Aggression in a cohort of male methamphetamine (METH) users with and without Kkratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.): use history in Malaysia

Methamphetamine (METH) consumption is associated with aggression. Decoction derived from the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) leaf has been used as a METH substitute in Southeast Asia. Given its perceived benefit, we investigated the relationship between kratom use and aggression in a treatment sa...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yang, Yuting (Author) , Müller, Christian P. (Author) , Singh, Darshan (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 2024
Edition:[Early access]
In: Journal of psychoactive drugs
Year: 2024, Pages: 1-12
ISSN:2159-9777
DOI:10.1080/02791072.2024.2424277
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2024.2424277
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Author Notes:Yuting Yang, MSc, Christian P. Müller, PhD & Darshan Singh, PhD
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Summary:Methamphetamine (METH) consumption is associated with aggression. Decoction derived from the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) leaf has been used as a METH substitute in Southeast Asia. Given its perceived benefit, we investigated the relationship between kratom use and aggression in a treatment sample of METH users with and without kratom use history. Four hundred and three male METH users participated in this cross-sectional study. A semi-structured questionnaire and several objective clinical measures were administered. Results indicate that there were no significant differences in aggression and its dimensions between METH users with and without kratom use history. However, two distinct Clusters (1 and 2) of METH users with kratom use history were studied. Users in Cluster 1 were characterized by a higher quantity and frequency of daily kratom use, longer duration of kratom use, and use of kratom at a younger age. Users in Cluster 2 exhibited the opposite characteristics. Kratom dependence and the first age of kratom use were identified as risk factors for aggression in Cluster 1. The frequency of daily kratom use appeared as a protective factor against aggression in Cluster 2. The results offer partial support to the instrumental kratom use concept; lower frequency (1 to 3 times) of kratom use may potentially minimize aggression in METH users presenting with mild to moderate kratom dependence.
Item Description:Online veröffentlicht: 6. November 2024
Gesehen am 18.06.2025
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:2159-9777
DOI:10.1080/02791072.2024.2424277