September 25, 2026
Kratom Risks: What Families Should Know Beyond the Headlines
Kratom is widely available, but its effects and risks are not always well understood.
The deaths of two University of Mississippi students have prompted renewed questions about kratom. Investigators reported finding packaged kratom during both separate investigations. They have not determined that kratom caused or contributed to either death, and they have not confirmed that the deaths are connected. Two families are grieving, and they deserve care and accuracy as the investigations continue.
The news also raises a question we hear in addiction treatment: If kratom is sold openly, how dangerous can it be?
What is kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. In the United States, it is sold in forms such as powders, capsules, drinks and concentrated extracts. People may use it for energy, pain, mood, or relief from opioid withdrawal. Its compounds can produce both stimulant-like and opioid-like effects. No kratom product has been approved by the FDA to treat pain, anxiety, withdrawal, or any other medical condition.
A product's presence on a store shelf does not tell you how strong it is or how it will affect a particular person. The contents and concentrations of kratom products vary, and some have been found to contain harmful contaminants. That uncertainty matters even more when someone also takes medication, drinks alcohol, or uses other substances.
What are the risks of kratom use?
Kratom does not affect everyone in the same way. Reported side effects include nausea, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness. Less common but serious problems reported in association with kratom include seizures, slowed breathing, and liver problems. Researchers are still studying how often these events occur and which factors increase the risk.
Regular use can also lead to dependence. Some people who stop using kratom report withdrawal symptoms. What began as an occasional way to get through a hard day can become something a person feels they need to get through every day. Using more than intended, hiding use, or continuing despite problems at home, work or school are reasons to take a closer look, without shame.
Combining substances is another concern. A 2026 CDC analysis of poison center reports found that 79% of the kratom-associated deaths reported to poison centers from 2015 through 2025 involved multiple substances. That figure describes reported cases; it does not establish that kratom caused each death. It does show why asking about alcohol, prescription medication, and other drug use is part of a careful assessment.
Kratom and concentrated 7-OH are not the same product
You may also see products labeled 7-OH or 7-hydroxymitragynine. This compound occurs naturally in kratom in trace amounts, but some products contain added or highly concentrated 7-OH. The FDA warns that these stronger products can cause serious harm and advises consumers to avoid them. Tablets, shots and gummies can look ordinary even when the contents are potent. Finding packaged kratom in an investigation does not tell us whether a product contained concentrated 7-OH; no such finding has been established in the Mississippi cases.
Why this matters in recovery
Someone may turn to kratom hoping to manage pain, anxiety, sleep, or cravings without returning to a substance they previously used. The reason matters, and that person deserves to be heard. Kratom can still keep a person relying on a mind-altering substance, create a new dependence, and leave the underlying need untreated.
At Dilworth Center, we would rather have an honest conversation about kratom use than have someone hide it for fear of judgment. We can help identify what the person is trying to manage and address addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns together. For someone with an opioid use disorder, medical evaluation is especially important; kratom has not been proven to be a safe or effective substitute for established care.
When to reach out
If you or someone you love is taking kratom regularly, increasing the amount, experiencing withdrawal, or using it alongside other substances, talk with a qualified medical professional. Be specific about the product and any other medications or substances involved. Stopping after regular use can bring withdrawal symptoms, and some people need medical support as they take that step. If someone is unresponsive or breathing slowly, call 911 immediately. For a suspected poisoning, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
You do not have to wait for a crisis to ask for help. If kratom has become part of the picture, call Dilworth Center at 704-372-6969. We can listen, help you understand what level of support may be needed, and connect you with the right care if the first step needs to happen elsewhere. When outpatient treatment is appropriate, we can help you and your family address substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns together. Contact Dilworth Center
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Kratom Addiction and Recovery · 7-Hydroxymitragynine: The Potent Opioid Compound in Kratom
