Introduction
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and its potent alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are often promoted as natural mood enhancers or pain remedies—but these substances can quickly lead to dangerous dependency and withdrawal. This guide explores the addiction risks, emerging regulation, and how Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) can play a vital role in safely managing withdrawal symptoms. Whether you’re struggling with Kratom dependence or looking for trusted telemedicine treatment in Tennessee, this page provides evidence-based insights and compassionate support.
A Tennessee patient struggling with Kratom dependence seeks safe, virtual Suboxone treatment for withdrawal and cravings.
What Are Kratom, 7-OH, and 7-Hydroxy?
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Kratom is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia. Its main alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-OH—interact with opioid receptors.
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7-OH is especially powerful, up to 13x stronger than morphine in lab models.
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At low doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant; at high doses, it mimics opioids with sedative and pain-relieving effects.
The Many Names of Kratom and 7-OH
Kratom and its potent alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), go by many different names depending on culture, preparation, or even marketing. Recognizing these terms is important because patients may not realize they are taking the same addictive substance under a different label.
Common names for Kratom include:
- Kratom (most widely used)
- Ketum (Malaysia, Indonesia)
- Biak-biak
- Ithang
- Kakuam
- Thom
- Herbal speedball (slang, often when mixed with other drugs)
- Mitragyna speciosa (scientific name)
- Mitragynine (primary alkaloid)
- Kratom leaf / tea / powder / capsules (marketing descriptions)
Common names and variants for 7-OH include:
- 7-OH
- 7-OH Mitragynine
- 7-hydroxy
- 7-hydroxymitragynine
- Hydroxy mitragynine
- Kratom extract alkaloid
- Potent Kratom derivative
By understanding all of the ways Kratom and 7-OH are described, patients and families can better recognize when they are facing the risks of dependence, even if the substance is being marketed as “natural” or “safe.”
Why Is Kratom So Addictive?
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Acts on the same brain pathways as opioids → tolerance, cravings, and dependence.
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Users often increase their dosage 4x–10x within weeks of their very first use.
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Relapse rates after quitting are as high as 78–89% within three months.
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Dependence risk is nearly 3x higher in people with prior substance use history.
How Do People Abuse Kratom and 7-OH?
Kratom and its alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are most often misused through oral ingestion. Many people take Kratom in the form of capsules, tablets, or concentrated extracts. Others use powdered or dried Kratom leaves to brew tea, while in some regions, the fresh leaf is chewed. These methods may seem harmless, but each carries a risk of dependence and harmful health effects.
What Effects Does Kratom Have on the Body?
The effects of Kratom vary by dose, frequency, and individual physiology:
- Low doses: Increased alertness, boosted physical energy, and talkativeness.
- High doses: Sedation, drowsiness, and opioid-like effects.
- Addictive properties: Can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
- Side effects: Nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, frequent urination, and loss of appetite.
- Long-term risks: Chronic use may cause anorexia, significant weight loss, and persistent insomnia.
Potency of Kratom vs. Heroin
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Kratom itself is generally less potent than heroin, but it contains alkaloids that act on the same μ-opioid receptors in the brain.
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The main alkaloid, mitragynine, is relatively weak compared to heroin or morphine.
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However, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — another alkaloid in Kratom — is far more powerful than heroin.
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Laboratory studies suggest Kratom/7-Hydroxy is up to 13 times more potent than morphine in animal models.
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While typical Kratom tea or capsules don’t deliver the same rapid, overwhelming “high” as heroin, concentrated extracts or very high doses can produce opioid-like sedation, respiratory depression, and strong dependence risks.
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Kratom products are unregulated. That means users don’t know the exact strength or contamination with other substances, which makes it even more dangerous.
Health Risks & FDA Warnings
- The FDA has announced its intention to schedule Kratom as a controlled substance, stating:
On July 29, 2025, the FDA announced it is taking a bold step to protect Americans from dangerous, illegal opioids by recommending a scheduling action to control certain 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH ) products under the Controlled Substances Act. -
The FDA warns Kratom is not approved for any medical purpose.
- The DEA listed Kratom/7-Hydroxy as a “Drug of Concern” in January 2025.
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Risks include liver damage, seizures, and substance use disorder.
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Kratom products may contain dangerous contaminants.
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When mixed with other drugs, Kratom has been linked to fatal overdoses.
Legal Status – Will Kratom or 7-OH Be Scheduled?
- Kratom leaf was still legal federally, as of August 31, 2025. However, the DEA recently announced it intends to schedule Kratom.
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Many states (Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, etc.) are passing bans or restrictions.
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7-OH is under FDA/DEA review and expected to become a Schedule I controlled substance, alongside heroin.
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Enforcement is expected to focus on synthetic and concentrated 7-OH, not raw leaf.
How Suboxone Helps With Kratom & 7-OH Withdrawal
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Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is one of the most effective ways to reduce Kratom withdrawal.
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It eases cravings, stabilizes mood, and prevents relapse.
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Case studies show Suboxone helps patients transition away from heavy Kratom use.
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While not FDA-approved for Kratom specifically, Suboxone is widely recognized as the best available treatment option.
“The number of new patient intakes associated with Kratom/7-OH addiction quadrupled from May to August 2025.”
— Drew Bourke – Co-Owner/President of Recovery Care of Columbia
Is Kratom a Safe Alternative to Pain Pills and Other Opioids?
Some people turn to Kratom as a so-called “natural” alternative to prescription opioids, hoping it will relieve pain or ease withdrawal. But the reality is that Kratom and its main alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), act on the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like oxycodone or hydrocodone. This means Kratom carries many of the same risks of dependence, withdrawal, and addiction—without the medical supervision, dosing standards, or safety monitoring that prescription medications provide.
The FDA has not approved Kratom for any medical use, and major health organizations warn it can cause serious side effects, including seizures, liver damage, and even death when combined with other substances. Kratom is not a safe substitute for prescription pain medicine or opioid use disorder treatment. Instead, evidence-based approaches like Suboxone and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provide a safer, more effective path to recovery.
“Kratom and its main alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), act on the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like oxycodone or hydrocodone. This alarming rise underscores how quickly Kratom addiction is spreading across Tennessee.”
— Drew Bourke – Co-Owner/President at Recovery Care of Columbia
Why This Page Is Your Best Kratom Resource
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Evidence-based – all data cited from peer-reviewed studies, FDA, and Mayo Clinic. (See “Kratom for opioid withdrawal: Does it work?“)
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Comprehensive – covers addiction, risks, legal changes, and treatment.
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Compassionate – focused on patient support, not fear tactics.
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Local relevance – explains how Tennesseans can access same-day telemedicine Suboxone treatment.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
If you’re struggling with Kratom or 7-OH dependence, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our clinics offer:
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Same-day Suboxone appointments via telemedicine
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Discreet, virtual care from licensed providers
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Affordable treatment covered by TennCare, private insurance, or self-pay
Register for Kratom Addiction Telemedicine Treatment
- Register with TennCare Medicaid
- Register with commercial insurance
- Register as a self-pay patient
- Register as a returning patient