Researchers report that kratom use has increased in the United States and is associated with addiction and mental health problems. This is the first known national study to examine kratom use patterns and links with mental health and substance use disorder. The research appears in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
The study used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected from US households between 2021 and 2024. It found more than 5 million people said they had used kratom in their lifetime, including more than 100,000 children ages 12–17. Use rose between 2021 and 2024, and adults ages 21–34 reported the highest rates.
Most people who have used kratom also reported a substance use disorder, cannabis use, or serious psychological distress and major depression. The authors stress the survey is a snapshot and cannot prove kratom causes these problems. They call for limits on children's access and better addiction and mental health treatment.
Difficult words
- kratom — A plant-based drug some people use.
- addiction — A strong need to keep using a substance.
- associate — To be linked with or connected to.associated
- substance use disorder — A medical condition of unhealthy drug use.
- mental health — A person's emotional and psychological well-being.
- snapshot — A short quick picture or summary.
- access — The ability to reach or use something.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think there should be limits on children's access to substances like kratom? Why or why not?
- What kinds of addiction and mental health services should communities offer to help people affected?
- Why does a survey 'snapshot' not prove cause and what additional research would help show cause?
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