7-OH (7-Hydroxymitragynine) Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of 7-OH Abuse

7-OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a byproduct of kratom. However, 7-OH is far stronger than most kratom compounds and produces opioid-like effects. It’s easily available over the counter at vape shops, smoke shops and gas stations in kratom products, concentrates, candies, drinks and powders, giving it a heightened risk of misuse.

Often marketed as an “extra-strength” product, 7-OH poses a high addiction risk due to its strong analgesic effects, which are 12 times stronger than morphine. Its strength also increases the risk of overdose as a result of respiratory depression. 7-OH also has a rapid tolerance buildup and opioid-like withdrawal symptoms, often leading to dependence. Let’s take an in-depth look at the signs, risks and symptoms of 7-OH dependence and addiction.

7-OH is a potent psychoactive alkaloid that’s found naturally in very small amounts in the kratom plant. Unlike traditional kratom leaf products, many commercial 7-OH tablets, gummies, shots and drink mixes contain highly concentrated or synthetically produced forms of the substance.  

It acts on your brain’s mu-opioid receptors, the same receptor system affected by drugs such as morphine and heroin. This activity can produce euphoria, relaxation and pain relief similar to traditional opioids. It can also lead to tolerance, physical dependence and compulsive use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers concentrated 7-OH products potent opioid products and warns that they haven’t been proven safe or effective for any medical use. 

People may misuse this drug for pain relief or stress management, or as a result of peer pressure. Unfortunately, even trace amounts of 7-OH have intoxicating effects that can quickly become addictive.

Let’s go over the difference between drug abuse and addiction. If you take 7-OH for its sedating or euphoric effects, it’s misuse. Addiction occurs when your use of the drug gets out of control, and you continue taking it despite negative effects.

Common 7-OH abuse symptoms include:

• Using high-potency 7-OH products, such as gummies, for sedating or euphoric effects
• Taking more than intended 
• Using it in unsafe environments
• Using it more often than anticipated

Common 7-OH addiction symptoms include:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug
• Compulsive and uncontrollable use despite adverse effects
• Going to great lengths to obtain the drug
• Using it to feel normal
• Hiding use 
• Abusing other controlled substances or over-the-counter substances that produce a high

Experimenting with the drug once or twice can be characterized as misuse. On the other hand, an individual who continues to take the drug even though it disrupts their daily functioning may be addicted.

Due to its opioid receptor activity in the brain, 7-hydroxymitragynine can cause physical and psychological dependence similar to an opioid, such as morphine, even if you only take small amounts initially. As tolerance builds, individuals often increase their use, which further deepens the dependence. 

Physical dependence is when a person experiences physical withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing a drug, while psychological dependence involves intense cravings and feeling “off” when not taking it.

As dependence increases, people may need more 7-OH to feel normal and avoid negative withdrawal symptoms. This cycle fuels the substance abuse and ultimately supports the development of addiction to 7-OH.

Signs of 7-OH addiction may be behavioral, physical, psychological or social in nature. We break down common indicators of each below.

Behavioral signs of addiction include: 

• Buying high-potency extracts repeatedly 
• Trying to hide your use from others
• Taking higher doses to get the same high you once got from lower ones
• Taking more throughout the day
• Waking up craving the drug

Physical signs of 7-OH abuse include:

• Pinpoint pupils 
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Itchiness
• Sweating
• Fatigue 
• Opioid-like sedation

Psychological signs may include: 

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Cravings 
• Difficulty focusing without the drug

Social and functional signs of 7-OH abuse might include:

• Failing to meet responsibilities
• Strained relationships 
• Financial difficulties
• Isolating from others to use the drug

7-hydroxymitragynine withdrawal symptoms are rarely life-threatening. However, they can be very uncomfortable. 

Early withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Irritability 
• Anxiety 

Later in the process, you might have opioid-like withdrawal symptoms, such as: 

• Muscle aches
• Insomnia 
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Strong cravings

You may also experience emotional withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Agitation 
• Trouble concentrating 
• Depression

The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors. These factors include the dose strength, how often you took it and how long you used it.

Abusing 7-OH has physical, psychological and long-term side effects. These effects are dependent on dosage amount, frequency of use and whether you used it in combination with other drugs.

Short-term physical and psychological side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Slowed or depressed breathing
• Impaired coordination
• Confusion
• Trouble concentrating
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Insomnia

Potential long-term side effects of 7-OH use and abuse include:

• Increased tolerance for the drug
• Elevated physical and mental dependence
• Possible liver strain or damage
• Severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms

High doses of 7-OH or mixing it with other substances can cause respiratory depression and seizures. Since 7-OH products aren’t regulated, potency can be unpredictable, leading someone to use more than intended.

Certain risk factors can increase a person’s risk of becoming dependent on or addicted to 7-OH. 

Some of the most prevalent potential risk factors include:

• Individual factors, including preexisting chronic pain, depression, anxiety and previous substance abuse or addiction issues.
• Environmental factors, such as easy access to the drug, misleading marketing, little or no supervision from parents and peer pressure.
• Product factors, including concentrated extracts or enhanced powders with high 7-OH levels.
• Biological factors, such as a preexisting vulnerability to addiction.

While these factors may increase your risk, they aren’t the sole cause of 7-OH addiction.

Diagnosing 7-OH addiction involves an evaluation by a healthcare professional who considers various factors, including dose levels, frequency of use and functional impacts. The substance use disorder (SUD) criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are typically implemented during a SUD evaluation. 

Diagnostic criteria include:

• Frequency of drug use
• Withdrawal symptoms 
• The effect of the drug on a person’s physical and mental health
• Presence of drug tolerance
• Negative behavioral changes
• Attempts to quit or reduce use without success

People may underestimate risks associated with 7-OH because it’s plant-derived and often sold as a “natural” supplement, and its over-the-counter accessibility makes it easy to continue use.

If you or a loved one needs help for a 7-OH addiction, rehab can provide the support you need. The high potency of 7-OH makes it easier to become dependent on the substance, and addiction soon follows. Seeking treatment isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and acceptance.

RehabNet is a free and confidential online resource that allows you to search and compare evidence-based treatment facilities familiar with treating 7-OH addiction. If 7-OH use is affecting your health, mood, functioning or relationships, reach out for more information.