I have been using kratom since late 2007, and it has given me my life back. For ten years prior to discovering kratom, I was dealing with pain that affected my daily life. Doctors prescribed me hydrocodone and later oxycodone, along with the powerful narcotic muscle relaxer Soma. While these medications helped ease the pain, I became dependent on them and required increasingly higher doses to avoid withdrawal symptoms. I eventually found myself in full-blown addiction, needing more pills just to avoid feeling sick.

In late 2007, I learned about kratom, an herbal tea from the coffee family. I decided to give it a try and was amazed by the results. I felt better without the foggy, nodding high feeling that came with narcotics. This was a game-changer for me, as I no longer sought out narcotics and no longer lived in a daily blur.

Please reconsider the ban on kratom. This natural tea tastes much like green tea and provides an early morning boost similar to coffee. Since finding kratom, my life has improved significantly. I am now an active father of three, have progressed from a line-cook to a CEO, and can support my family without the need for pharmaceutical pills. I no longer take ibuprofen or Tylenol. My health and yearly blood tests have been excellent for a 40-year-old male, and my doctor supports my kratom routine, encouraging me to continue with it.

Please consider the many people who have found kratom and escaped opioid addiction. Many fear losing access to this natural remedy. For those who cannot afford healthcare, turning to street drugs is a dangerous alternative. Seeking substances on the street is a 50/50 gamble, and many people risk their lives simply trying to manage their pain and provide for their families. Kratom has been a lifesaver for many, including myself.