Kratom is a plant that can act like an opioid when taken in large amounts. In the United States, poison centers have seen many more calls about it in recent years.
A new study in the journal Addiction shows that reports grew from just 19 cases in 2010 to 1,242 in 2023 – an increase of about 6,500 percent.
Serious health problems also went up. In 2010 no severe cases were recorded, but 158 severe cases were reported in 2023. Severe outcomes include life‑threatening symptoms, lasting disability, or death.
The researchers compared states with different rules. States that have banned kratom reported fewer exposures, fewer severe outcomes, and less hospital use than states that allow it or only have weak protections.
Kratom risks and how states respond
Research shows kratom can cause seizures, irregular heartbeats, liver injury, and breathing trouble. About one in seven people who called a poison center after using only kratom needed hospital care, and one in sixteen required intensive‑care treatment.
When kratom is mixed with other drugs, it can change how the body processes those drugs, making the risks even higher.
As more people try kratom, lawmakers are debating how to control it. The debate is hard because solid scientific evidence is still limited, so more unbiased research is needed to guide future laws.