32 Kratom Usage Statistics: A Balanced Analysis of Current Trends and Data in 2025-2026
- Key Takeaways
- Usage Prevalence and Demographics
- 1. 1.7 million Americans used kratom in 2021.
- 2. Lifetime use estimates range from 1.5% to 6.1%.
- 3. Users are predominantly White, middle-aged, and educated.
- 4. Gender split shows a female majority among users.
- 5. 41% use kratom for opioid withdrawal management.
- 6. 90% of opioid substitution users report that kratom is helpful.
- 7. Daily use reported by 59% of users.
- Health Effects and Safety Concerns
- 8. Less than 3% meet criteria for severe substance use disorder.
- 9. Mortality risk 1000x lower than opioids.
- 10. 44 deaths linked to kratom reported by the FDA.
- 11. 13% report adverse reactions, mostly mild.
- 12. Contamination risks documented by the FDA.
- Relationship with Substance Use
- 13. 10.4% of those with opioid use disorder use kratom.
- 14. 31% of kratom users have at least one substance use disorder.
- 15. Higher doses linked to addiction risk.
- 16. 47.4% of users also consume alcohol.
- 17. Withdrawal symptoms were reported by 68% meeting use disorder.
- Regulatory and Legal Status
- 18. Six states have complete bans.
- 19. 22 states have some form of regulation.
- 20. FDA recommends scheduling 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- 21. Louisiana enacted the Schedule I classification in 2025.
- 22. KCPA adopted by multiple states.
- Medical and Clinical Perspectives
- 23. No FDA-approved medical uses exist.
- 24. NIDA supports research into therapeutic potential.
- 25. Buprenorphine is used for kratom withdrawal treatment.
- 26 12.3% addiction rate reported in one study.
- 27. Withdrawal is generally milder than opioids.
- Consumer Behavior and Access
- 28. 59% purchase through offline retail.
- 29. Online communities drive information sharing.
- 30. Users consume an average of 1-3 grams per dose.
- 31. Quality varies significantly between products.
- 32. Poison control calls increased 10-fold from 2010-2015.
- Conclusion
Comprehensive data compiled from government agencies, peer-reviewed research, and market analysis
Key Takeaways
- Growing but limited usage: An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older (0.7% of the population) used kratom in 2021, representing a small but notable segment of the population
- Demographic profile is specific: Users are predominantly White (90%), middle-aged (average 40 years), college-educated (84%), and middle-income individuals.
- Market shows significant growth: The kratom market was valued at $2.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $7.80 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 17.2%.
- Regulatory landscape remains divided: Six states have banned kratom entirely (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin), while others are implementing consumer protection regulations
- Safety concerns persist: FDA warns against kratom use due to risks of liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder, though mortality risk appears to be over 1000 times lower than traditional opioids.
- Quality control issues remain problematic: FDA has documented contamination with Salmonella and heavy metals, highlighting the lack of standardization in the unregulated market.
- Complex relationship with opioid crisis: 10.4% of those with prescription opioid use disorder report using kratom, suggesting both potential harm reduction and addiction risk factors.
Usage Prevalence and Demographics
1. 1.7 million Americans used kratom in 2021.
According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021 FDA and Kratom. This represents approximately 0.7% of the U.S. population, indicating that while kratom use exists, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other substances. The steady presence suggests an established user base seeking alternatives to conventional treatments.
2. Lifetime use estimates range from 1.5% to 6.1%.
Prevalence of lifetime kratom use in the United States was 1.5% according to 2019 NSDUH data, though some studies report rates as high as 6.1% in certain populations. This variation reflects differences in survey methodologies and sampling approaches. The higher estimates from online surveys may capture more engaged users willing to discuss their kratom use.
3. Users are predominantly White, middle-aged, and educated.
Kratom users are predominantly White (90%), female (61%), with an average age of 40 years, and 84% have at least some college education. The median household income falls between $50,000-$59,000. This demographic profile differs significantly from traditional substance use patterns and suggests kratom appeals to a specific socioeconomic group seeking alternative health solutions.
Source: NIH/PMC – Kratom Demographics Study
4. Gender split shows a female majority among users.
Approximately 61% of kratom users are women, contrasting with many substance use patterns that typically show male predominance. This gender distribution may reflect women’s higher rates of chronic pain conditions and preference for botanical remedies. The trend suggests kratom appeals particularly to women seeking natural alternatives for health management.
Reasons for Use and Perceived Benefits
5. 41% use kratom for opioid withdrawal management.
About 41% of survey respondents reported taking kratom to treat opioid withdrawal, with 35% of those reporting going more than a year without taking prescription opioids or heroin. This substantial proportion highlights kratom’s role in the opioid crisis context. While some view this as harm reduction, health authorities warn about trading one dependency for another.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine Study
6. 90% of opioid substitution users report that kratom is helpful.
Over 90% of respondents who used kratom in place of opioids indicated it was helpful to relieve pain, reduce opioid use, and relieve withdrawal. This high satisfaction rate among those using kratom for opioid substitution suggests perceived effectiveness. However, these self-reports haven’t been validated through controlled clinical trials.
Source: ScienceDirect – Kratom Substitution Study
7. Daily use reported by 59% of users.
Kratom was used daily by 59% of users, with doses of 1-3 grams being most common at 49%. This high frequency of daily use raises concerns about dependency potential. The consistent dosing patterns suggest users develop routines similar to prescription medication regimens.
Source: ScienceDirect – Use Patterns Study
Health Effects and Safety Concerns
8. Less than 3% meet criteria for severe substance use disorder.
Fewer than 3% of survey responses met criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder for kratom, though about 13% met some criteria for kratom-related substance use disorder. This suggests lower addiction potential compared to traditional opioids. However, the 13% showing some dependency symptoms indicates risk exists, particularly with regular use.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
9. Mortality risk 1000x lower than opioids.
Risk assessments suggest the overdose death risk is over 1000 times greater for opioids than for kratom. While kratom-related deaths have occurred, they almost always involve other substances or pre-existing conditions. This comparative safety profile drives harm reduction arguments, though absolute safety cannot be assured.
Source: ScienceDirect – Risk Analysis
10. 44 deaths linked to kratom reported by the FDA.
The FDA reported 44 deaths associated with kratom use, though most deaths involved other substances like fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, or cocaine. The role of kratom in these polysubstance deaths remains unclear. This ambiguity complicates risk assessment and regulatory decisions.
Source: Food Safety News
11. 13% report adverse reactions, mostly mild.
13% of users reported bad adverse reactions, which were overwhelmingly mild and self-managed. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and drowsiness. The relatively low severe adverse event rate contrasts with more dangerous substances, though underreporting remains possible.
Source: ScienceDirect Survey
12. Contamination risks documented by the FDA.
The FDA has warned the public that certain kratom products were contaminated with Salmonella and/or concerning levels of heavy metals. These quality control issues stem from a lack of regulation and standardization. Contamination poses health risks independent of kratom’s inherent effects.
Source: FDA Kratom Information
Relationship with Substance Use
13. 10.4% of those with opioid use disorder use kratom.
10.4% of individuals with prescription opioid use disorder reported past-year kratom use, compared to 0.7% in the general population. This 15-fold higher prevalence suggests kratom appeals particularly to those struggling with opioid dependency. The relationship raises questions about whether kratom helps or hinders recovery.
Source: NIH/PMC Study
14. 31% of kratom users have at least one substance use disorder.
Almost one-third (31%) of kratom users had at least one substance use disorder. This high comorbidity rate suggests kratom use often occurs within broader patterns of substance use. The correlation doesn’t establish causation but indicates complex relationships with addiction.
Source: Psychiatrist Journal
15. Higher doses linked to addiction risk.
Higher kratom doses were associated with greater odds of reported addiction (OR=3.56) and withdrawal (OR=5.88). This dose-dependent relationship mirrors patterns seen with other substances. Users escalating doses for maintained effects face increased dependency risks.
Source: ScienceDirect Research
16. 47.4% of users also consume alcohol.
Among kratom users, 47.4% reported past-year alcohol use, 42.2% tobacco, 37.2% cannabis, and 33% opioids. This polysubstance use pattern complicates safety assessments and treatment approaches. Interactions between kratom and other substances remain poorly understood.
Source: NIH/PMC Demographics Study
17. Withdrawal symptoms were reported by 68% meeting use disorder.
Among those meeting kratom use disorder criteria, 68% reported withdrawal symptoms and 81.3% reported tolerance. These dependency indicators parallel traditional opioid patterns. Withdrawal symptoms, while generally milder than opioids, can still be distressing and drive continued use.
Source: ResearchGate Study
Regulatory and Legal Status
18. Six states have complete bans.
Kratom is completely banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. These states classify kratom as a controlled substance, making possession illegal. The bans reflect concerns about safety and abuse potential despite advocacy for regulation over prohibition.
Source: OK Botanicals Legal Guide
19. 22 states have some form of regulation.
As of February 2024, 22 states and the District of Columbia regulate kratom in some form. Regulations range from age restrictions to quality standards under the Kratom Consumer Protection Acts. This patchwork approach creates confusion for consumers and businesses operating across state lines.
Source: LAPPA Legal Analysis
20. FDA recommends scheduling 7-hydroxymitragynine.
On July 29, 2025, the FDA announced recommendations to control certain 7-hydroxymitragynine products under the Controlled Substances Act. This targets the more potent alkaloid while potentially allowing regulated kratom products. The selective approach represents evolving regulatory strategies.
Source: FDA Announcement
21. Louisiana enacted the Schedule I classification in 2025.
Louisiana’s SB 154, effective August 1, 2025, classifies kratom’s active components as Schedule I substances with penalties up to $50,000 and five years imprisonment for distribution. This represents one of the strictest state approaches. The harsh penalties reflect treating kratom similarly to heroin or cocaine.
Source: Duane Morris Legal Update
22. KCPA adopted by multiple states.
States including Nevada (2019), Utah (2019), Georgia (2019), and Florida (2023) have implemented Kratom Consumer Protection Acts. These laws establish age restrictions, labeling requirements, and quality standards without banning kratom. The KCPA model represents a regulatory middle ground between prohibition and unregulated sales.
Source: State Legal Overview
Medical and Clinical Perspectives
23. No FDA-approved medical uses exist.
The FDA has not approved any prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its main components for any medical condition. The lack of approved uses stems from insufficient clinical trial data on safety and efficacy. This regulatory gap leaves consumers relying on anecdotal evidence.
Source: FDA Official Position
24. NIDA supports research into therapeutic potential.
NIDA and the NIH HEAL Initiative are supporting several studies evaluating kratom as a potential treatment for chronic pain and opioid withdrawal. This research investment reflects recognition of potential benefits despite current safety concerns. Clinical trials may eventually provide evidence for regulated medical use.
Source: NIDA Kratom Research
25. Buprenorphine is used for kratom withdrawal treatment.
Buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone have been used off-label for kratom withdrawal, with multiple case reports describing successful treatment outcomes. The need for opioid replacement therapy highlights kratom’s addiction potential. Medical professionals caution against trading dependencies.
Source: University of Illinois Drug Information
26 12.3% addiction rate reported in one study.
According to one study, 12.3% of kratom users qualified as addicted. This addiction rate, while lower than many controlled substances, remains clinically significant. The percentage suggests most users don’t develop addiction, but risk exists particularly with heavy use.
Source: Harvard Health Blog
27. Withdrawal is generally milder than opioids.
Consensus suggests that kratom withdrawal severity is generally milder compared to opioid withdrawal, though variability in symptoms is high. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and physical discomfort. The milder profile may make cessation more manageable, but shouldn’t minimize withdrawal concerns.
Source: UIC Pharmacy Analysis
Consumer Behavior and Access
28. 59% purchase through offline retail.
Currently, 59.9% of kratom sales occur offline versus online channels. Physical retail locations include smoke shops, gas stations, and specialty stores. In-person purchasing allows immediate access but may lack quality assurance compared to reputable online vendors.
Source: Market Research Data
29. Online communities drive information sharing.
44.2% of survey participants found studies through Facebook or other social media websites, with a 150% increase in online kratom discussions between 2020-2022. Digital platforms facilitate user experience sharing and vendor recommendations. Social media’s role raises concerns about unverified health claims.
Source: NIH Study on Information Sources
30. Users consume an average of 1-3 grams per dose.
49% of users report taking doses of 1-3 grams, with daily use being most common at 59%. These moderate doses suggest most users aren’t seeking intense effects. Dosing patterns indicate users often start low and adjust based on response.
Source: ScienceDirect Usage Study
31. Quality varies significantly between products.
Reports indicate that concentrated products on the market increase potential harm compared to traditional leaf preparations. Lack of standardization means potency can vary dramatically between batches. Consumers face challenges identifying reputable sources without regulatory oversight.
Source: Harvard Health Publication
32. Poison control calls increased 10-fold from 2010-2015.
FDA reported that calls to U.S. poison control centers regarding kratom increased 10-fold from 2010 to 2015. This dramatic increase paralleled growing availability and use. While concerning, absolute numbers remain relatively low compared to other substances, with hundreds rather than thousands of annual calls.
Source: Food Safety News Report
Conclusion
The statistics surrounding kratom usage paint a complex picture of a botanical substance straddling the line between potential therapeutic tool and public health concern. With 1.7 million Americans using kratom, the substance has carved out a notable niche in the self-medication landscape. The demographic profile, predominantly middle-aged, educated, middle-income individuals, suggests that kratom appeals to those with resources to explore alternative health options.
The market’s explosive growth to $2.19 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $7.80 billion by 2032, occurs despite significant regulatory uncertainty and FDA warnings. This paradox reflects the tension between consumer demand for alternatives to conventional medications and legitimate safety concerns raised by health authorities.
Perhaps most significant is kratom’s complex relationship with the opioid crisis. While 41% of users report taking it for opioid withdrawal management, and studies suggest mortality risk is 1000 times lower than traditional opioids, the substance isn’t without risks. The fact that 31% of kratom users have at least one substance use disorder, and that higher doses correlate with addiction and withdrawal symptoms, underscores the need for caution.
The fragmented regulatory landscape, with six states banning kratom while others implement consumer protection frameworks, creates confusion for consumers and challenges for public health officials. The FDA’s continued warnings about contamination, lack of quality control, and absence of approved medical uses highlight the risks of an unregulated market.
Moving forward, the kratom debate will likely intensify as more research emerges and regulatory frameworks evolve. The ongoing NIDA-supported studies may provide crucial evidence about therapeutic potential and risks. Until then, consumers face difficult decisions about using an unregulated substance with both reported benefits and documented risks, while policymakers grapple with balancing access, safety, and public health concerns.
The data suggests kratom occupies a unique position, neither purely beneficial nor entirely harmful, used by a specific demographic for legitimate health concerns, yet carrying real risks that shouldn’t be minimized. As the market continues its rapid expansion, the need for evidence-based regulation, quality standards, and continued research becomes increasingly urgent to protect public health while potentially preserving access to what many users consider an important self-care tool.
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