A bag of Kratom, a plant-based drug .
Kratom, a natural supplement derived from a tree native to South-east Asia, is getting a lot of attention in the US because it’s highly addictive, and many people who think it’s perfectly safe are finding themselves unable to stop using it.

Alabama is one of only a few states where it’s illegal, but it is still a problem here.

Angela Edwards is living and working at the Lovelady Centre in Birmingham, the state’s capital; she’s dealing with addiction, and most recently, her drug of choice was kratom.

A bag of Kratom, a plant-based drug .
Kratom is a deceptive drug that is causing problems in US states like Alabama.(AP)

In July, the Food and Drug Administration recommended a scheduling action to control certain 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH) products under the Controlled Substances Act.

Kratom is illegal in Alabama, but Long said manufacturers have created synthetic versions, and by changing just one molecule, they can skirt the law and sell the products here.

Edwards has been sober for a while now, but she’s not out of the woods. “It took me months to feel even normal. I still don’t have my full energy back,” she said.

Her advice to anyone thinking this might be a good idea?

“Don’t do it. It’s not, it’s not worth it, it’s not worth it.”

You May Also Like

Who is the low-profile, 'skinny out-half' from New Zealand who Munster have chosen as interim CEO - and how does he plan to solve the problems at a crisis-hit province and bring back the glory days?

How Munster’s New Zealand Interim CEO Plans to Restore Glory

Just six days passed between Munster confirming Ian Flanagan’s departure as chief…