How Is Kratom Being Used in the United States?

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia with mind-altering properties, traditionally used to alleviate mild pain and provide a slight energy boost. Recently, the substance has experienced a rise in popularity elsewhere – particularly in the United States. Kratom use – and abuse – in the U.S. has increased year-on-year since 2007, thanks in large part to its analgesic and relaxant properties. The plant’s psychoactive alkaloid compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine, act on opioid receptors in the brain, and therefore can lead to addiction.

Who uses Kratom?

Unlike in Southeast Asia, where Kratom use is more widespread amongst all walks of life, the average user in the U.S. is a white, middle-aged, college-educated, employed and middle-income female. In 2021, over 1.7 million Americans used Kratom. More than a quarter of these individuals report using Kratom to help reduce symptoms of substance abuse and withdrawal, primarily from heroin or prescription opioids. Because Kratom is gaining popularity as a self-treatment for opioid addiction and withdrawal, its use also spikes in rural regions – especially parts Florida, California, and the Northeast – more affected by the opioid epidemic, or in demographics where opioid use is more common.