Kratom & 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
Botanical kratom and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products should not be treated as interchangeable. 7-OH occurs naturally as a minor kratom alkaloid, while some newer commercial products contain concentrations far beyond those found naturally.
Opioid activity
7-OH has activity at mu-opioid receptors. Preclinical evidence supports risks including respiratory depression, tolerance, physical dependence, and opioid-type withdrawal.
Dependence & withdrawal
Regular use of kratom or concentrated 7-OH products can lead to dependence in some people. Treatment planning should account for the specific product, dose pattern, other substances, and individual goals.
What we still do not know
Human clinical data on isolated 7-OH remain limited, and surveillance often cannot cleanly distinguish botanical kratom from enhanced 7-OH products. We separate strong evidence from uncertainty.
FDA Scientific Assessment
How treatment works at EvolveMD
We use the SURF framework—Stabilize, Understand, Restore, Flourish—to organize care around safety, understanding, rebuilding, and long-term wellbeing.
Learn about SURF →