Hello. I am a 57-year-old woman who has had my fair share of struggles with addiction. I have been through both inpatient and outpatient programs and have frankly found little long-term success with either. It was only when I began using kratom in 2018 that I was able to successfully manage my addiction, avoid opioid use completely, and focus on my life goals. I have since finished my bachelor's degree at Western Illinois University and am one semester away from completing my master's at Michigan State University. 

Kratom, when used responsibly, is life-changing. I do not experience a "high" when I use it, but have only gained a sense of control over any cravings. I currently take a low dosage for maintenance but have had no compulsion to turn back to opioids. Losing access to kratom could have a potentially devastating, life-altering impact on those individuals who have found freedom from addiction and new hope for their lives through its use. Please consider the science of kratom, not the provocative talking points coming from those who either have no true experience with it or pharmaceutical operatives who feel threatened by its availability to the public.

Sincerely,

Teresa Bynum