What is kratom and 7-OH?
Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant whose leaves are made into herbal supplements. At low doses, people can experience stimulantlike effects. At higher doses, people can experience opioidlike effects.
Kratom contains small amounts of a compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. In recent years, manufacturers have begun isolating and concentrating 7-OH into tablets, powders, gummies, and liquid shots that are sold at places like gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. These concentrated products behave very differently from the plant they’re derived from, producing opioidlike effects that federal health officials have said carry a risk profile closer to a potent opioid than an herbal supplement.
How is 7-OH different from kratom?
People who use kratom or 7-OH regularly can become physically dependent on the effects and can experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Because 7-OH is much more potent than kratom, people develop faster tolerance and dependence, resulting in more severe withdrawal symptoms than with kratom use.
Why is 7-OH facing new regulatory attention?
Concentrated 7-OH has drawn growing scrutiny from federal regulators, including a move by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place it under stricter control, including its intent to name it a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act because of the risks associated with its use.
Some states have already made it illegal. When someone who has become addicted to 7-OH no longer has access to it, they may seek relief from their withdrawal symptoms by using street opioids like fentanyl and heroin. This puts them at risk for opioid use disorder, overdose, and death.
Is all kratom being restricted?
No. Regulatory attention has focused specifically on concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products, not on the natural kratom leaf that contains only trace, naturally occurring levels of the compound.
What does 7-OH withdrawal feel like?
When someone who has developed a dependence on concentrated 7-OH stops using it, whether by choice or because a product becomes harder to find, the body can have a very negative reaction. People often describe physical discomfort such as nausea, diarrhea, muscle and joint aches, runny nose, trouble sleeping, and irritability. This pattern is consistent with opioid withdrawal symptoms, though some patients have noted that withdrawal from 7-OH is equal to or worse than withdrawal from opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
What are signs that someone has developed problematic 7-OH use?
Signs of problematic use include using more than intended to feel the same effect; struggling to cut back; having cravings to use; continuing to use even when there is a negative impact on work, school, finances, or relationships; and experiencing withdrawal without it.
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important that you seek guidance from a qualified addiction treatment professional.
How do we treat kratom and 7-OH addiction?
An addiction to 7-OH can be successfully treated, and individuals who are struggling can put their use to an end. There are various forms of treatment that can help with 7-OH and kratom addiction, and our network of Comprehensive Treatment Centers (CTCs) provides well-rounded care that meets each person where they are on their recovery journey.
A combination of medication and counseling support is the foundation of treatment. FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder are effective in managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. Counselors provide individual and group sessions to help people develop coping strategies, identify triggers, and build the skills needed to prevent a relapse.
Our CTCs provide 7-OH and kratom addiction treatment on an outpatient basis so that you can continue taking care of your daily responsibilities while still getting the help you need.
Many of our clinics offer same-day admission and flexible scheduling, so you don’t have to wait to get started on the road to recovery.
When should I get help for kratom addiction?
Now. If regulatory news about 7-OH has you wondering whether your own use, or a loved one’s use, has become a problem, that concern is worth taking seriously. Our team can help you understand what you are experiencing and talk through treatment options that are best suited to your needs.
If you need help quitting kratom and are ready to take the next step, we encourage you to reach out to one of our premier CTCs in your area today to learn more about how our kratom addiction treatment can help.
