The National Institute on Drug Abuse says there appears to be problems with kratom, a psychoactive plant that grows naturally in Southeast Asian countries and is a relative of the coffee plant. It is usually taken in a powder, pill or liquid form and activates the same brain receptors as opiates. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the substance can cause addiction, withdrawal symptoms and unpleasant side effects like loss of appetite, seizures and hallucinations. The FDA says there have been at least 44 deaths related to kratom, bit it is legal in most states and widely available in gas stations, convenience stores and head shops.