Our collective safety and well-being depend on factual information so people can make safer choices and lives can be saved. Currently, much of the public information around kratom and 7-OH promotes fear and calls for more criminalization instead of public health approaches that address why someone may be struggling with drug use and connect them to support.
Kratom and 7-OH are not currently federally controlled substances. Scheduling kratom and 7-OH would criminalize possession and result in harsh penalties, including up to one year in federal prison for a first offense. Penalties at the state level could be even more severe. As we have seen with other drugs, criminalizing it does not stop people from using. It can lead to more dangerous methods of using drugs, using in secret, and feeling fearful to reach out for help. Fear of punishment can prevent people from calling for help when someone is experiencing an overdose. They may be afraid of being prosecuted or facing a loss of employment, housing, or other basic needs.
A public health approach can help people who use kratom and 7-OH stay safe and get connected to support. This looks like public education, smart regulation, and health policies implemented at the local, state, and federal levels.
Invertir en servicios de adicciones.
A wide range of addiction services—including counseling, medications, long-term treatment, and recovery housing—should be available to everyone. Personalized support reduces overdose risk and improves chances of recovery.
Expand access to healthcare options.
For people using kratom or 7-OH to help control physical pain, we must expand access and options for pain management and treatment. For people using kratom or 7-OH as alternatives to psychiatric medications for depression or anxiety, we must expand access to affordable and accessible mental health care.
Autorizar los centros de prevención de sobredosis (OPC) a nivel estatal y local.
These centers provide essential connections to care and can respond to an adverse health event or overdose at the earliest signs. They prevent overdose deaths, save lives, and promote recovery.
Proporcionar educación pública basada en hechos.
Accurate information provided in a nonjudgmental manner helps people make choices that reduce their risk of overdose and other negative consequences. It can also give them access to treatment and recovery options.
Mejorar el control de medicamentos y la recopilación de datos.
This will help us better understand the current drug supply, issue warnings, and offer better solutions.
Fund research on kratom, 7-OH, and polysubstance use.
Research is needed to better understand the effects of kratom and 7-OH and how to manage intoxication and withdrawal. Many people with substance use disorders use multiple drugs. Research and addiction services must account for polysubstance use to improve services and outcomes.
Explore sensible regulation of kratom and 7-OH manufacture and sale.
Regulating the possession, manufacturing, distribution, and/or sale of kratom and 7-OH can allow for greater oversight. Examples of regulations include:
La mayorÃa de los estadounidenses apoyan un enfoque sanitario respecto a las drogas: centrarse en reducir el riesgo de consumo y sobredosis de drogas y priorizar los servicios de salud que ayudan a las personas a recuperarse, mantenerse seguras y prosperar.
Acción La crisis de sobredosis es una emergencia de salud pública. La Drug Policy Alliance aboga por un enfoque de salud pública en materia de drogas que pueda prevenir muertes por sobredosis y salvar vidas.
El tratamiento de la adicción puede ser un apoyo transformador para quienes la atraviesan. Infórmese sobre los modelos de tratamiento actuales, qué funciona y qué necesita mejorar.
