# Prevalence and Correlates of Past-year Kratom Use Among US Adults > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/kratom-epidemiology-mental-health-survey/ > **Published:** 2026-03-26T15:06:59-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:37:22-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore kratom epidemiology mental health survey data revealing prevalence and correlates of past-year kratom use among US adults from 2021-2023. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #50Monitored Relevance  Early-stage or contextual signal requiring further evidence before action. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic KratomEpidemiologyMental HealthSurvey ResearchSelf-Medication Journal Journal of [addiction medicine](https://cedclinic.com/cognitive-flexibility-alcohol-cocaine-misuse-effects/) Study Type [Clinical Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) Population Human participants Why This Matters This is the first robust national epidemiological data on kratom use in the US, establishing baseline prevalence rates as regulatory discussions intensify. Understanding who uses kratom and why helps clinicians recognize patterns and potential interactions in their patient populations. Clinical Summary This cross-sectional analysis of 139,524 adults from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found 0.68% past-year kratom prevalence, stable across survey years. Use was higher among males, adults 26-49, and non-Hispanic white or multiracial populations. Notably, prevalence exceeded 2% in adults with serious psychological distress or major depression, and over 5% in certain subgroups, suggesting potential self-medication patterns. The study provides population-level prevalence data but cannot establish causation or clinical outcomes. Dr. Caplan’s Take “These data confirm what I observe clinically – kratom use clusters among patients with untreated mood disorders and pain conditions. The 5%+ prevalence in certain distressed populations suggests we’re missing opportunities for evidence-based interventions.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should routinely screen for kratom use, particularly in patients with depression, anxiety, or [chronic pain](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-pain-management-opioid-alternative/). Given the regulatory uncertainty and limited safety data, these conversations should focus on understanding patient motivations and exploring evidence-based alternatives while maintaining therapeutic rapport. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Prevalence%20and%20Correlates%20of%20Past-year%20Kratom%20Use%20Among%20US%20Adults%3A%20Findings%20From...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582323/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582323/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Prevalence%20and%20Correlates%20of%20Past-year%20Kratom%20Use%20Among%20US%20Adults%3A%20Findings%20From...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582323/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582323/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582323/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[How common is kratom use among US adults?](#How_common_is_kratom_use_among_US_adults) - [Which patient populations are most likely to use kratom?](#Which_patient_populations_are_most_likely_to_use_kratom) - [Should I be concerned about kratom use in patients with mental health conditions?](#Should_I_be_concerned_about_kratom_use_in_patients_with_mental_health_conditions) - [Is kratom use increasing in the United States?](#Is_kratom_use_increasing_in_the_United_States) - [What should clinicians know about kratom’s clinical relevance?](#What_should_clinicians_know_about_kratom8217s_clinical_relevance) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### How common is kratom use among US adults? According to the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 0.68% of US adults reported past-year kratom use. This prevalence remained stable across the survey years, indicating consistent but relatively low usage rates in the general population. #### Which patient populations are most likely to use kratom? Kratom use is more prevalent among males, adults aged 26-49, and non-Hispanic white or multiracial individuals. Clinicians should be particularly aware that usage rates exceed 2% among patients with serious psychological distress or major depressive episodes, and exceed 5% in certain high-risk groups. #### Should I be concerned about kratom use in patients with mental health conditions? Yes, the study shows significantly higher kratom usage rates among patients with serious psychological distress and major depressive episodes. This suggests potential self-medication behaviors that warrant clinical attention and monitoring for both therapeutic effects and potential risks. #### Is kratom use increasing in the United States? Based on this national survey data, kratom use prevalence remained stable between 2021-2023, showing no significant increase over this period. However, the widespread availability of kratom products suggests continued monitoring of usage patterns is warranted. #### What should clinicians know about kratom’s clinical relevance? While kratom use affects less than 1% of the general population, its higher prevalence among patients with mental health conditions makes it clinically relevant. Clinicians should consider screening for kratom use in vulnerable populations and stay informed about emerging evidence regarding its safety and efficacy profile. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Prevalence and Correlates of Past-year Kratom Use Among US Adults: Findings From the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582323/”, “about”: “journal [addiction medicine](https://cedclinic.com/cognitive-flexibility-alcohol-cocaine-misuse-effects/) [clinical study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) prevalence”, “isPartOf”: “Journal of addiction medicine”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Substance Use and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents: A Comparative Analysis](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-substance-use-suicide-risk-analysis/) This article explores clinical and psychosocial risk factors linking [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) and suicide attempts in adolescents, providing context for mental health and [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) research. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-substance-use-suicide-risk-analysis/) [Cannabinoid Therapies in Less-Common Disorders: Clinical Evidence](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-therapies-rare-diseases-evidence-formulation/) Review clinical evidence and formulation strategies for cannabinoid therapies in less-common disorders, relevant for understanding [alternative treatments](https://cedclinic.com/citral-cannabinoid-receptor-2-activation-pain-relief/) and patient self-medication. [Explore Article](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-therapies-rare-diseases-evidence-formulation/) [Opioids and Cannabis: An Uncertain Combination?](https://cedclinic.com/opioid-cannabis-interactions-risks-clinical-insights/) This article discusses the complexities and clinical considerations of co-using opioids and cannabis, offering insights into substance use interactions and risks. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/opioid-cannabis-interactions-risks-clinical-insights/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).