How Many People Use Kratom in 2024? (Usage Statistics)

Published on: April 16, 2023
Last Updated: April 16, 2023

How Many People Use Kratom in 2024? (Usage Statistics)

Published on: April 16, 2023
Last Updated: April 16, 2023

Quick Answer 🔍

How many people use Kratom in 2024?

2.1 million people over 26 and older in the U.S. have used kratom.

What is kratom, and how many people use it?

This herbal extract will be the focus of this article. We will start by explaining what kratom is.

Kratom is a herbal extract used for treating opioid withdrawal. The problem with kratom is that it can cause addiction.

Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved it for use. 

What are opioids? Opioids are drugs prescribed to treat pain. Two examples of opiates include codeine and morphine. All opioids are addictive. 

We explain the opioid drugs to help with what kratom does. Much like opioids, kratom relieves pain and can create the feeling of euphoria.

Because it acts similarly to opioids, it can also be addictive.

So, opioids and the treatment for opioid addiction, kratom both come with the risk of addiction and misuse. 

How Many People Use Kratom in 2024?

Kratom

In 2020, 2.1 million people over 26 and older in the U.S. had used kratom.

We mentioned that kratom is a herbal extract.

It comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have chemicals that can come with mind-altering effects.

It can be used in pills, leaves, or powders.

Kratom is categorized as a controlled substance by the FDA. It’s not federally regulated, and its legality is different among the states in the United States. 

It’s legal in about 22 states with no regulation.

Other states have either categorized it as an illegal substance, regulated its use, or it is partially legal in the state with regional exceptions.

Some states have pending legislation to regulate it. It’s one of those natural herbal extracts that the US states determine its legality. 

What Are Some Side Effects of Kratom?

In low and smaller doses, it’s taken to be more alert or awake and social. Some people take it in higher doses to get high.

The sense of euphoria it can create in larger doses plays a role in its addictive nature. 

Moreover, in low doses it can make the person more talkative and increase alertness and energy.

In this case, it’s a stimulant. In high doses, it can cause opioid-like effects or dangerous sedation.

Some of the most reported side effects of kratom include:

  • Constipation
  • Hallucinations
  • Mental Confusion
  • Increased Urination
  • Delusions
  • Sweating
  • Dry Mouth
  • Itchiness
  • Nausea
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Agitation
  • Tachycardia
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Respiratory Depression

Due to its own nature, kratom is considered addictive, causing dependence, withdrawal, cravings, anxiety, muscle pain, tremors, restlessness, sleep problems, and lethargy.

Long-term use can result in insomnia, unhealthy weight loss, and anorexia. Therefore, you can see the seriousness of even this natural herbal extract. 

What Are Some Signs of Kratom Withdrawal?

Even though kratom is a natural herbal extract, it still has the potential to be addictive.

That means that it can come with withdrawal symptoms. Here are some of those symptoms. 

  • Insomnia
  • Runny Now
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Rapid Breathing
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Yawning
  • High Body Temperature
  • Sweating
  • Tachycardia
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

In other words, withdrawal is similar to opioid withdrawal. 

How Do You Treat Kratom Withdrawal?

Before trying to treat kratom withdrawal, you need to consult with your doctor for advice.

However, here are some self-care options that may help.

  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Create a regular sleep routine.
  • Do yoga or stretching.
  • Stay hydrated.

Mindfulness and meditation combined with yoga practice and a healthy diet can make a big difference in how well you recover from kratom withdrawal.

This is not medical advice. It’s taken from professional sources, but it’s always recommended that you see your doctor before partaking in any new diets or exercise routines. 

What Are the Signs of Kratom Use?

Kratom

Now that you know how potentially addictive it can be, you should know what the signs of its use look like.

  • High Sociability
  • Alertness
  • Restlessness
  • High Energy
  • Talkativeness
  • Heightened Sexual Desire

In higher doses, it can have the opposite impact. Here are the signs of higher dosage.

  • Blushing
  • Calmness
  • Giddiness
  • Drowsiness
  • Euphoric State (dream-like)
  • Loss of Motor Skills

The side effects are similar, or the same with almost any drug use.

The region with the most common use of kratom is in the Asia-Pacific area. It’s used there even more than it is in the United States.

When it comes to people using kratom, there are more in the Asia-Pacific than anywhere on the globe.

Can You Die from A Kratom Overdose?

Between July 2016 and December 2017, roughly 30,000 overdose deaths occurred.

Of these 30,000 overdose deaths, 152 of them tested positive for kratom in postmortem testing. 

Usually, kratom overdose deaths are related to another substance.

Here are some of the substances used in combination with kratom where overdose deaths have occurred.

  • 65.1% Fentanyl
  • 32.9% Heroin
  • 22.4% Benzodiazepine
  • 19.7% Opioids (prescription)
  • 18.4% Cocaine

In almost 60% of these fatalities, kratom was considered the cause of death. In seven of them, kratom was the only drug found in the system.

Therefore, it’s possible to die from a kratom overdose alone, but the risks are significantly higher when it’s used with other similar substances. 

Conclusion 

So, now you know the facts about kratom. This article should dispel myths such as how it’s a supplement and you can’t overdose on it, or that it’s not addictive. 

You now know that it is addictive and that it’s not as safe as some may claim. Not only is it addictive, it can also cause liver damage. 

While it’s still used in some regions and places as a replacement for opiate drugs, and as a treatment to get off drugs, it’s not really safe. 

If you are being treated for opioid addiction with kratom, talk to your doctor about it.

Make sure you are doing the best thing for you. Never start a diet, exercise routine, or kratom withdrawal treatment plan without the supervision of a doctor. 

Now that you know how many people use kratom, and its risks, how do you feel about this herbal extract?

Sources

Bicycle Health2020 National Survey On Drug Use and HealthMedical News Today
WebMD

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Written by Jason Wise

Hello! I’m the editor at EarthWeb, with a particular interest in business and technology topics, including social media, privacy, and cryptocurrency. As an experienced editor and researcher, I have a passion for exploring the latest trends and innovations in these fields and sharing my insights with our readers. I also enjoy testing and reviewing products, and you’ll often find my reviews and recommendations on EarthWeb. With a focus on providing informative and engaging content, I am committed to ensuring that EarthWeb remains a leading source of news and analysis in the tech industry.