TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) – Kratom is a plant that originates from Southeast Asia. It can be brewed as a tea or taken as a capsule or tablet.
Advocates of the plant believe kratom can hold the key to battling opioid addiction.
Drew Fickett is a former professional fighter who fought in the UFC. He said he battled against opioid addiction after he was prescribed medication because of chronic pain due to his fighting.
“You’re always chasing the dragon and what I mean by that term is your first feeling you’re getting and whether it’s a prescription pill or a street drug, it’s getting you high,” said Fickett.
Fickett said he went to rehab to get over his addictions and then found kratom.
“It didn’t get me high, but it totally made everything, gave me a sense of well being.”
He said it changed his life and now looks back at his road to recovery from a position of sobriety.
The supplement is not without controversy.
The DEA has held off on putting kratom on their schedule one list, and the FDA has also issued a stern warning. They say it is troubling people believe they can use kratom to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.
