U.S. Poison Centers Report 13,194 Kratom Exposures Since 2016; Deaths Increased in 2025

Why it matters

Comprehensive poison center data analysis covering 9+ years shows 13,194 kratom exposures with 219 deaths (1.6%), highlighting escalating healthcare burden from kratom products.

The big picture

This is the most comprehensive epidemiological analysis of kratom exposures to date, analyzing decade-long poison center data. The study reveals that while single-substance kratom deaths are rare (43 deaths), polysubstance use accounts for the majority of fatal cases (176 deaths). Notably, outcomes have remained relatively stable despite the surge in 2025 exposures.

Key findings

• ['13,194 total kratom exposures reported to US Poison Centers from January 2016 through July 2025', '219 deaths (1.6% of exposures): 43 single-substance, 176 polysubstance', '1,324 major effects (10%) involving life-threatening signs or symptoms', '85% of patients referred to or admitted to healthcare facilities; 16.5% admitted to ICU', 'Males 68% of cases; mean age 32 years']

What they say

Study conclusion: 'There has been a significant increase in kratom exposures reported to US Poison Centers, but the overall outcomes have remained similar. Further investigation should be performed to identify the causes of the increase.'

Bottom line

**Poison center data confirms kratom's growing health impact while revealing that most fatal cases involve polypharmacy rather than kratom alone.**