The rising threat that many parents are dangerously unaware of: kratom, a plant-based substance often sold right in gas stations and vape shops, is secretly addicting and deadly. Its presence in our communities is expanding rapidly, with over 200 Ohio deaths linked to it since 2019 and a troubling increase in teen access. But what makes kratom so dangerous? It’s marketed as a natural supplement, but health experts warn it mimics opioids in its effects on the brain, posing a severe risk of addiction and overdose. This episode reveals how this “herbal” product has been hijacked by chemists to become a potent, synthesized drug that bypasses typical drug tests and regulatory oversight, putting our youth at unseen peril.
You’ll discover: how kratom is made more powerful through synthetic compounds like 7-hydroxymetragynine, and why vaping or eating gummies accelerates addiction by bypassing the stomach’s filters. We break down the scary truth about its easy accessibility—sold openly in vape shops, behind counters, and with no age restrictions—and how a middle schooler could buy it with no challenge.
Our guests, addiction specialist Emily Stoll and recovering addict Tyler Stroup, share alarming stories of how kratom was initially used to treat pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal but has now become a drug of choice for many in need of relief, often unknowingly spiraling into addiction.We explore the broader implications: how the lack of regulation and awareness creates a perfect storm, leading to overdose deaths and a new wave of addiction that is harder to detect. The therapy and recovery community are sounding the alarm, but public understanding lags far behind. If you care about the safety of your children and community, this is essential listening.
Ohio is taking action.
Read more about it here:
https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/governor-dewin[…]harmacy-board-to-schedule-+kratom-compounds-as-illegal-drugs
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Step Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face.
Who am I? Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township. Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s. A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools. She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community.
