Kratom has recently become a major public health topic in the United States due to a sharp rise in adverse health events. Once considered a niche herbal supplement imported from Southeast Asia, kratom is now widely available in gas stations, vape shops, and online marketplaces across the U.S. However, new data shows a significant increase in kratom-related poison center calls, hospitalizations, and severe medical outcomes over the past decade.
This article explains the latest findings on kratom-related health risks, why usage is increasing, and what consumers should understand about its safety concerns.
Kratom is a herbal substance derived from the leaves of a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally, people in countries such as Thailand and Indonesia have used kratom leaves for their stimulating and pain-relieving properties. The leaves are typically chewed, brewed into tea, or crushed into powders.
In the United States, kratom is sold in different forms, including capsules, powders, extracts, and tablets. These modern formulations can be significantly more potent than traditional leaf preparations. Some products may also be mixed with other ingredients, increasing variability in strength and safety.
Because kratom is classified as a supplement rather than a pharmaceutical drug in the U.S., it is not regulated in the same way as prescription or over-the-counter medications. This lack of regulation means product quality, dosage, and purity can vary widely.
Recent research highlighted in public health reports shows a dramatic rise in kratom-related medical events over the last ten years.
Key findings include:
These numbers indicate a steady upward trend, with a noticeable surge in reported cases in 2025 after a period of relative stabilization in earlier years.
Health experts emphasize that these statistics reflect a growing burden on emergency healthcare systems and poison control networks.
Several factors may be contributing to the rising use of kratom in the United States:
Kratom is widely sold in convenience stores, vape shops, and online platforms. Its accessibility makes it easier for consumers to obtain compared to regulated medications.
Many users assume that because kratom is plant-derived, it is automatically safe. However, natural origin does not guarantee safety or predictability.
Some individuals use kratom for pain relief, anxiety, mood enhancement, or to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. This self-medication behavior can increase risk when dosing is inconsistent or combined with other substances.
Without strict manufacturing standards, kratom products can vary in potency and may contain contaminants or added compounds.
Researchers and clinicians have identified several potential risks linked to kratom use, especially at higher doses or when combined with other substances.
Kratom interacts with brain receptors involved in mood and pain regulation. This can lead to both stimulant-like and sedative effects depending on the dose. Reported issues include agitation, confusion, and dependence.
Some users experience increased heart rate, blood pressure changes, or breathing difficulties. These effects may become more serious when kratom is mixed with other drugs.
One of the most concerning findings in recent data is that many severe kratom-related cases involve other substances. These combinations significantly increase the risk of hospitalization and complications.
Regular use of kratom can lead to tolerance and dependence in some individuals. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when use is reduced or stopped.
Recent data shows that kratom-related hospitalizations have increased dramatically. In cases involving kratom alone, hospital admissions rose by more than 1,150% over a ten-year period. When kratom was combined with other substances, hospitalization rates were even higher, approaching a 1,300% increase.
In 2025, a majority of kratom cases involving multiple substances resulted in serious medical outcomes, and about half required hospitalization. This highlights the increased danger of polysubstance use involving kratom.
Medical experts are increasingly calling for closer scrutiny of kratom products. Researchers note that kratom contains active compounds such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which can have complex effects on the nervous system.
According to clinical specialists involved in poison control research, the variability in kratom product strength and composition makes it difficult to predict its effects in humans. This unpredictability increases the risk of adverse reactions and drug interactions.
Public health officials also emphasize the importance of consumer awareness, especially as kratom products continue to be marketed as dietary supplements.
If someone is considering or currently using kratom, there are several important safety considerations:
Because kratom is not standardized or regulated like medications, there is no guaranteed safe dose.
The latest data shows a clear and concerning rise in kratom-related poison center calls, hospitalizations, and severe medical events in the United States. While kratom continues to be used by some individuals for pain relief or self-treatment, its safety profile remains uncertain, particularly due to lack of regulation and increasing reports of adverse outcomes.
As use continues to grow, public health experts are calling for greater awareness, improved regulation, and more research into kratom’s long-term effects.
University of Virginia Health research news release, March 26, 2026.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any supplement, medication, or making changes to your health regimen. Individual health conditions and risks may vary significantly.
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