Kratom use rises among students in Austria

The psychoactive substance kratom is increasingly being used by students in Austrian schools. Derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, the substance is easily accessible in Austria through the internet, health food stores, and certain vending machines.

Former high school students reported consuming the green powder mixed with water, juice, or cocoa, often hiding the practice from teachers by claiming it was merely strong green tea. While kratom can act as a stimulant in small doses, higher doses produce sedative effects similar to opioids due to its interaction with brain opioid receptors.

Health risks have been highlighted by a case involving a 22-year-old Austrian man who suffered two cardiac arrests after consuming kratom tea. He required a pacemaker following the incident, with medical reports suggesting mitragynine poisoning as the likely cause. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that kratom consumption may be linked to liver damage.