Kratom poison center cases have surged 6,500% in the U.S.

Kratom, a psychoactive substance capable of producing opioid-like effects in high doses, has resulted in a significant increase in poison center reports and severe medical cases in the United States. According to a study published in Addiction, kratom-related exposures to U.S. Poison Centers surged from only 19 cases in 2010 to 1,242 cases in 2023, marking a staggering 6,500% increase.

In 2010, no severe outcomes were reported, but by 2023, there were 158 severe cases. Severe outcomes were defined as life-threatening effects, significant lasting disability, or death. Researchers also observed that states with strict kratom bans had lower rates of reported exposure, severe cases, and healthcare utilization compared to states with consumer protection policies or no kratom regulations.

Dr. Ryan Feldman, the study's senior author from the Medical College of Wisconsin, explained that the lack of federal regulation and varying state policies contribute to these differences. He emphasized that kratom is not approved for medical use by the FDA and that some states have chosen not to regulate it at all, leading to worse outcomes than states with bans.

The study highlights the potential health risks associated with kratom, including seizures, irregular heart rhythms, liver damage, and breathing problems. About one in seven single-substance kratom exposures requiring hospitalization and one in 16 requiring critical care were reported. When used in combination with other drugs, kratom's interference with metabolic pathways can elevate the risks associated with those substances.

As kratom use continues to rise and concerns over its risks grow, legislators nationwide are discussing the most appropriate regulatory measures. However, the limited high-quality evidence surrounding kratom's effects underscores the necessity for more rigorous, unbiased research to inform policy decisions. The authors note that the kratom problem appears unlikely to diminish anytime soon.