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News Release

INTERVIEWS: Back-to-school Substance Use Risks (kratom) - 09/08/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 8, 2026) ~As students head back to school and face new academic, social and personal pressures, Kaiser Permanente is reminding parents and caregivers to be aware of how young people may cope with stress, including turning to substances that can be easy to access and are often marketed in ways that make them appear harmless.

Health care teams are increasingly concerned about kratom and concentrated kratom-derived products, as well as vaping and nicotine products and sweetened, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Colorful packaging, appealing flavors, social media marketing and wellness-focused branding can make these products especially attractive to kids, teens and young adults while obscuring the risks of addiction and other health consequences. Some young people may also turn to substances as a way to manage anxiety or stress, potentially delaying appropriate treatment and worsening symptoms.

“Many of these products don't look like what we traditionally think of as an addictive substance,” said Dr. Sudheer Earanky, addiction medicine specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “They may look like a colorful drink, a wellness product or something that will help you relax after a stressful day. Young people and their parents need to understand that the way a product is marketed doesn't tell you whether it is safe. If someone is using a substance to manage anxiety or stress, that's an important signal that they may need support for the underlying issue.”

Kratom products, including highly concentrated products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, can have opioid-like effects and may lead to dependence and withdrawal. They can be sold as shots, gummies, tablets and drink mixes and may be available at convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops. Doctors recommend that parents talk openly with young people about products they see or use, look beyond “natural” or wellness claims, and pay attention to whether a substance is being used to cope with anxiety, stress or sleep problems. Changes in mood, sleep, school performance or social behavior can also be signs that a young person is struggling.

Interviews available:

Dr. Earanky is available for interviews via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

INTERVIEWS: Back-to-school Substance Use Risks (kratom) - 09/08/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 8, 2026) ~As students head back to school and face new academic, social and personal pressures, Kaiser Permanente is reminding parents and caregivers to be aware of how young people may cope with stress, including turning to substances that can be easy to access and are often marketed in ways that make them appear harmless.

Health care teams are increasingly concerned about kratom and concentrated kratom-derived products, as well as vaping and nicotine products and sweetened, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Colorful packaging, appealing flavors, social media marketing and wellness-focused branding can make these products especially attractive to kids, teens and young adults while obscuring the risks of addiction and other health consequences. Some young people may also turn to substances as a way to manage anxiety or stress, potentially delaying appropriate treatment and worsening symptoms.

“Many of these products don't look like what we traditionally think of as an addictive substance,” said Dr. Sudheer Earanky, addiction medicine specialist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “They may look like a colorful drink, a wellness product or something that will help you relax after a stressful day. Young people and their parents need to understand that the way a product is marketed doesn't tell you whether it is safe. If someone is using a substance to manage anxiety or stress, that's an important signal that they may need support for the underlying issue.”

Kratom products, including highly concentrated products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, can have opioid-like effects and may lead to dependence and withdrawal. They can be sold as shots, gummies, tablets and drink mixes and may be available at convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops. Doctors recommend that parents talk openly with young people about products they see or use, look beyond “natural” or wellness claims, and pay attention to whether a substance is being used to cope with anxiety, stress or sleep problems. Changes in mood, sleep, school performance or social behavior can also be signs that a young person is struggling.

Interviews available:

Dr. Earanky is available for interviews via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.