Kratom Addiction Treatment
Los Angeles

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia whose leaves contain psychoactive compounds that can produce both stimulant and opioid-like effects. While often marketed as a natural remedy, kratom can be highly addictive and potentially dangerous.

It is also important to distinguish between traditional botanical kratom and newer concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. Traditional kratom leaf naturally contains mostly mitragynine and only trace amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Many newer products sold as 7-OH tablets, shots, chewables, or extracts contain highly concentrated amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine or similar compounds that can produce significantly stronger opioid-like effects and carry a much greater risk of dependence, overdose, and addiction.

An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This significant usage rate reflects kratom’s growing popularity, but also highlights the need for specialized treatment services.

Research shows concerning patterns of use among certain populations. An estimated 0.7% of individuals in the U.S. have used kratom in the past year, with past-year proxy diagnosis of prescription opioid use disorder being associated with increased odds for kratom use, with 10.4% of those with use disorder reporting use.

The Science Behind Kratom Addiction

Kratom contains two primary psychoactive alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—that partially activate the same opioid receptors in the brain as morphine and other opioids. This mechanism can lead to physical dependence and addiction, particularly with regular use.

While both compounds interact with opioid receptors, concentrated 7-OH products may produce much stronger opioid-like effects than traditional botanical kratom. Because these products can deliver substantially higher concentrations than naturally occur in the plant, dependence may develop more quickly, particularly with frequent or high-dose use.

The risk of dependence development seems to be highest for individuals who frequently consume higher doses (more than 5 grams per day and more than 3 times per day). Understanding this risk profile helps our treatment team develop personalized care plans that address individual usage patterns and addiction severity.

Botanical Kratom vs. Concentrated 7-OH Products

Traditional kratom powder and capsules are made from dried Mitragyna speciosa leaves. In contrast, many newer products marketed as “7-OH,” “7-hydroxymitragynine,” or enhanced kratom extracts are manufactured to deliver much higher amounts of the alkaloid responsible for many of kratom’s opioid-like effects.

This distinction matters because concentrated 7-OH products have become increasingly associated with emergency department visits, severe dependence, and addiction treatment admissions. Individuals may believe they are using “natural kratom” when they are actually consuming products that are considerably more potent than traditional leaf preparations.

Federal Scheduling of 7-OH Products

Federal regulators have proposed placing concentrated and synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, but not traditional botanical kratom leaf, into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. While the proposal specifically targets highly concentrated 7-OH products rather than the kratom plant itself, it reflects growing concern about the increasing availability, potency, and addiction potential of these products. 

If finalized, Schedule I status would generally make the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of covered 7-OH products illegal under federal law except for approved research. Individuals currently using these products should stay informed about changing regulations and seek medical guidance rather than abruptly stopping use on their own.