Poison control centers across the U.S. have reported an increase in calls regarding kratom, a substance often sold at gas stations [1, 2].
The surge in reports highlights the risks of readily available substances that mimic the effects of opioids. Because these products are frequently sold in retail environments without strict medical oversight, public health officials are concerned about widespread exposure and potential overdose.
Kratom is a heroin-like substance that has become more accessible to the general public [2, 3]. Due to its increasing availability and use, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to the public regarding the risks associated with the product [1].
Some reports have dubbed the substance “gas-station heroin” because of its common distribution points in convenience stores [1]. The rise in calls to poison centers indicates that more users are experiencing adverse reactions or requiring emergency guidance after consuming the substance [2, 3].
While some reports from different sectors mention unrelated spikes in poison center calls, such as those involving the gel inside NeeDoh squishy toys, health officials are monitoring the opioid-like effects of kratom [2]. The nationwide nature of these calls suggests that the distribution of the substance is not limited to a specific region but is a broad public health concern across the U.S. [1, 2].
Public health agencies continue to track the trend to determine if further regulatory actions are necessary to curb the availability of the substance in retail settings [1].
“Poison control centers across the U.S. have reported an increase in calls regarding kratom.”
The rise in kratom-related poison calls suggests a gap in retail regulation, where substances with opioid-like properties are sold in non-pharmacy environments. This trend increases the risk of accidental poisoning and addiction, placing a higher burden on emergency response systems and poison control centers nationwide.
