Dr. Mitchell Naficy
Board Certified Family Physician-Treating and working with Substance Abuse, Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation since 2011 -In private solo practice since 2003-Licensed in CA since 1991-Licensed in TX since 2025-Licensed in MT since 2025
Key Takeaways
- A kratom overdose can cause serious symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, seizures, breathing problems, and loss of consciousness.
- Mixing kratom with alcohol, opioids, medications, or other drugs can increase the chance of a serious reaction, while concentrated 7-OH products carry additional risks.
- Frequent kratom use may lead to tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and addiction that may require professional medical and behavioral health support.
Kratom is often marketed as a natural product for energy, pain relief, mood, or opioid withdrawal, but natural does not mean harmless. The active compounds in kratom affect opioid receptors and can cause serious reactions, especially when large amounts, concentrated extracts, or other substances are involved. A kratom overdose is possible and may become a medical emergency. Frequent use can also lead to dependence, withdrawal, and difficulty stopping. San Diego Wellness Center provides medical detox and residential addiction treatment for clients who need structured support for substance use and related mental health concerns.
Addiction Treatment Statistics
Substance use disorders affect millions of people in the United States. SAMHSA reported that 44.6 million people age 12 or older had a substance use disorder in 2025, including about 26 million with a drug use disorder.
Kratom related health concerns have also increased. CDC data showed that kratom exposure reports rose from 258 in 2015 to 3,434 in 2025. Cases involving kratom and other substances were also more likely to lead to hospitalization or serious health problems.
These numbers do not mean everyone who uses kratom will experience an overdose or addiction, but they show why the risks should be taken seriously.
What Is Kratom and How Does It Affect the Body?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have traditionally been chewed or made into tea, while modern products include powders, capsules, gummies, drinks, and extracts.
Kratom contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors in the body. Its effects can vary based on the amount and type of product. Some people may feel more alert, while larger amounts can cause sedation and opioid-like effects.
Repeated kratom use can lead to tolerance and dependence. Extracts and concentrated products may also be stronger than traditional kratom leaf, making their effects harder to predict. Kratom is not approved by the FDA to treat any medical condition.
Can You Overdose on Kratom?
Yes, you can overdose on kratom. The risk may increase when someone takes large amounts, uses concentrated products, or combines kratom with other substances.
CDC poison center data recorded more than 14,000 kratom exposure reports from 2015 through 2025. Some cases involved serious health problems, hospitalization, or death.
Many severe cases involved other substances. Of 233 kratom associated deaths reported during this period, 184 involved multiple substances, showing the added risk of mixing kratom with other drugs.
Kratom Exposure Outcomes
| Exposure | Hospitalization | Serious Medical Outcome |
| Kratom alone | About 24% to 29% | About 41% to 49% |
| Kratom with other substances | About 44% to 56% | About 57% to 66% |
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Kratom Overdose?
Signs of a kratom overdose can vary depending on the amount used, product strength, other substances taken, and the person’s health.
Common warning signs may include:
- Extreme drowsiness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of consciousness
If someone cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, loses consciousness, or has a seizure, call 911 immediately. For suspected poisoning in the United States, Poison Help is also available at 1-800-222-1222.
How Much Kratom Can Increase the Risk of Overdose?
There is no specific amount of kratom that will cause an overdose in everyone. Kratom products can vary greatly in strength, especially powders, extracts, concentrated shots, and 7-OH products.
A person’s tolerance, health, medications, frequency of use, and use of other substances can also affect their reaction. Taking larger amounts or using stronger products can increase the risk of serious effects.
Because kratom products and personal factors vary, there is no universal safe dose. Even an amount someone has used before may affect them differently another time.
Can Mixing Kratom With Other Drugs Increase Overdose Risk?
Yes. Mixing kratom with other substances can increase the risk of an overdose or serious health problems. CDC data show that kratom exposures involving multiple substances were more likely to result in hospitalization or serious medical outcomes.
Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other medications or drugs can make kratom’s effects harder to predict. Combining substances may increase drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, or breathing problems.
If a serious reaction occurs, call 911 and tell emergency responders what substances were taken if that information is available.
Are Kratom Extracts and 7-OH Products More Dangerous?
Concentrated kratom and 7-OH products may carry greater risks than traditional kratom leaf. 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom in small amounts, but some products contain much higher concentrations.
These products may be sold as gummies, tablets, shots, drink mixes, or extracts. The FDA has warned that concentrated 7-OH products can have strong opioid effects and may be linked to addiction, withdrawal, seizures, anxiety, sleep problems, and other health concerns.
Traditional kratom is not risk free, but concentrated products can be more unpredictable because they may contain much higher levels of active compounds.
Comparing Kratom Products
| Product | Main Concern |
| Traditional kratom leaf | Psychoactive compounds can still cause dependence and side effects |
| Kratom extracts | Higher concentrations may produce stronger effects |
| Enhanced kratom | Strength may differ greatly from traditional leaf |
| Concentrated 7-OH | Potent opioid effects and increased addiction concerns |
Anyone using concentrated products should pay close attention to what they are taking rather than assuming all kratom products are similar.
What Should You Do if Someone Is Overdosing on Kratom?
A suspected kratom overdose requires immediate attention. Call 911 if the person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, loses consciousness, or has a seizure.
Stay with the person until help arrives. If possible, keep the kratom packaging and tell emergency responders about any alcohol, medications, or other drugs that may have been taken. If an opioid may also be involved and naloxone is available, use it as directed while waiting for emergency care.
For non life threatening poisoning concerns, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222. After an overdose, professional addiction treatment may also help address ongoing kratom or other substance use.
Can Kratom Use Lead to Dependence, Withdrawal, and Addiction?
Yes. Frequent kratom use can lead to tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and addiction for some people. Over time, someone may need larger amounts to feel the same effects and experience uncomfortable symptoms when they stop.
Kratom withdrawal may include irritability, restlessness, body aches, fatigue, sleep problems, sweating, mood changes, and stomach problems. Symptoms can vary depending on how often kratom is used and whether concentrated extracts or 7-OH products are involved.
Signs of a growing problem may include strong cravings, taking more than planned, difficulty stopping, or continuing to use kratom despite problems with health, work, finances, or relationships. San Diego Wellness Center provides medical detox when clinically appropriate and can help determine the right level of care.
Why Do People Choose San Diego Wellness Center for Kratom Addiction Treatment?
People choose San Diego Wellness Center for structured kratom addiction treatment in a supportive setting. Our licensed and accredited San Diego County facility provides medical detox, residential treatment, dual diagnosis care, and aftercare planning.
Treatment can address withdrawal, cravings, triggers, mental health, and unhealthy patterns connected to kratom use. Clients stay in a comfortable setting with chef prepared meals, a swimming pool, gym memberships, entertainment areas, and guided hiking excursions.
San Diego Wellness Center also partners with local PHP and IOP facilities when continued care is appropriate. Our goal is to help clients build healthier ways to manage stress, emotions, cravings, and everyday challenges after treatment.
Get Help for Kratom Use at San Diego Wellness Center
A kratom overdose can become a serious medical emergency, especially when concentrated products or other substances are involved. Frequent kratom use can also lead to tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and addiction. Professional treatment can help address both the physical effects of substance use and the emotional or behavioral patterns connected to it. San Diego Wellness Center provides medical detox, residential treatment, dual diagnosis care, and aftercare planning in a supportive San Diego County setting. Clients can work on cravings, triggers, mental health, relationships, and healthier routines while receiving structured care. Contact San Diego Wellness Center to speak with our team about kratom addiction treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kratom cause a fatal overdose?
Yes, deaths have been reported in connection with kratom, although many reported cases also involved other substances. Mixing kratom with additional drugs can increase the risk of a serious medical outcome.
What does a kratom overdose look like?
A kratom overdose may involve extreme drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, seizures, breathing problems, unusual heart effects, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 if someone cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, or experiences a seizure.
Can you overdose on kratom by itself?
Serious medical outcomes have been reported with kratom alone, although the risk appears higher when other substances are involved. Product strength, amount used, and individual health can all affect the response.
Is 7-OH the same as regular kratom?
No. 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom in small amounts, but concentrated products may contain much larger amounts. These products can have stronger opioid effects and may carry greater risks for dependence, withdrawal, and other serious reactions.
When should someone get treatment for kratom use?
Professional treatment may be appropriate if kratom use is difficult to control, the amount is increasing, withdrawal occurs when stopping, cravings are strong, or use is affecting health, relationships, work, or everyday responsibilities.