UVA Health: Kratom Poison Center Calls Skyrocket 1,200% as High-Potency Products Flood Market

Why it matters

UVA researchers led the analysis of national poison center data that shows kratom calls surging in 2025. The study reveals both the drug's growing popularity and the dangers posed by unregulated, high-potency formulations sold in vape shops and gas stations.

The big picture

From 2015-2024, kratom calls remained relatively stable, then exploded in 2025 with 3,434 reports. The surge reflects both increased use and a shift from traditional leaf to concentrated alkaloid extracts. Hospitalizations tied solely to kratom jumped 1,150% over the decade.

Key findings

• Record-high 3,434 kratom-related calls in 2025, up from 43 hospitalizations to 538
• Multi-substance exposure hospitalizations jumped from 40 (2015) to 549 (2025)
• 233 total kratom-related deaths during study period; 79% involved multiple substances
• Most exposures involve men in their 20s-30s, but dramatic increases in 40-59 age group
• Unregulated products vary widely in potency and undisclosed substance content

What they say

Dr. Chris Holstege, UVA Blue Ridge Poison Center Director: "We want the public to be aware that these products contain chemicals of varying concentrations such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that have complex pharmacological actions and can cause drug interactions and adverse consequences in humans."

Bottom line

**Unregulated kratom products with varying potency are driving a sharp rise in poison control calls and hospitalizations, especially when combined with other substances.**