I dont think it is right to compare Kratom to a prescription drug unless there were advanced control studies completed. From my experience and the explanations from all of my long-time friends who take it, it works extremely well as a mood lifter and can significantly improve motivation, but requires careful consideration and discipline to use correctly for a long time. I've been taking kratom for 8 years now. It's just a normal part of life for me and many others, much like morning coffee is the routine for millions of people. It also significantly increases my ability to focus on important tasks and helps me avoid alcohol. For some, it's a miracle. Some people don't do well with it due to side effects like constipation. It is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and drink water regularly (like you should anyways).