Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about Kratom Anonymousâ„ :
Do I need to be on video for virtual meetings?
No, in most meetings video is disabled. If video is enabled it is not mandatory.
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Why is the chat feature disabled during meetings?
We consider chatting during someone's share a form a cross talk and it is disruptive to the focus of the meeting. A standard set of emojis is provided to show support for someone's share without interrupting it.
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, 7-OH and synthetics.
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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, but please refrain from sharing. We can talk to you after the meeting if you wish. We want to help.
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Can I share my phone number or email address with the group or a specific member in the meeting?
Yes, please wait until the end of the meeting and inform the meeting chair you would like to exchange your contact information and the request will be facilitated. Please be advised that our meetings are virtual. Standard safety protocols should be considered before sharing any personal information online.
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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 external power of one’s own choosing as instrumental in one’s recovery, but this external 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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How do I get a sponsor in the Kratom Anonymous 12 step program?
Please email support@kratom-anonymous.org for additional details.
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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 is 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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Can I join a meeting if I am on Medication-assisted Treatment?
Yes, if you are on MAT you are welcome, your share is welcome, and you are a member just like everyone else but please refrain from providing details about your medication. That is between you, your prescriber and no one else. What is effective for you could be dangerous to someone else. We enforce this rule to protect the health and safety of everyone in the room.
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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 use intoxicants during meetings (being on kratom or MAT is fine). If the meeting chair determines you are too impaired to share, you will be asked to listen only. Do not engage in any behavior that would violate any laws or put the safety of other members at risk. When in doubt, please ask the meeting chair or a trusted member whether something is allowed or appropriate.