Dangers of Kratom Addiction and Signs of Overdose

In lower doses, kratom produces stimulant effects.¹ Individuals who take kratom report increased energy and alertness.¹ At higher doses, the substance produces effects similar to opioid drugs.¹

Research indicates that kratom use may be on the rise. One study found that during a 7-year-period—from 2011-2017—individuals made 1,800 calls to poison control centers regarding adverse effects of kratom.² Nearly two-thirds of the calls came in 2016 and 2017.²

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)continues to support research to better understand the potential dangers of kratom.³ On its own, overdose is rare but when combined with alcohol or drugs, dangerous side effects can occur.³

While kratom products are currently legal in most areas in the United States, it is still a substance with a potential for misuse and even addiction.¹ Some dangers of kratom include:^1,3

• Addiction, withdrawal, and side effects. Though rare, long-term kratom use can lead to addiction and withdrawal, according to some studies.
• A lack of regulation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any kratom uses—though the FDA, NIDA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue research to better understand kratom. What research has discovered, as of now, is that some kratom products contain contaminants, including heavy metals and harmful bacteria.
• Possible negative drug interactions. Case reports suggest that polysubstance use (the use of more than one substance) with kratom may lead to severe adverse effects such as liver problems and death.
• Overdose and death. Kratom has been linked to a very small number of deaths and is therefore extremely unlikely. One report found 11 deaths over a 7-year period associated with kratom use. Kratom, alone, was connected to two of those deaths.

Kratom Addiction, Withdrawal, and Side Effects

While there is some potential for dependence and addiction, there is convincing evidence that the potential for either is very low.² Studies suggest that a small percentage of individuals who use kratom chronically for long periods of time may experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking kratom regularly.³ Acute withdrawal symptoms—many of which are similar to flu symptoms—may include:²

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Chills.
• Diarrhea.
• Excessive drooling.
• Runny nose.
• Body aches.
• Restlessness.
• Irritability.
• Hypothermia.
• Tremors.
• Excessive sweating.
• Nervousness.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.

Long-term kratom use is not well understood. Case reports suggest that regular, prolonged use may lead to acute liver injury and cognitive impairment in a small percentage of individuals who misuse kratom.^2,4

Lack of Regulation for Kratom

Kratom remains unrecognized as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and therefore is not subject to regulation under the Controlled Substances Act.¹

The FDA, however, warns consumers not to take kratom or products containing kratom because of its toxicity potential in multiple organ systems and the risks of addiction, misuse, and dependence.^5,6 Since 2014, the FDA has instructed U.S. marshals to seize shipments containing kratom and kratom-containing dietary supplements.⁵

In 2019, six state legislatures passed statutes criminalizing kratom possession.² These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Vermont.² Elsewhere in the United States, kratom is legal and easily obtained at stores and online.²

Mixing Kratom and Other Substances

Mixing kratom with other substances can be dangerous. In severe but rare cases, kratom toxicities result in death.² The CDC linked kratom to 152 deaths in 2016 and 2017.² Polysubstance use accounted for 87% of these deaths, meaning death from kratom alone is uncommon.²

Take Our Substance Use Self-Assessment

Take our free, 5-minute substance misuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance misuse. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.

Symptoms of Kratom Overdose

Though rare, a few case reports found adverse effects associated with both chronic kratom use and acute overdose/toxicity, which may include:⁷

• Tremors.
• Anorexia.
• Frequent urination.
• Weight loss.
• Seizures.
• Delusions.
• Hallucinations.
• Liver damage.
• Death.

Find Substance Use Treatment Near You

Kratom Addiction Treatment

There are currently no proven medical therapies approved to treat withdrawal symptoms or substance use disorder symptoms that might be associated with kratom use.³ In very limited studies, researchers report finding success with medications and other therapies to address symptoms that may be associated with kratom use.

However, effective addiction treatment, regardless of the substance, looks different for everyone but might include detoxification if you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms. During detox, the body rids itself of the substance and toxins, while the healthcare support team manages the symptoms and keeps you safe and as comfortable as possible. While detox is an important step, it’s typically not enough to support long-term recovery. Evidence-based therapies help you understand the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that led to the addiction in the first place. Therefore, after detox, treatment may involve inpatient or outpatient services, various therapy modalities, and aftercare to help support your long-term recovery from drug addiction.