Warning about the psychoactive kratom powder being publicly promoted despite health risks
Controversial advertisements for kratom have appeared in central Vienna, raising concerns over potential addiction as the psychoactive substance is promoted openly in public spaces, despite remaining legal in Austria.
The posters advertise kratom powder with promotional slogans and discount codes, encouraging its use in public areas. Experts warn that the active compounds in kratom interact with opioid receptors in the brain—similar to traditional narcotics and strong painkillers—and regular consumption can lead to both physical and psychological dependence.
Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. Small doses are said to produce stimulating effects, while higher doses can have sedative and pain-relieving properties. This dual action, linked to its interaction with the brain’s opioid system, is at the center of the current debate over safety and regulation.
A 25-year-old woman who previously struggled with opioid addiction described kratom’s effects as strikingly similar. She explained that what starts as a sense of control can quickly develop into daily dependence, with users needing increasing amounts to achieve the same effect. Experts note that withdrawal symptoms can include severe sweating, chills, nausea, muscle and joint pain, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, as well as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and intense cravings. Acute withdrawal typically lasts around three days before gradual improvement.
The marketing approach has also drawn criticism. Some posters include provocative references to past drug-related issues, which critics say are unnecessary and misleading. Although kratom is officially sold in Austria as an aromatic or incense product not intended for consumption, some stores openly market it with descriptions of different strains and their effects, reinforcing a legal gray area.
While kratom remains legal in Austria, growing concerns over its addictive potential and public marketing practices have sparked debate among health experts, policymakers, and consumer advocates.