Watching someone you love spiraling out of control is one of life’s most heartwrenching experiences. It’s easy to feel helpless, hopeless, and overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. But don’t lose heart — you can make a difference and you have more power than you think.

The holiday season can be a challenging time for everyone, whether or not they are sober and in recovery or not. This time of year brings opportunities for celebration and reunions.

Kratom is a psychoactive substance made from the leaves of the Kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa), a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It’s been used traditionally in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea for centuries.