Kratom Dependence in Adolescents: Is Methadone A Lifesaver?

Abstract

Kratom dependence among adolescent, even though underreported, is increasing in prevalence in Southeast Asia. Kratom can be simply misused with a great possible addiction and subsequently cause serious undesirable physical and mental health consequences, which is not something to be taken lightly. We present three case series of late adolescents who consumed kratom for more than six months, which leads to poor school performance and had already developed withdrawal symptoms. This case series illustrates the effectiveness of treating adolescents with kratom dependency using combination of medical therapy - Methadone as Drug Substitution Therapy (DST) and supportive therapy from their family members. Therefore, it is crucial for primary care practitioners to screen the adolescents and alert the withdrawal symptoms as well as initiating early discussion with psychiatrist in order to start the prompt treatment since DST is available in primary care clinic.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(3) 2021 p.673-677

“Efficacy of Combination drug therapy of Oxybutynin and Desmopressin in enuresis in children in comparison to one drug therapy or any other combination drug therapy : A Systematic review and Meta-analysis”

“…In higher doses it may itself cause bed wetting, here methadone may be of help. 4 When left to time for achieving normalcy, children usually take years to become continent, while precious developmental years of life get affected and psychological damage done. Moreover chance of becoming dry without treatment is very low if frequency of bed wetting is high.…”