacology, toxicology, effects, risks, and benefits associated with kratom and kratom-derived products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (“7-OH”), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (“pseudo”), along with related compounds such as kava, and MGM-15.
2. Upon completion, participants will be able to engage in improved identification of kratom product use, conduct highly specified clinical assessments, and better diagnosis and manage SUDs related to kratom-derived products in a data-informed and patient-centered manner.
3. Upon completion, participants will be able to define the dynamic state and federal policy and regulatory landscape surrounding kratom and kratom-derived products.

Kirsten Smith, Ph.D, L.M.S.W

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