It's not snake oil - with the right dosage it definitely produces opiate-like effects while avoiding the deadly dangers of opiate/alcohol overdose.

However, it is just another addictive drug with it's own unpleasant side-effects. And tastes like earwax. If someone can substitute Kratom for Fentanyl or heavy drinking, I would consider that a win. However, for the average person picking up a Kratom addiction is not a good idea.