Kratom Poison Calls Skyrocket 1200%

Calls to U.S. poison centers about kratom saw an alarming increase of over 1,200 percent from 2015 to 2025, with exposure reports reaching 3,434 last year.

During this period, 233 deaths were linked to kratom, predominantly involving multiple substances like opioids and benzodiazepines. Researchers noted that the market's shift towards concentrated formulations and wide availability contributed to these concerning trends.

Serious medical outcomes were strongly associated with multi-substance kratom exposures. Last year, 60 percent of such cases resulted in severe outcomes, with nearly half requiring hospitalization.

The analysis revealed a significant rise in kratom-related hospitalizations, increasing by over 1,150 percent solely for kratom and about 1,300 percent for multi-substance exposures.

Most kratom exposure reports involved males and young adults, though a sharp increase was observed among older adults by 2025, indicating broader demographic uptake.

This surge coincided with the emergence of higher-potency alkaloid products, including those enriched with 7-hydroxymitragynine, and heightened demand.

Kratom, a Southeast Asian botanical, contains psychoactive alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors, causing stimulant or sedative effects. Its legal status varies, with no federal scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act, while some states have implemented regulations or bans.

Common symptoms of kratom exposure include sedation, agitation, nausea, and vomiting. Experts emphasize continued surveillance and public education to address the risks associated with kratom use, especially when combined with other substances.