To those commentors who think doctors, pharmacists, etc. are experts on this matter are sadly mistaken.  All medical schools are funded by Big Pharma, and all that medical students are taught is that DRUGS are the only answer to our medical problems.  Most medical schools never even touch on natural remedies (because there's no money in it), so drugs are all students know when they graduate.  Of course they will tell you that drugs are "safe and effective"....it was pounded into their heads for years.  Even though there are next to NO credible studies on the effects of kratom (because there's no money in it), everyone's an expert.  And these brainwashed "experts" continue to prescribe addicting poisons.  Unless a doctor has done his/her own research and extensive study on natural/herbal remedies, he/she  has no right to claim they are experts.  I've been taking kratom for years, and it's been a God-send for my severe pain....and I am neither addicted, nor dead - so there's my "expert" opinion.