The age of onset is apparently later than in heroin addiction, and females are rare amongst those who use the substance. Kratom, known botanically as Mitragyna speciosa Korth. The kratom leaf has long been known to possess narcotic properties and the beginning of its use in Thailand cannot be dated. Kratom is also called Kakuam, Ithang and, in the south of the country, Thom. In Thai folk medicine the leaf is used for the treatment of diarrhoea and as a substitute in cases of opium addiction.
Some villagers use it as an ingredient for cooking.
In the present study thirty male and female cases of kratom addiction were selected from the Nondhaburi province and from the suburbs of Bangkok for the purpose of an intensive study. The interview method was used with a questionnaire consisting of 30 items. In addition five cases of psychotic patients with a history of kratom addiction were studied at Srithunya Psychiatric Hospital in Nondhaburi. Findings from psychiatric and physical examination as well as treatment results were evaluated. Twenty-nine of the kratom users were male and one was female.