The Truth About Kratom, 7-OH, and “Gas Station Heroin
At a glance
- Kratom is a plant product sold as powders, capsules, teas, and drinks. Some people say it helps with pain or mood. Others report dependence and withdrawal.
- A compound related to kratom, 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH), can act on opioid receptors and is sold in concentrated forms. In July 2025, the FDA recommended that certain 7‑OH products be scheduled under federal law.
- In 2021, about 1.7 million people in the U.S. used kratom, per a national survey.
- Some states regulate kratom or 7‑OH. Utah caps 7‑OH at 2% in registered products and bans synthetic versions.
- Health officials in Texas issued a warning in September 2025 advising people not to use products with 7‑OH after a rise in exposures.
Table of Contents
What kratom is
Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It contains several alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7‑OH. People buy it in many forms, including powders, capsules, gummies, and ready‑to‑drink shots. In the United States, kratom is not approved by the FDA as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. For strain‑specific details, see our guide to red kratom effects and risks.
What 7‑OH is
7‑hydroxymitragynine can bind to opioid receptors. Natural kratom leaves contain it in trace amounts, but some U.S. products feature concentrated 7‑OH in tablets, gummies, and liquids. In July 2025, the FDA recommended scheduling certain 7‑OH products because of abuse potential and unclear labeling. That proposal does not target ordinary kratom leaves; it focuses on concentrated 7‑OH products.
How common kratom use is
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2021) estimated that 0.6% of people aged 12+—about 1.7 million Americans—used kratom in the past year. Use was most common among adults. This is survey data, not a clinical trial, but it gives a sense of scale.
Dependence and withdrawal
Some clinicians and toxicologists report that regular kratom use can lead to dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, muscle aches, and GI distress, and may resemble opioid‑type withdrawal for some patients. Evidence is mixed: case reports document harms and co‑exposures, while other research explores possible harm‑reduction roles. The bottom line is that responses vary, dose and product strength matter, and medical guidance is important. If you’re ready to stop, our kratom detox services explain safe, medically supervised options
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How products are sold and labeled
Kratom and 7‑OH products show up in gas stations, vape shops, and online storefronts. Labels may use brand names or generic terms. Potency can differ by product type and batch. That variability makes it harder for consumers to judge dose and risk, which is one reason public‑health agencies highlight labeling and registration rules where they exist.
What regulators are doing
Federal: The FDA has stated kratom is not lawfully marketed as a drug, dietary supplement, or conventional food. In July 2025 it recommended scheduling certain 7‑OH products under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA would oversee the scheduling process if it moves forward, see our drug scheduling and classification charts for how CSA scheduling works.
State examples: Policies vary
- Utah’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act (2019) allows registered products, caps 7‑OH at 2%, and bans synthetic alkaloids.
- Texas health officials issued a Sept 2, 2025 alert advising people not to use 7‑OH products after a spike in exposure reports.
- Reporters in Utah have noted enforcement gaps between leaf products and concentrated 7‑OH sales.
How Nova Recovery Center Helps People Overcome Gas Station Addiction
Nova Recovery Center provides comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with gas station addiction, including products like kratom and synthetic substances. Many of these items, often sold in convenience stores, can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and serious health risks. At Nova, clients begin with a safe medical detox to manage symptoms under professional supervision. From there, the center offers individualized treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapies, peer support, and relapse prevention strategies. The goal is not only to help clients stop using but also to address the underlying causes of substance use. Long-term programs give people the structure and accountability they need to build lasting recovery. In addition, Nova integrates holistic care that supports the mind, body, and spirit. By offering a full continuum of care—from detox to outpatient and sober living options—Nova ensures clients have the tools to maintain sobriety. With compassionate staff and proven treatment methods, Nova Recovery Center is a trusted resource for those seeking freedom from gas station drug addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kratom, 7‑OH, and “Gas Station” Products
What is kratom?
Kratom is a plant (Mitragyna speciosa) whose products can produce stimulant‑ and opioid‑like effects. It’s sold in powders, capsules, teas, drinks, and more.
Is kratom legal in the U.S.?
Federally, kratom is not FDA‑approved as a drug, food, or dietary supplement; legality and rules vary by state and locality. Check your state law before buying or using.
What are the risks or side effects of kratom?
Reported risks include dependence, withdrawal, liver toxicity, seizures, and—rarely—deaths, often with other substances present.
Is kratom addictive?
Yes—regular use can lead to substance use disorder and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.
Does kratom help with opioid withdrawal?
Some people self‑report using kratom for withdrawal, but it is not FDA‑approved for this purpose and evidence is mixed. Talk with a clinician.
What is 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH)?
7‑OH is a kratom‑related alkaloid (and a metabolite of mitragynine) that acts on opioid receptors and contributes to analgesic effects.
Is 7‑OH stronger than mitragynine?
Laboratory and expert commentary note greater potency at opioid receptors than mitragynine; potency depends on preparation and context.
Why is FDA targeting 7‑OH products?
FDA cited abuse potential and safety concerns and has recommended scheduling certain 7‑OH products under the Controlled Substances Act.
Is 7‑OH the same as kratom?
No. Botanical kratom leaf naturally contains very low 7‑OH, while some U.S. products market concentrated 7‑OH—the current focus of FDA action.
What does “gas station heroin” mean?
It commonly refers to tianeptine products sold as “supplements” in convenience stores and smoke shops; these are not FDA‑approved.
Is tianeptine legal in the U.S.?
Tianeptine is not FDA‑approved; several states restrict or ban it, while enforcement varies.
What are the risks of tianeptine?
Risks include opioid‑like effects, respiratory depression, seizures, and ER visits; poison‑center calls have surged in recent years.
What is “gas station addiction”?
A non‑clinical term describing misuse/dependence on unapproved or high‑risk products sold at gas stations (e.g., tianeptine; some kratom/7‑OH items).
How is “gas station addiction” treated?
Use evidence‑based substance‑use treatment and medical guidance; federal and state resources can connect you to care.
What are common kratom withdrawal symptoms?
Reports include restlessness, muscle aches, GI upset, insomnia, and anxiety; severity varies by dose, frequency, and other drug use.
Is kratom withdrawal dangerous?
Complications can occur—especially with other substances involved—so medical advice is recommended.
Should I detox from kratom at home?
Don’t self‑treat without medical input; clinicians can assess risks and recommend appropriate care.
What is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)?
State‑level KCPA laws regulate labeling, testing, age limits, and (in some states) alkaloid thresholds; provisions vary by jurisdiction.
What does Utah’s KCPA require?
Utah registers kratom products and caps 7‑OH at 2% of the alkaloid fraction; synthetic alkaloids are prohibited.
Is FDA banning kratom?
FDA warns against kratom use and says kratom products are not lawfully marketed, but its current scheduling push is specifically for certain 7‑OH products, not botanical leaf kratom.
Why did FDA recommend scheduling 7‑OH?
Because of abuse potential and opioid‑receptor activity in concentrated products marketed as supplements.
Does Utah enforce testing and registration?
Yes. Utah’s Department of Agriculture and Food oversees registration/testing; products out of compliance can be denied or withdrawn.
Did Texas issue a warning about 7‑OH products?
Yes. On Sept 2, 2025, Texas DSHS warned residents not to use 7‑OH products after increased exposure reports.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Substances such as kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and other unregulated products can carry serious health risks and should only be discussed or used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Do not attempt to self-diagnose, self-medicate, or stop using these substances without medical supervision. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, side effects, or signs of distress, call 911 in the United States or seek immediate medical attention. For emotional or mental health support, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
Nova Recovery Center Editorial Guidelines
By instituting a policy, we create a standardized approach to how we create, verify, and distribute all content and resources we produce. An editorial policy helps us ensure that any material our writing and clinical team create, both online and in print, meets or exceeds our standards of integrity and accuracy. Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to education and patient support by creating valuable resources within our realm of expertise, verifying them for accuracy, and providing relevant, respectful, and insightful data to our clients and families.
- Deseret News. (2025, October 2). Why this ‘natural’ product is called ‘gas station heroin’. Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/2025/10/2/gas-station-heroin-kratom-7oh (Accessed October 3, 2025)
- Food and Drug Administration. (2025, July 29). FDA recommends scheduling of certain kratom-derived substance (7-hydroxymitragynine) due to abuse potential. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements (Accessed October 3, 2025)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/data (Accessed October 3, 2025)
- Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. (2019). Utah Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Utah.gov. https://ag.utah.gov/ (Accessed October 3, 2025)
- Texas Department of State Health Services. (2025, September 2). Texas health officials warn against use of 7-hydroxymitragynine products. Texas.gov. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/ (Accessed October 3, 2025)
- KUER 90.1. (2025, September 30). Utah struggles to enforce kratom rules as 7-OH products grow in popularity. KUER. https://www.kuer.org/ (Accessed October 3, 2025)
- American Association of Poison Control Centers. (2025). Poison Help line: 1-800-222-1222. AAPCC. https://www.aapcc.org/ (Accessed October 3, 2025)
