Kratom effects and safety in recreational opioid users
A human abuse potential study of kratom
People who use opioids recreationally will receive different doses of kratom, placebo, and control drugs so researchers can measure how much they like it and how the body processes it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194012 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join about 60 adults who use opioids recreationally in a tightly controlled lab study. Each participant completes six dosing sessions in a randomized, double-blind, crossover schedule that includes various kratom doses, positive control drugs, and placebo. During sessions you'll report how the drug feels using standard visual scales and provide blood samples so researchers can map kratom levels and how the body handles it. The study uses a balanced 6 x 6 Latin square design so each person serves as their own comparison across treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who recreationally use opioids, are not seeking treatment, and can attend multiple in-person study visits at Baylor College of Medicine are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not use opioids, those currently seeking treatment for substance use, pregnant people, or individuals with medical conditions that make participation unsafe are unlikely to be eligible or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify kratom's abuse risk and help clinicians, public health officials, and regulators make safer-use and policy decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Few controlled human laboratory studies of kratom exist, so while observational reports and poison-control data raise concerns, this controlled crossover design is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verrico, Christopher D — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Verrico, Christopher D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.