Kratom and 7-OH can feel like 'a miracle.' They can also be addictive

Key Points:

• Tyler, a former opioid addict, used kratom powders to quit opioids and later switched to 7-OH products, which he found more potent and addictive, leading to a difficult withdrawal and a rapid detox program in Michigan.
• 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is a potent psychoactive compound found in kratom, often in higher concentrations in newer products like tablets and gummies, and is linked to increased addiction risks compared to traditional kratom leaf.
• The DEA and HHS are moving toward federal restrictions on high-concentration 7-OH and related semi-synthetic opioid products, while natural kratom remains federally legal amid ongoing legal challenges and public opposition.
• Reports of kratom-related poison control calls and deaths have surged in recent years, often involving multiple substances, though some users claim kratom and 7-OH help manage chronic pain, mental health issues, and opioid recovery.
• Experts urge more research on kratom and 7-OH's benefits and risks, noting growing addiction cases linked to these products, and highlight the complex challenges users face in quitting due to severe withdrawal symptoms.