New Study Shows Kratom’s Effects On Dopamine

A new scientific study has revealed important information about how kratom affects the brain’s dopamine system. Kratom is a dietary supplement made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian plant called Mitragyna speciosa.

People often use kratom as an alternative treatment for chronic pain, to boost energy levels, or to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms. The supplement has become increasingly popular in recent years, but until now, scientists knew very little about how it actually works in the brain.

This groundbreaking research shows that kratom directly impacts dopamine, a crucial brain chemical that controls feelings of pleasure and reward. Dopamine plays a major role in addiction because it creates the “good feelings” that make people want to use substances repeatedly. The study’s findings are significant because they help explain why some people become dependent on kratom.

A Study Of Kratom’s Effect On Dopamine

A peer-reviewed pilot study provides insight into kratom and its connection to dopamine.

The study examined 12 men with kratom addiction and 13 healthy men, though researchers note the study’s small sample size and call for larger trials to confirm the findings. Using brain-imaging technology, researchers found differences in the parts of the brain that control dopamine levels.

Most notably, the participants with kratom addiction showed less dopamine reuptake than the participants without a substance use disorder (SUD).

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a substance that comes from the Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia. Kratom leaves contain several alkaloids that affect the brain and body, though researchers don’t yet know all of their potential benefits or side effects.

Researchers do understand, however, that kratom has an impact similar to stimulants, which promote wakefulness by speeding up the central nervous system (CNS). Researchers also understand that kratom interacts with opioid receptors, producing opiate-like effects such as euphoria. At low doses, kratom increases alertness, and at high doses, it may promote relaxation.

Some people take kratom for its psychoactive effects, and some have reported medicinal effects such as chronic pain relief.

Is Kratom Safe And Legal?

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not list any approved uses for this substance, kratom products are legal on a federal level. However, some states consider kratom a controlled substance, banning its sale and possession out of concern for its potential toxicity.

People considering taking kratom should first consult a healthcare provider. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that kratom is addictive and creates side effects such as dry mouth, weight loss, and constipation. It may also cause psychosis when taken at especially high doses.

More serious health concerns have also been reported, including liver toxicity and cardiovascular effects. As with any unregulated supplement, the full risk profile of kratom is not yet fully understood, which is why consulting a healthcare provider before use is strongly recommended.

Why Does Kratom’s Impact On Dopamine Matter?

Dopamine is a complex brain chemical that plays many roles. It fosters motivation, focus, and energy thanks to its effect as a reward chemical. When a person engages in a dopamine-releasing activity, such as eating or exercising, the dopamine causes a sense of pleasure, making the person more likely to repeat the activity. Drug use interferes with this process by releasing unnaturally high levels of dopamine.

As the brain gets used to increased dopamine, it loses sensitivity to it and requires higher doses of the drug to achieve the same level of pleasure, and addiction can occur as a result. This study indicates that the use of kratom causes similar dopamine-related changes in the brain as certain addictive drugs such as cocaine.

The Potential Of Kratom In Addiction Treatment

More research is needed on the short-term and long-term effects of kratom, including its pharmacology, addictive potential, drug interactions, and adverse effects.

However, this pilot study also raises questions about kratom’s potential as a form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in addiction care. Anecdotally, people report that kratom relieves drug withdrawal symptoms, particularly symptoms related to opioid use. While several medications, such as methadone, exist to treat opioid addiction, the FDA has not yet approved any medication for stimulant use disorder.

If kratom proves safe and effective when used under a doctor’s supervision, its stimulant effects may have the potential to treat stimulant withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, low blood pressure, and extreme drowsiness.

Furthermore, because kratom reportedly has both pain-relieving and dopamine-boosting properties, it may also have potential as a treatment for polydrug use disorder, particularly for people dealing with both stimulant and opioid withdrawal.

The Future Of Kratom

Kratom’s future in the U.S. is becoming clearer as government agencies take action. In July 2025, the FDA moved to restrict 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent kratom-derived compound, citing safety concerns. The action signals increasing federal scrutiny of kratom products sold in the U.S.

Right now, more than half of U.S. states have created rules for kratom instead of banning it completely. Many states require age limits and product testing.

Kratom laws vary widely by state and can change frequently. If you’re unsure about kratom’s legal status in your area, check with your state’s health department or a licensed healthcare provider before purchasing or using any kratom product.

Scientists continue studying whether kratom could help treat chronic pain and opioid withdrawal. NIDA and other government agencies are funding these studies. New research shows that kratom addiction is different from regular opioid addiction. Since scientists now understand how kratom affects dopamine in the brain, they think treatments used for other addictions might work for kratom, too.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff