MMWR: Kratom-Related Poison Center Reports Surge 1,200%

Published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, new data show kratom-related exposures reported to U.S. poison centers increased approximately 1,200% from 2015 to 2025, reaching a record high.

The findings highlight a shift toward higher-potency products and expanding use across demographic groups. Although many cases involved kratom alone, co-use with substances such as alcohol, opioids, and antidepressants was linked to more severe outcomes, including hospitalizations and deaths.

The report underscores the importance of continued surveillance, targeted public health education, and clinical awareness, particularly around polysubstance use. Read the MMWR here.