AMA #9: Kratom Risks, Does Infrared Sauna Work & Journaling Benefits
Introduction and Purpose of Premium Subscriber Channel
In this section, Andrew Huberman introduces the Huberman Lab podcast and explains the purpose of the premium subscriber channel. He discusses how the premium channel supports research studies on mental health, physical health, and human performance.
Introduction to Huberman Lab Podcast Premium Channel
- The premium subscriber channel was created to support the standard Huberman Lab podcast.
- The premium channel provides funding for research studies on mental health, physical health, and human performance.
- The Tiny Foundation matches every dollar generated by the premium channel for research studies.
Subscription Options
- To subscribe to the Huberman Lab podcast premium channel, visit hubermanlab.com/premium.
- The subscription fee is $10 per month or a one-time payment of $100 for a 12-month subscription.
- There is also a lifetime subscription option available.
Accessing Premium Content
- Existing subscribers can download the premium subscription feed from hubermanlab.com/premium.
- Non-subscribers can listen to the first 20 minutes of each episode to decide if they want to become premium subscribers.
Answering Questions - Kratom
In this section, Andrew Huberman answers a question about kratom. He explains what kratom is and discusses its short-term and long-term effects.
Understanding Kratom
- Kratom is a substance derived from the mitragyna speciosa tree in Indonesia.
- Chewing kratom leaves produces a mild stimulant effect that has been known for hundreds of years.
- Kratom can be extracted into supplements with higher concentrations of its active compounds.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Kratom
- At low dosages, kratom acts as a mild stimulant.
- At higher dosages, kratom has analgesic (painkilling) and sedative effects.
- Kratom acts as an opioid in the body, which makes it a controversial topic due to the opioid crisis.
Kratom and the Opioid Crisis
- The opioid crisis refers to the overconsumption and addiction to opioids like morphine and oxycodone.
- Kratom is also an opioid but differs from other opioids in its properties.
- Some individuals have used kratom to wean themselves off other opioids, leading to debates about its legality.
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The addictive nature of kratom and its potential for withdrawal symptoms are discussed. There are contrasting opinions on the use of kratom, with some people experiencing negative effects and addiction, while others find it helpful in tapering off stronger opioids.
Kratom Addiction and Withdrawal
- Kratom can be addictive and difficult to come off of, leading to kratom withdrawal symptoms.
- Many individuals who have used kratom report negative experiences, including addiction and the need for rehab.
- However, some people believe that if taken at lower dosages, kratom can be a useful tool for getting off other opioids.
- Medical professionals acknowledge that while it is best to avoid taking kratom altogether, some individuals have successfully used it to taper off potent opioids like morphine and oxycodone.
Considerations for Kratom Use
- If you haven't tried kratom yet, it is advisable to avoid it due to the potential for addiction.
- If you are already addicted to other opioids, consult with your physician about using kratom as a means of tapering off those substances.
- Dosage is crucial when taking kratom as different individuals respond differently to opioids. People should be cautious about their dosage and consider individual variations in response.
Importance of Individual Response
- People differ dramatically in their response to opioids, including kratom. This factor is often overlooked but essential to consider when discussing dosage ranges and addiction risks.
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In this section, the speaker discusses the effects of opioids and how they can vary among individuals based on their chemistry. They also mention the risk of addiction for certain groups of people.
Effects of Opioids on Individuals
- Opioids can have different effects on individuals, with some experiencing euphoria and others feeling nauseous or terrible.
- Certain individuals may have a natural affinity for opioids due to their chemistry, which makes them more prone to enjoying the feeling it evokes.
- Similar to alcohol, where some people experience an increased dopamine response, there is a subgroup of people who are at higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
- People who have a heightened response to alcohol or opioids are more susceptible to addiction and should avoid substances like kratom.
- These individuals may deny being addicted but show signs such as constantly increasing their dose and experiencing anxiety when not consuming the substance.
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The speaker discusses how some individuals rely on cannabis for anxiety control and brain chemistry modulation. They may deny being addicted but exhibit withdrawal symptoms when asked to abstain from cannabis consumption.
Cannabis Use and Addiction
- Cannabis has therapeutic uses but can be relied upon by some individuals for anxiety control and brain chemistry modulation.
- People who rely on cannabis may deny being addicted but would experience withdrawal symptoms if asked to abstain from its consumption.
- This highlights that kratom is not safe for everyone, as individual responses can vary.
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The speaker briefly explains the pharmacology of kratom and its interaction with opioid receptors in the body.
Pharmacology of Kratom
- Kratom acts similarly to other opioids by activating the endogenous opioid system in the brain and body.
- Opioids, including kratom, bind to different opioid receptors such as the mu-opioid receptor and kappa opioid receptor.
- There is a misconception that kratom binds only to the kappa opioid receptor, while morphine and hydrocodone bind to the mu-opioid receptor. However, kratom does bind preferentially to the mu-opioid receptor.
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The speaker explains how opioids, including endogenous opioids released by the body during long-duration effort, can induce euphoria and analgesia.
Effects of Opioids
- Opioids can induce a euphoric state and provide relief from pain.
- Endogenous opioids released during long-duration effort, known as the runner's high, can trigger mild euphoria and analgesia.
- When people take substances like morphine or kratom, there is a more pronounced sedative effect, increased euphoria, and dreamlike experiences due to their higher potency.
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The speaker clarifies that kratom primarily binds to the mu-opioid receptor but also has some affinity for the kappa opioid receptor.
Binding of Kratom to Opioid Receptors
- Kratom binds preferentially to the mu-opioid receptor and somewhat to the kappa opioid receptor.
- It is incorrect to claim that morphine and hydrocodone bind only to the mu-opioid receptor while kratom binds exclusively to the kappa opioid receptor. Kratom's binding profile differs but still involves both receptors.
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In this section, the speaker discusses the activation of the mu-opioid receptor system and its connection to dopamine and serotonin reinforcement circuitry in the brain. The controversy surrounding kratom's effects on the dopamine system is addressed.
Activation of Mu-Opioid Receptor System
- Kratom indirectly activates the reinforcement circuitry in the brain related to dopamine and serotonin through the activation of the mu-opioid receptor system.
- The primary effect of kratom is to hit the mu-opioid receptor system, which provides pain relief and triggers shifts in cognition, including mild euphoria.
- Blocking the mu-opioid receptor prior to taking kratom eliminates its classic effects such as euphoria, analgesia, sedation, and mild stimulant effect.
- Kratom should be considered an opioid due to its similarity in action with hydrocodone and morphine.
Controversy Surrounding Kratom
- There are two camps regarding kratom - one camp considers it terrible, addictive, and harmful while another camp advocates for its benefits in avoiding worse substances.
- Relying on an argument that substance A is not as bad as substance B is weak. The focus should be on evaluating potential benefits and risks of any substance.
- Lack of regulation over kratom supplements raises concerns about abuse potential and addiction risk.
Respiratory Effects
- While death directly from kratom is rare, it has occurred. Hydrocodone and morphine suppress respiration by inhibiting physiological sighs during sleep.
- Kratom does not suppress respiration at low to moderate dosages but can do so when combined with other opioids or alcohol.
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This section discusses the potential risks and addictive nature of kratom, a substance often used as an alternative to opioids.
Kratom's Addictive Potential
- Kratom is not a benign substance and carries addictive potential.
- People who take kratom at higher dosages from over-the-counter sources are at an increased risk of respiratory failure.
- Some individuals use kratom as a way to come off more potent forms of opioids, but it can become a trap itself, leading to addiction.
- Increasing dosage and modifying the type of kratom used can result in effects similar to morphine and hydrocodone.
- The potency of kratom is about one-sixth that of hydrocodone, but with increasing dosage, the effects can be comparable.
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In this section, the speaker provides advice regarding kratom usage and introduces the Huberman Lab podcast premium channel for further information.
Advice on Kratom Usage
- It is advised not to start using kratom if one hasn't already.
- Those currently taking kratom should be aware of its addictive potential and the risks associated with increasing dosage.
Introduction to Huberman Lab Podcast Premium Channel
- The Huberman Lab podcast premium channel aims to raise support for the standard podcast channel and fund research on human beings for mental health, physical health, and performance protocols.
- The Tiny Foundation offers a dollar-for-dollar match on funds raised through the premium channel for research purposes.
- Subscribers gain access to Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions, transcripts, protocols, and the opportunity to support research.
- The premium content includes exclusive transcripts and protocols not found elsewhere.
New Section
This section provides information about the Huberman Lab podcast premium channel, its purpose, and how to sign up.
Purpose of Huberman Lab Podcast Premium Channel
- The premium channel aims to provide in-depth answers to burning questions and support research for mental health, physical health, and performance.
- Research funded through the premium channel will focus on developing protocols for these areas.
Signing Up for the Premium Channel
- To access all AMAs, ask questions, receive answers, and access premium content such as transcripts and protocols, individuals can sign up for the premium channel at hubermanlab.com/premium.
- The subscription cost is $10 per month or $100 upfront for a year.
Conclusion
The transcript discusses the addictive potential of kratom and advises against starting its usage if one hasn't already. For those currently taking kratom, it is important to be aware of increasing dosage risks. Additionally, an introduction is provided for the Huberman Lab podcast premium channel, which aims to support research on human beings' mental health, physical health, and performance protocols. Subscribers gain access to exclusive content and have the opportunity to contribute to research efforts by signing up at hubermanlab.com/premium