(Aeon) – Millions are turning to an unregulated herbal extract to curb their opioid addiction. But do the risks outweigh the benefits?

Harm reduction is a contested and evolving concept that was first used in the 1980s as a shorthand for practices to reduce the spread of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS such as syringe exchange programmes. In general, it refers to public policies or practices that aim to reduce the negative consequences of drug use without necessarily reducing drug consumption. However, the term is also sometimes applied to any measure that could theoretically encourage socially divisive and risky behaviour, such as mandating seat belts or recommending teenagers be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV).

Can the consumption of kratom, or herbal supplements in general, conducted almost exclusively without consultation with physicians or other drug addiction institutions in the US, be considered as harm reduction? (Read More)