Kratom use soars amid health risks

Kratom, a plant-based substance with psychoactive properties, has become increasingly popular in the US, particularly among those seeking to manage pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, the unregulated nature of the substance has led to a surge in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Health risks linked to kratom use

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and above used kratom in 2021. While not federally controlled, kratom can still produce severe respiratory and cardiac crises, particularly at high doses. The substance's metabolites can interfere with normal metabolic processes, increasing the risk of adverse interactions when combined with other substances.

A significant proportion of kratom-related exposures require intensive care unit (ICU) admission, with nearly one in seven cases necessitating hospitalization. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked over 35 deaths to contaminated kratom products. Moreover, some kratom preparations have been found to contain heavy metals like lead and pathogenic agents like salmonella.