Young Adults – About Kratom

8:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm CT | 6:00 pm MT | 5:00 pm PT

This month we’ll learn about kratom, a medical herb, from Young Adults group co-moderator Chandler Young. About himself Chandler says “I’m 23 and live in North Carolina, was formally diagnosed with FSHD at 16 but showed symptoms very early in life. I started using kratom 5 years ago because I didn’t want to be on painkillers because of some of the side effects and how addictive they are. Kratom is a natural pain killer that works similarly to painkillers but isn’t nearly as addictive and can’t cause respiratory depression, etc., like prescription painkillers. Kratom has significantly helped my quality of life and pain and also with some of the mental issues that come with FSHD.” Have you tried it yourself? We’d love to hear your questions.

Here’s a page about kratom from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to NIDA, kratom “can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects. Kratom and kratom-based products are currently legal and accessible in many areas…people report using kratom to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (especially related to opioid use), pain, fatigue and mental health problems… NIDA also supports research towards better understanding the health and safety effects of kratom use. Rare but serious effects have been reported in people who use kratom, including psychiatric, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems.^1,5 Compared to deaths from other drugs, a very small number of deaths have been linked to kratom products and nearly all cases involved other drugs or contaminants.”

FSHD Young Professionals is a social and support group focused on encouraging and empowering young adults impacted by FSHD. We created this space specifically for younger FSHDers to connect, collaborate, and provide networking opportunities. Whether you’re just graduating, starting a new position, or already on a career track, the FSHD Young Professionals group will help you develop a valuable network of friends facing similar challenges.

Our group is hosted and facilitated by volunteers who are excited to connect with you. We meet twice a month via Zoom. One will focus on hearing from a professional on a focused topic, with time for Q&A/discussion; the other will a social hour with a focus on conversation, connection, and fun. Join both meetings or just one, as your schedule allows.

Mark your calendar for the third Monday at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Once you join the group, no need to register again; you will be sent regular reminders and the Zoom link.

You can also join the conversation on Discord.

To contact us directly, please email: youngprofessionals@fshdsociety.org.