"I was aggressive when I didn't have it." A young Czech man describes his addiction to kratom, which he bought at a regular convenience store
Kratom - a natural substance with psychoactive effects that can still be bought freely, for example, in curfews or vending machines - is experiencing a sharp rise in popularity in the Czech Republic. According to the Czech Republic's Illicit Drugs Report 2024, 4-9 per cent of adults aged 15 and over have experienced kratom at least once in their lives, with regular use most common among 15-34 year olds. Among adolescents, 8-9 per cent have used kratom at some point in their lives and 1-2 per cent have used it repeatedly.
The report also notes that over the past three years, the number of students who have used kratom in the past 12 months has increased approximately fourfold. Experts from the National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction warn that young people in particular underestimate the risks associated with kratom use. The main dangers are the development of dependence and the risk of overdose, especially when combined with other substances, especially alcohol.
"It was everywhere and it was cheap. At first I thought it was like an energy drug, only stronger. But then I'd take it right after I woke up," says twenty-six-year-old Martin, who has battled kratom for more than two years, describing his former daily ritual. When he realised he could no longer function normally without it, he turned to professional help.
"I started having anxiety, I couldn't sleep, I was aggressive when I didn't have kratom. I kept telling myself it was natural, so it was fine. But it wasn't cool at all," he recalls. He went into detox voluntarily, but admits it wasn't easy. "It took me almost a year to get through it. I was lucky to have loved ones to support me. Today I know that 'natural' doesn't mean safe."
Martin's story is not unique. In recent years, the number of people seeking help from addiction services because of their regular use of kratom has been on the rise. A major change is to be brought about by an amendment to the law on addictive substances, which will introduce a category of so-called psychomodulatory substances, including kratom, from 2025. Substances in this category will only be available to adults in specialised outlets - their sale in vending machines, on the internet and any advertising will be banned.
While the law is being drafted, kratom remains legal and readily available. Parents, educators and addiction experts are therefore calling for education and prevention. "It's not about scaring people. It's about letting them know what they're risking," Martin sums up his experience.
