This herb is NOT addictive. It DID save my life. No exaggeration. Back pain was excruciating after surgery, physical therapy and pharmaceutical medications such as Cymbalta and Lyrica. Nothing was really helping me function each day. I found Kratom. I took it for about 8 months. It enabled me to work through pain to stretch, work and strengthen myself. It also really helped improve my mental outlook. Once the strength and flexibility in my back improved, I no longer needed the herb. I would highly recommend this herb to anyone looking for a safe, effective aid for back pain and mental health. I had no side effects at all while taking about 300 mg per day. And, it was affordable for me. There is no reason this herb should be demonized or made illegal. None.