Who are the typical kratom users?
While kratom use is not as widespread as other substances, recent studies have painted a clearer picture of who uses kratom and why. Research analyzing a 2017 online survey of almost 2,800 kratom users found that the typical user was a middle-aged, non-Hispanic White American. This demographic often reports using kratom to manage symptoms related to chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. However, as the substance gains more public attention, the user base continues to diversify.
Demographics and socioeconomic factors
Several studies have analyzed user data to identify demographic trends. Research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology based on the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) pointed to a "White middle-class suburban" profile for many kratom users. A national-level survey from 2017 similarly found that users were predominantly non-Hispanic White (89%), had some college education (82%), and reported annual incomes exceeding $35,000.
Other demographic findings include:
- Age: While the average age was around 40 in some studies, younger, educated, and employed individuals also showed a greater likelihood of kratom use.
- Gender: Findings have been mixed. Some studies reported a female majority, while others found a male majority among certain user groups or when controlling for factors like opioid history.
- Socioeconomic Status: While some studies suggest a link to higher income and education, other data has been inconclusive, showing no robust association with annual family income. Some populations, particularly those with more extensive substance use histories, have shown higher rates of homelessness or incarceration.
- Location: Certain studies point to higher prevalence in suburban areas and some regions of the U.S. South, though use is widespread.
Primary motivations for use
People use kratom for a wide variety of reasons, often citing self-treatment for medical conditions or general wellness. The most commonly reported motivations include:
- Pain Relief: The most frequently cited reason, with a large majority of users reporting they take kratom to manage chronic or acute pain conditions.
- Mood and Anxiety: Many users report using kratom to self-manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Opioid Withdrawal: A significant portion of users report using kratom to reduce or stop their use of prescription or illicit opioids. Kratom can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, with some users reporting long-term opioid abstinence.
- Energy and Focus: For a segment of the user population, kratom is used as a wellness or performance-enhancing supplement, similar to a nootropic. It is sought for its energy-boosting effects, particularly at lower doses.
- Recreation: While less common than therapeutic use, some people use kratom for its euphoric effects, though this is not the primary driver for most users.
Use patterns and associated substance use
Kratom use patterns vary greatly among individuals. In a 2017 survey, a majority of users reported daily use (59%), and the most common dose was between 1 and 3 grams taken orally. While many users report perceived benefits, it is important to note that a small percentage may develop a kratom-related substance use disorder (SUD).
Research has also shown a strong correlation between kratom use and other substance use. Individuals who report lifetime nonmedical opioid use are significantly more likely to have used kratom. High rates of concurrent use with cannabis, cocaine, and prescription stimulants have also been documented. The relationship between kratom use and opioid use is complex, with some people using it as a harm-reduction strategy while others may be adding it to a broader pattern of substance use.
Comparison of kratom user motivations
| Feature | Therapeutic Users | Performance/Wellness Users |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Motivation | Pain relief, anxiety, depression, opioid withdrawal | Energy, focus, mood enhancement, recreational |
| Demographics | Middle-aged, non-Hispanic White. Often have chronic pain or mood disorders. | Often younger, White, college-educated, employed. |
| Use Pattern | Regular, daily use often for symptom management. | Potentially less frequent, more situation-specific use (e.g., before work or exercise). |
| Associated Substance Use | High correlation with lifetime nonmedical opioid use. | May have lower correlation with SUD history, depending on the individual. |
| Perceived Goal | Alleviate negative symptoms of a health condition. | Enhance positive aspects of mood or performance. |
Conclusion: A diverse user base with shared and varied motives
Research indicates that kratom users are not a single, uniform group. While a significant portion fit a demographic of middle-aged, non-Hispanic White Americans using it for self-treatment of conditions like pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, a younger, more educated demographic is also emerging, driven by wellness and performance-enhancing motivations. This increasing diversity of users highlights the evolving perception of kratom, moving from a self-treatment for serious health issues to a substance used for a broader range of effects. As regulations and public awareness continue to change, understanding the varied demographics and motivations behind kratom use is critical for both public health officials and consumers. For more detailed information on the potential uses and risks, consult an authoritative source like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, or a healthcare provider.
