Ask the Doctors: Not enough is known about kratom to support its use

In summary, although the potential for abuse of kratom appears less than that for more traditional opioids, the fact remains that kratom does work on the mu-opioid receptor, meaning it can be abused. That potential prompted the FDA to recently warn of kratom’s opioidlike properties and potential for risk.
In short, we need more studies of kratom — and better replacements for opioids. As of now, I would look for other ways to manage pain.