Topic: Research News
A new study found that kratom poison cases have increased dramatically in the US. Researchers analyzed data from 2010 to 2023 and found that states with no regulations or weak laws had more severe outcomes. Kratom can cause serious health effects like seizures, liver damage, and breathing problems.
Kratom is a plant that contains psychoactive compounds. At high doses, it can produce opioid-like effects. A new study published in the journal Addiction found that kratom poison cases have increased by 6,500% in the US over the past decade.
The researchers analyzed data from America's Poison Centers and found that kratom exposures reported to these centers climbed from just 19 cases in 2010 to 1,242 cases in 2023. This represents an increase of more than 65 times.
But it's not just the number of cases that's alarming - the severity of the outcomes is also increasing. In 2010, there were no severe outcomes reported, but by 2023, there were 158 severe cases. A severe medical outcome was defined as one involving life-threatening effects, significant lasting disability, or death.
The researchers also found notable differences among states based on how kratom is regulated. States that banned kratom consistently had lower rates of reported exposure, severe medical outcomes, and healthcare use than states with consumer protection policies or no kratom regulations.
Senior author Dr. Ryan Feldman commented,
Implications
A new study found that kratom poison cases have increased dramatically in the US. Researchers analyzed data from 2010 to 2023 and found that states with no regulations or weak laws had more severe outcomes. Kratom can cause serious health effects like seizures, liver damage, and breathing problems.
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