Kratom Calls to U.S. Poison Centers Skyrocket to Record 3,434 in 2025—1,200% Rise Since 2015

Why it matters

University of Virginia Health researchers analyzing national poison center data report 1,200% increase in kratom exposures over 10 years (258 in 2015 to 3,434 in 2025), with hospitalizations surging 1,150% for kratom alone and 1,300% for kratom with other substances—233 deaths documented.

The big picture

Kratom availability has exploded via vape shops and gas stations with increasingly potent formulations. The surge in poison center calls suggests both rising recreational use and high-potency products (especially synthetic 7-OH derivatives) creating serious public health concerns, particularly in polysubstance scenarios.

Key findings

• 2025 set record high: 3,434 kratom-related poison center reports (up from 258 in 2015, 1,233% increase)
• Hospitalizations attributed solely to kratom: 538 in 2025 (up from 43 in 2015, 1,151% increase)
• Multi-substance hospitalizations with kratom: 549 (up from 40 in 2015, 1,275% increase)
• Total deaths related to kratom 2015–2025: 233 (184 involving multiple substances)
• 2025: 60% of multi-substance cases had serious outcomes; ~50% required hospitalization

What they say

Dr. Chris Holstege, director of UVA's Blue Ridge Poison Center: "The data reflects a concerning trend... We want the public to be aware that kratom products contain chemicals with complex pharmacological actions that can cause drug interactions and serious consequences in humans."

Bottom line

**Kratom poison center calls hit record levels in 2025, signaling that widespread availability of potent, unregulated products poses escalating public health risk, especially in polysubstance use.**