06/11/2026
Please spread the word and protect our kids..
🛑 Important Message for Parents: What You Need to Know About Kratom 🛑
As pediatricians serving families in rural Western North Dakota, Dr. Goodnight and Dr. Ender Raghib want to raise awareness about kratom, a substance gaining attention in our community.
Kratom is an herbal product from Southeast Asia, sold as powders, capsules, or teas and often marketed for pain, energy, mood, or opioid withdrawal. While legal in North Dakota, it is not FDA‑approved as safe or effective for any medical use.
Why we’re concerned for children and teens:
• Affects the brain like opioids and stimulants—can cause nausea, sedation, agitation, high blood pressure, seizures, and breathing problems
• Accidental ingestion by young children can lead to emergency visits
• Teens may use it to self‑treat stress or pain, increasing risk of dependence and withdrawal
• Use in pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
• Products are unregulated and may contain contaminants like lead or bacteria
Bottom line: “Natural” does not mean safe—especially for developing bodies and brains.
Our recommendation: Avoid kratom use in children, teens, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your healthcare provider.
McKenzie Health Pediatrics is here to help—reach out anytime.
Dr. Goodnight, MD
Dr. Ender Raghib, MD
McKenzie County Health Systems | Watford City, ND
