Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about Kratom Anonymousâ„ :
Do I need to be on video for virtual meetings?
While being on camera can help personalize the experience and create added connections, there is never an expectation to come off camera during our meetings. If you choose to have your camera on, please adhere to the expectations set forth by the meeting’s chair.
Do I have to speak during virtual meetings?
No, you do not. Newcomers will be encouraged to introduce themselves. Listening in on a meeting without speaking is welcome, and if you’d like, you can add “just listening” to your name or let the meeting secretary know you’re just listening by posting in the meeting’s chat.
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Is Kratom Anonymous for all forms of Kratom including powder, drinks/extracts, and 7-OH?
Yes, it is. Kratom Anonymousâ„ is a 12-step recovery program that focuses on kratom and all its derivatives, including but not limited to powder form, extracts, and 7-OH.
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I am not addicted to Kratom but a friend, family member, or loved one is. Can I join the meeting?
Yes, we welcome you to attend, listen in, and we can talk to you after the meeting if you wish. We want to help.
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Do I need to be religious to join Kratom Anonymousâ„ ?
No, you don't need to be religious to be successful in Kratom Anonymousâ„ . The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using kratom and any of its derivatives. Kratom Anonymousâ„ is a spiritual program that recognizes the individual relationship with a higher power of one’s own choosing as instrumental in one’s recovery, but this higher power need not be of a religious nature. Again: the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using kratom.
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Do I need to get a sponsor?
It is not mandatory to have a sponsor. Kratom Anonymousâ„ , along with many recovery programs, encourages members to find an individual to guide them in their recovery through the 12-steps. This person is commonly referred to as a sponsor. However, this is simply a suggestion, like the steps themselves, and not a requirement.
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What is cross talk?
During a Kratom Anonymousâ„ meeting, members will "check -in" or share their thoughts on a topic. While someone else is sharing, it is an expectation to allow them to speak and not interrupt them. When it is your turn to speak, you also want to refrain from talking excessively or specifically about what has been shared before you, including giving unsolicited advice to others, as your share should focus on you and your experiences. Referring in detail to what others shared before you is known as “cross talk” as it generally discouraged in Kratom Anonymousâ„ meetings, although please defer to the expectations set by your meeting’s chair.
Small amounts of cross talk are generally okay. For example, If Bob shares, "The weather is nice here." and you share and say, "The weather is nice here, too," that does not constitute cross talk. If Bob shared about his car breaking down and you proceed to give advice on how to fix his car during your share, this changes the dynamic of the meeting and its purpose, as it has gone from sharing experiences on kratom recovery to providing advice to a particular group member. If you’d like to discuss something someone shared in detail, please wait until after the meeting has concluded.
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How long is the meeting and do I have to stay for all of it?
The meetings are approximately one hour, although meeting times may vary. You can leave whenever you want. If you arrive late, you may have to wait until a later point to be admitted into the room – this is up to the discretion of the meeting chair.
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Do I have to be clean from kratom to join a meeting? Can I be actively using or on a taper?
The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using kratom. If you are currently using or tapering from kratom, you are welcome to join and share, and we encourage you to stick around after the meeting concludes to talk to others.
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What is a Discussion Meeting vs. a Step Meeting?
In a Discussion Meeting, the meeting chair will provide a topic to discuss. The topic is optional and related to recovery. The members may choose to speak about that topic or they may choose to speak about something else. The topic is optional. Shares in a Discussion Meeting can be about anything kratom or recovery related.
In a Step Meeting, the topic of the meeting will be based on one of the twelve steps of Kratom Anonymousâ„ , and occasionally one of the twelve traditions. This is also optional, however, and members may share about anything they wish so long as it is kratom or recovery related.
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I have addictions to other substances in addition to kratom. May I speak about them in a meeting?
Yes, shares do not have to be limited to kratom addiction as anything, including other substances and addictions, is considered to impact our recovery.
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Are there any other rules I need to know? What happens if I break a rule?
Kratom Anonymousâ„ does not follow a punitive approach toward its members. The only steadfast rule is that you do not engage in on-camera use of kratom or any other illicit substance during meetings, nor any behavior that would violate any laws or put the safety of other members at risk. Meeting chairs may also make requests on video etiquette, such as refraining from eating, smoking, or engaging in distracting behavior while on camera. When in doubt, please ask your secretary or trusted member if something is considered allowed or appropriate.