Over the weekend, The New York Times published an article titled, Kratom an Addict's Alternative, Is Found to Be Addictive Itself. This article depicts all natural kratom as an addictive substance that can lead "addicts back to heroin, which is cheaper and stronger."  Do you agree with this?

If this upsets you as much as it upsets me, please take the time to let your voice be heard.  Email a letter to the New York Times editor, and share the positive side of all natural kratom. 

For over five years I have listened to hundreds of people tell me how their lives have been forever changed for the better because of kratom. Many go as far as to say kratom has saved their life. 

The team, and I have drafted a few templates for letters to the editor. It will only take five minutes to copy, past, add your thoughts and email to Mr. Dean Baquet, the NY Times editor. 

Thank you for taking the time, 

~The Major

Letter to The Editor Templates 

Right now we have three letter to the editor templates; (1) from the perspective of a recovering/former addict, (2) from the perspective of an individual seeking an all natural alternative from prescription pain meds, and (3) from the perspective of a individual who wants the NY Times to get their facts straight!

Please take the time to copy, add your thoughts, and email to Mr. Dean Baquet letters@nytimes.com 

(1) Recovering/former Addict:

*Please make sure to fill in the 'blanks'! 

Mr. Dean Baquet,

I am writing to express my sincere concern regarding your recent article, Kratom, an Addict’s Alternative, Is Found to Be Addictive Itself, by Alan Schwarz published January 2, 2016.

I am a recovering addict. For [x number of years/months ] I was using [drug of choice].  [drug of choice] took away my life, and brought me to a dark place.  I tried treatment [number] times, and still found myself turning back to my old habits.  I thought I was a lost cause, until I found all natural kratom.

Kratom has given me hope, and has greatly improved my wellbeing, and quality of life. I have been drug free for [number] of [years/months]. I am happy, and healthy because of all natural kratom!  

Next time you write about kratom, please consider the amazing benefits all natural kratom has provided individuals like myself.  Please do not impede the great work kratom is doing for those struggling with addiction.

Thank you for your time,

[Name]

[Address]

[Phone number]

(2) All Natural Alternative 

*Please make sure to fill in the 'blanks'! 

Mr. Dean Baquet,

I am writing to express my sincere concern regarding your recent article, Kratom, an Addict’s Alternative, Is Found to Be Addictive Itself, by Alan Schwarz published January 2, 2016.

I suffer from chronic pain. For [x number of years/months ] I was using [prescription pain medicine]. It did not take long for me to realize [prescription pain medicine] was taking away my life.  [prescription pain medicine] had taken control, and I was dependent on it to get through my day. I hated how it made me feel. Finally, I took my health into my own hands, and began researching all natural alternatives.  I soon found kratom.  

Kratom has greatly improved my wellbeing, and quality of life. I have been drug free for [number] of [years/months]. I am happy, and healthy because of all natural kratom!

Next time you write about kratom, please consider the amazing benefits all natural kratom has provided individuals like myself.  

Thank you for your time,

[Name]

[Address]

[Phone number]

(3) Getting Your Facts Straight

Mr. Dean Baquet,

I am writing to express my sincere concern regarding your recent article, Kratom, an Addict’s Alternative, Is Found to Be Addictive Itself, by Alan Schwarz published January 2, 2016.

I feel you have grossly mischaracterized all natural kratom. I have found kratom to be an amazing natural botanical, that provides many positive benefits.

I strongly disagree that kratom is an addictive substance that can lead "addicts back to heroin, which is cheaper and stronger." Please do not use the experiences of two people to characterize kratom as a whole.  

The ‘fact’ is, the story you have portrayed is the exact opposite of the truth. Many people who turn to kratom do so because it is a far better natural alternative than their current addiction.  

Next time you write about kratom, please get the other side of the story before you take the experiences of a few to characterize kratom as a whole.

Thank you for your time,

[Name]

[Address]

[Phone number] 

How to Submit A Letter To The Editor 

1. Letters should be 150-175 words, and reference an article from the past seven days 
2. Letters must include the writer's name, address, and phone number
3. Letters must be emailed to letters@nytimes.com 

Send your letters to: letters@nytimes.com 

Thank you all for taking the time for advocacy!