Kratom Use on the Rise, Poison Center Reports Soar

Kratom, a psychoactive plant with opioid-like effects, has become a growing concern in the United States. According to a recent study published in Addiction, reported kratom exposures have increased dramatically over the past decade, with a staggering 6,500% rise in poison center reports.

The study found that kratom exposures reported to America’s Poison Centers climbed from just 19 cases in 2010 to 1,242 cases in 2023. This represents a 65-fold increase in reported cases, with severe medical outcomes also on the rise.

Severe Medical Outcomes on the Increase

The researchers classified severe medical outcomes as those involving life-threatening effects, significant lasting disability, or death. In 2010, there were no reported severe outcomes, compared to 158 severe cases in 2023. This alarming trend highlights the need for stricter regulations on kratom use.

Notably, states that banned kratom consistently had lower rates of reported exposure, severe medical outcomes, and healthcare use than states with consumer protection policies or no kratom regulations. Senior author Dr. Ryan Feldman emphasizes the importance of regulating kratom use, stating, ‘Kratom is not scheduled under the US Controlled Substances Act or approved for medical use by the FDA, which leaves US states to set their own regulations.’

The study found that kratom use can cause serious health effects, including seizures, irregular heart rhythms, liver damage, and breathing problems. In fact, nearly one in seven cases reported to a poison center with a single-substance kratom exposure were admitted to a hospital, and one in 16 were admitted to a critical care unit.

The Risks of Kratom Use

Kratom’s tendency to interfere with metabolic pathways can heighten the risks of accompanying drugs. As Dr. Feldman notes, ‘If kratom is used in combination with other drugs, as it often is, kratom’s tendency to interfere with metabolic pathways can heighten the risks of the accompanying drugs.’

The study’s findings underscore the need for more rigorous, unbiased research to guide legislation on kratom use. As kratom use continues to rise, it is essential that policymakers prioritize the health and well-being of citizens by implementing stricter regulations on its use.

Regulating Kratom Use

With ongoing policy debates reflecting limited high-quality evidence, the study’s authors emphasize the need for more research to inform legislation on kratom use. As Dr. Feldman concludes, ‘The kratom problem is not going away anytime soon.’

In the absence of federal regulation, states are left to set their own policies on kratom use. However, as the study shows, this lack of regulation has led to a surge in kratom-related poison center reports and severe medical outcomes.

By highlighting the need for stricter regulations on kratom use, this study serves as a warning to policymakers and the public alike. It is crucial that we prioritize the health and well-being of citizens by implementing evidence-based policies on kratom use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise in kratom poison center cases and severe medical outcomes highlights the need for stricter regulations on kratom use. By prioritizing evidence-based policies and rigorous research, we can work towards reducing the risks associated with kratom use and promoting public health.