Kratom use continues to increase across the country, including among young people.
Between 2023 and 2024, the number of Americans aged 12 or older who used kratom increased from 1.63 million to 1.85 million, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Over this period, the number of 12–17-year-olds who used kratom in the past year increased by 51% from 43,000 to 65,000. Kratom is an opioid-like substance that is available in gas stations and convenience stores throughout the nation.