Biography
Marc T. Swogger, PhD is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry (Part-Time) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Medicine, Palliative Care. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2006.
Dr. Swogger's research addresses both therapeutic and harmful substance use, with a current emphasis on the risks, benefits, and public-health implications of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and psychedelics. His work draws heavily on user self-report and qualitative methods to understand real-world patterns of use, motivations, and effects.
His peer-reviewed kratom publications include a widely cited qualitative analysis of kratom users' experiences (Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 2015), a systematic review of kratom use and mental health (Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2018), a healthcare-provider guide to understanding kratom use (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022), and the conclusions of a scientific expert forum on kratom withdrawal (Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 2023).
At Amazing Botanicals, Dr. Swogger provides dated scientific review of educational content for technical accuracy against the peer-reviewed literature. His review verifies factual accuracy and does not constitute a product endorsement.
Credentials
- PhD, Clinical Psychology — Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (2006)
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry (Part-Time) — University of Rochester Medical Center
- Joint appointment — Department of Medicine, Palliative Care, URMC
- Clinical Psychologist · Rochester, NY
Selected publications
- Swogger, M.T., Hart, E., Erowid, F., Erowid, E., Trabold, N., Yee, K., et al. (2015). Experiences of Kratom Users: A Qualitative Analysis. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 47(5), 360-367.
- Swogger, M.T., Walsh, Z. (2018). Kratom use and mental health: A systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 183, 134-140.
- Swogger, M.T., Smith, K.E., Garcia-Romeu, A., Grundmann, O., Veltri, C.A., Henningfield, J.E., Busch, L.Y. (2022). Understanding Kratom Use: A Guide for Healthcare Providers. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 801855.
- Henningfield, J.E., Chawarski, M.C., Garcia-Romeu, A., Grundmann, O., et al. (2023). Kratom withdrawal: Discussions and conclusions of a scientific expert forum. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 7, 100142.
Pages reviewed or co-authored by Dr. Swogger
Dr. Swogger's role is scientific review only. He does not provide individualized medical advice to site visitors, does not endorse Amazing Botanicals products, and does not have a clinical relationship with readers. Pages bearing his "Scientific review by" attribution were reviewed for technical accuracy on the stated review date. He retains the right to remove his name from any page at any time.