Increases in Kratom-Related Reports to Poison Centers — National Poison Data System, United States, 2015–2025

Why it matters

Official CDC surveillance data document a 1,200% increase in kratom-related poison center calls over 11 years, with 2025 showing record highs. Multiple-substance exposures account for 79% of kratom-associated deaths, highlighting urgent public health concerns about drug combinations and high-potency products.

The big picture

Kratom use evolved from traditional leaf preparations to high-potency extracts and semisynthetic products, particularly 7-hydroxymitragynine, driving a sharp surge in adverse events in 2025. Reports show males aged 20-39 are most affected, but rates among adults 40-59 nearly doubled. Multiple-substance cases show higher rates of hospitalization (44-56%) and serious outcomes (57-66%) compared to single-substance use (24-29%).

Key findings

• Total of 14,449 kratom exposure reports 2015-2025; 3,434 in 2025 alone (412→4,445 per 1 million drug exposure reports)
• Hospitalizations for single-substance use increased 1,200% (43→538); multiple-substance increased 1,300% (40→549)
• 233 kratom-associated deaths recorded; 79% (184) involved multiple substances, primarily with opioids (62%), benzodiazepines (20%), stimulants (20%), ethanol (19%)
• Multiple-substance exposure rates 18-81% higher than single-substance rates; in 2025, 5,442 vs 4,045 per 1 million reports
• Sharp 2025 surge coincides with emergence of semisynthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products; marked increase among adults 40-59 years

What they say

""During 2015–2025, kratom-related exposures reported to NPDS increased by approximately 1,200%, reaching record levels in 2025."" — CDC/University of Virginia analysis

Bottom line

**Kratom-related poison center calls surged 1,200% nationally in 11 years, driven by high-potency products and polysubstance use; 79% of deaths involved opioids or benzodiazepines, underscoring critical need for product regulation and harm reduction education.**