But Murray A. Holcomb, MD, an acute care surgeon at Seton Healthcare Family Center, Round Rock, Tex., offered a different take. He said he and his family were first highly skeptical when they first heard about kratom. But after years of trying to help his son overcome his depression and substance abuse, Dr. Holcomb said he was ready to try anything.
After researching and consulting with his colleagues, Dr. Holcomb helped his son acquire the plant. What was expected to be another substance that overpromised and underdelivered turned out to be the real thing.
“Out of desperation, [my son] tried kratom, and within a few short days, he began to experience remission of his symptoms – which was immediately noticeable to all of us who knew him,” said Dr. Holcomb. “It is important to note that kratom does not make him high, loopy, or anything but normal. He lives independently, works full time, maintains healthy relationships, is pleasant and responsible, reestablished contact with his sister and brother, and is largely a happy normal person.”
Not only was his son able to return to his normal life, but the costs for his dose of kratom were within his budget while making minimum wage, similar to a majority of users – who make $35,000-$50,000 per year, Dr. Grundmann’s survey results suggest.