Heckwood
The Journal.

This Opioid Alternative Is Fueling an Addiction Crisis

Aug 17, 2026 · 18m 4s
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About this episode

Millions of Americans take the herbal supplement kratom for everything from energy to pain relief to quitting opioids. But it has also been linked to growing addiction rates and fatal overdoses. WSJ’s Sumathi Reddy explains the regulatory battles playing out across the country as some officials consider bans. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Is the High Over for Hemp Drinks? - Peptides Are Everywhere. Businesses Are Cashing In. Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices