Published: 09/24/2026 | Author: Nikki Wisher

Leaders in Colorado shined a spotlight to warn about an additive product that has shown up in gas stations and smoke shops. It’s called 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH. This is a concentrated kratom derivative that can produce an addiction and severe withdrawal for those who try to quit.

To be sure, Colorado features lots of programs for addiction, including local Narcotics Anonymous chapters. It’s good to know that treatment like Suboxone works for people who develop dependence.

7-OH Worries The Centennial State

Kratom originally came from a Southeast Asian plant used for pain relief. But many 7-OH products on shelves are very different from a simple herbal remedy. These product manufacturers have increased the concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine in their kratom to such a high degree that they lead to addiction.

In fact, 7-OH acts on the same brain pathways as opioids and regular use can produce dependence. People who stop after heavy use can face heavy withdrawal symptoms.

Opioids & Treating Them

Opioids include prescription painkillers People who take them see their tolerance build. Dependence follows and withdrawal is often miserable. A product sold over the counter can start that cycle, which happens with concentrated 7-OH.

The treatment playbook for 7-OH dependence borrows directly from opioid addiction care. Medication for opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine products like Suboxone, eases cravings and withdrawal while a person rebuilds. Carleton relayed that effective treatment exists and that stigma shouldn’t keep anyone from asking for it.

Since 7-OH behaves like an opioid, naloxone, the overdose reversal medication, may help in an overdose involving these products. Carrying naloxone is a sensible step should anyone use kratom products, knows someone who does, or lives in a household where opioid use occurs.

Finding Help for Opioid Addiction

Peer support matters here too. NA meetings give people a free and regular place to talk with others who know what withdrawal and early recovery feel like. Open meetings welcome newcomers without any questions asked.

Anyone who has a dependence on 7-OH, kratom, or any opioid can seek help right now. Search our browsable directory to find NA meetings in any of the 50 states. 

You can also dial 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to explore opioid treatment programs with an expert.