Doctor Warns of Kratom’s Addictive Risks, Citing Similarities to Opioids

Doctor Raises Concerns over Kratom’s Addictive Nature

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Craig Basman has highlighted the potential dangers associated with kratom, a plant common in Southeast Asia. Dr. Basman emphasizes that concentrated kratom products contain 7-OH, a compound that interacts with opioid receptors. This interaction mimics the effects of powerful opioids like fentanyl and morphine, potentially leading to severe dependence, overdose risks, and difficult withdrawal symptoms.

Tragic Incident Involving Kratom Ingestion

A tragic occurrence in Florida has accentuated these dangers. Jerome Jonathon Jordan, 35, and Charlene Rea O'Connell, 32, are both facing serious charges following an incident involving their child. According to the West Melbourne Police Department, the pair failed to seek urgent care after their 2-year-old daughter, Jonnie Jordan, turned blue, experienced a seizure, and had difficulty breathing. This happened after the child allegedly ingested kratom pills.

The charges against Jordan and O'Connell include aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect resulting in significant harm. This development follows Jonnie's rushed admission to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly upon arrival on May 18.

Details Surrounding the Incident

The sequence of events reportedly began at O'Connell's home in Palm Bay. Jonnie apparently accessed kratom pills that belonged to Jordan and O'Connell. It is believed the toddler ingested up to two-and-a-half pills before the adults were aware of the situation.

Instead of promptly contacting emergency services, Jordan and O'Connell reportedly observed as Jonnie's health deteriorated, failing to take immediate action.

Arrests and Investigation

The police investigation led to the arrest of Jordan and O'Connell after the Brevard County Medical Examiner's Office determined Jonnie's cause of death as acute mitragynine intoxication. The West Melbourne Police Department has since arrested them, and they remain in custody without bail.

While kratom remains federally legal, the Drug Enforcement Administration has started proceedings to classify high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine and related synthetic compounds under Schedule I. This action acknowledges their potential for abuse and effects similar to opioids, although it does not extend to natural kratom leaf products.

Stepheny Price, a writer focused on crime stories and news, detailed this case. The investigation has cleared Jordan’s sister, who housed Jonnie after the incident, from any charges.