Kratom addiction can be confusing because many people start using kratom believing it is natural, safe, or less risky than opioids. But kratom products can still lead to tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, cravings, and compulsive use. Today, the risks are even more complicated because the market now includes stronger kratom extracts and emerging kratom-derived substances like 7-OH, MGM-15, and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl products sometimes marketed under names like Pseudoxinyl.

At Portland Treatment in Biddeford, Maine, we help individuals understand what is happening, stabilize in recovery, and build a plan for long-term freedom from kratom and other substance use concerns. Our addiction treatment programs are designed to support people through the emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges that often come with kratom dependence.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant-based substance made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. Kratom contains active alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, that can produce stimulant-like effects at lower amounts and opioid-like effects at higher amounts. The DEA lists kratom as a drug of concern and notes that kratom use can lead to psychological and physiological dependence.

Kratom is commonly sold as:

• Powders
• Capsules
• Teas
• Gummies
• Tablets
• Shots
• Liquid extracts
• Concentrated alkaloid products
• Products marketed as “feel good,” “energy,” “relief,” or “wellness” supplements

Because kratom is often sold in smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online, many people underestimate its risks. However, poison center and public health data show growing concern around kratom-related harms, especially as the market shifts from traditional leaf products to high-potency extracts and semi-synthetic derivatives.

Kratom Addiction At a Glance

Category	What to Know
Primary Substance	Kratom, made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa.
Common Forms	Powder, capsules, teas, gummies, tablets, liquid shots, extracts, and enhanced kratom products.
Main Active Compounds	Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, often shortened to 7-OH.
High-Risk Products	Kratom extracts, liquid shots, 7-OH products, MGM-15, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, and products marketed as Pseudoxinyl.
Why People Use It	Energy, pain relief, anxiety, mood support, sleep, opioid withdrawal, or avoiding relapse.
Addiction Risk	Repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, cravings, withdrawal, and compulsive use.
Common Warning Signs	Daily use, failed attempts to stop, needing kratom to feel normal, hiding use, increasing dose, or switching to stronger extracts.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, chills, muscle aches, depression, and cravings.
Mental Health Connection	Kratom use may overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, sleep issues, or other substance use disorders.
Treatment Options	Detox, residential, PHP, IOP, individual therapy, group therapy, relapse prevention, and mental health support.

Is Kratom Addictive?

Yes, kratom can be addictive. Not everyone who uses kratom develops addiction, but repeated use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive use despite consequences.

Kratom addiction may develop gradually. Someone may begin using kratom for energy, pain, anxiety, mood, opioid withdrawal, or to avoid returning to other substances. Over time, the same amount may stop working, leading to higher doses or stronger products. This can create a cycle where the person feels unable to function normally without kratom.

Kratom dependence can become especially difficult when someone is using concentrated extracts, 7-OH products, or other kratom-derived compounds with stronger opioid receptor activity.

Kratom Extracts and High-Potency Products

Traditional kratom leaf products are not the same as concentrated kratom extracts. Extracts are processed to increase the amount of active alkaloids in a smaller dose. This can make the effects stronger, less predictable, and more likely to cause dependence.

High-potency kratom products may include:

• Liquid kratom shots
• Enhanced powders
• Extract capsules
• 7-OH tablets or gummies
• Alkaloid isolates
• Semi-synthetic kratom derivatives
• Products with unclear or misleading labels

The FDA has specifically warned consumers to avoid 7-OH products, including foods, supplements, and products claiming to treat health conditions. The agency notes that 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom only in trace amounts, but some products contain added or enhanced levels that can be dangerous.

Kratom Derivatives: 7-OH, MGM-15, and Pseudoxinyl

The kratom market has changed quickly. Many people are no longer using simple kratom leaf powder. Instead, they may be using concentrated or altered compounds that act more strongly on opioid receptors.

7-OH

7-OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is one of the most concerning kratom-related compounds. It occurs naturally in kratom in small amounts, but enhanced 7-OH products may contain much higher concentrations than would be found in the plant. The FDA has taken steps to restrict certain 7-OH opioid products because of the risks they may pose to consumers.

People using 7-OH products may experience stronger opioid-like effects, faster tolerance, more intense cravings, and difficult withdrawal symptoms.

MGM-15

MGM-15, also known as dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine, DH-7OH-MIT, or DHM, is an emerging semi-synthetic kratom-related compound. NPS Discovery has reported that dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine has been referred to as MGM-15 and has appeared in the evolving smoke shop and kratom-derived product market.

Because MGM-15 is newer and human safety data are limited, people using these products may not fully understand the risks. The concern is not only addiction, but also unpredictable potency, withdrawal, drug interactions, and possible overdose risk when combined with other substances.

Pseudoxinyl and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl

“Pseudoxinyl” appears to be a market or product term associated with pseudoindoxyl-type kratom products. The more established scientific term is mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. CFSRE’s NPS Discovery has reported that mitragynine pseudoindoxyl has emerged as a primary component in some drug products, often found alongside 7-hydroxy mitragynine and marketed as kratom or kratom alternatives.

Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is linked to kratom’s opioid-like pharmacology and may be significantly more potent than plain kratom leaf products. Because these substances are often sold in rapidly changing, loosely regulated markets, labels may not clearly explain what is actually in the product.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Kratom addiction can look different from person to person. Some people continue going to work, caring for family, and managing responsibilities while privately feeling trapped by daily use. Others experience more visible consequences.

Common signs of kratom addiction include:

• Needing kratom to feel normal
• Taking kratom every day or multiple times per day
• Using more than intended
• Switching from powder to extracts, shots, 7-OH, or stronger products
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or physically sick when not using
• Failed attempts to cut down
• Spending more money on kratom than planned
• Hiding kratom use from family or friends
• Using kratom to get through work, parenting, or daily responsibilities
• Continuing to use despite health, financial, relationship, or recovery concerns
• Returning to use after promising yourself you would stop

If kratom has become something you need instead of something you choose, treatment can help.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Kratom withdrawal can feel similar to opioid withdrawal for some people. Symptoms may vary depending on the product used, dose, frequency, length of use, and whether other substances are involved.

Kratom withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Body pain
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Cravings
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating

People using extracts, 7-OH, MGM-15, or pseudoindoxyl-type products may experience more intense withdrawal because these products can be more potent than traditional kratom leaf.

Medical support may be needed, especially if someone has a history of opioid use disorder, severe withdrawal symptoms, mental health concerns, polysubstance use, or relapse risk.

Why People Struggle to Quit Kratom

Many people who become dependent on kratom did not start out trying to get high. They may have used it for pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, trauma, or opioid withdrawal. This can make quitting emotionally complicated.

Someone may think, “I’m not using fentanyl or pills anymore, so why is this a problem?” That question deserves compassion, not shame. But if kratom has become compulsive, expensive, risky, or hard to stop, it may be time for professional help.

Kratom can also become part of a daily routine. People may use it to wake up, work, relax, sleep, socialize, manage pain, or avoid withdrawal. Treatment helps address both the physical dependence and the behavioral patterns that keep the cycle going.

Kratom Addiction Treatment at Portland Treatment

Portland Treatment provides outpatient addiction treatment in Biddeford, Maine, with PHP and IOP levels of care available for people struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. Portland Treatment offers in-person and telehealth options.

Our approach to kratom addiction treatment may include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention planning
• Mental health support
• Family support when appropriate
• Case management
• Recovery skill-building
• Education about cravings and withdrawal
• Support for co-occurring substance use concerns
• Medication assisted treatment support
• detox or medical care when needed

Portland Treatment does not treat kratom addiction with shame or judgment. We understand that many people use kratom while trying to cope, function, or avoid returning to more dangerous substances. Our goal is to help you move forward safely and build a stronger foundation for recovery.

Do You Need Detox for Kratom?

Some people can stop kratom with outpatient support, while others may need detox or a higher level of medical care first. This depends on the severity of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, other substances involved, and overall physical and mental health.

You may need detox support before outpatient treatment if you:

• Use kratom extracts, 7-OH, MGM-15, or pseudoindoxyl products daily
• Experience severe withdrawal when you try to stop
• Have a history of opioid addiction
• Use alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other drugs with kratom
• Have suicidal thoughts or severe depression
• Cannot stop using despite repeated attempts
• Feel medically unstable when cutting back

If detox is needed, Portland Treatment can help you with an appropriate detox before continuing care.

Kratom and Co-Occurring Mental Health

Kratom use is often connected to mental health symptoms. Some people use kratom to self-medicate anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or emotional pain. Others find that kratom makes their mental health worse over time.

Common co-occurring concerns may include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Trauma and PTSD
• Panic symptoms
• Sleep problems
• Chronic stress
• ADHD symptoms
• Other substance use disorders

Treating kratom addiction without addressing mental health can leave people vulnerable to relapse. At Portland Treatment, we focus on the whole person, not just the substance.

Kratom Addiction and Opioid Recovery

Some people use kratom because they are trying to stop using opioids. While this is common, it can create another form of dependence. Kratom products, especially high-potency extracts and 7-OH products, may keep the brain and body in an opioid-like cycle.

If you are using kratom to avoid opioid withdrawal or prevent relapse, you are not alone. But you deserve evidence-based support, not an unpredictable product from a smoke shop or online seller.

Professional treatment can help you explore safer recovery options, build relapse prevention tools, and address the reasons kratom became part of your life in the first place.

When to Get Help for Kratom Addiction

You may benefit from kratom addiction treatment if:

• You cannot stop using kratom on your own
• You feel withdrawal symptoms between doses
• You are using kratom extracts or 7-OH products
• You are worried about MGM-15, Pseudoxinyl, or other new kratom derivatives
• You are spending too much money on kratom
• Your family is concerned
• You hide your use
• You feel emotionally dependent on kratom
• You have relapsed after trying to quit
• You are using kratom with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants
• You feel trapped by the cycle

You do not have to wait until kratom destroys your life to ask for help. Early treatment can prevent the problem from becoming worse.

Start Kratom Addiction Treatment in Maine

Kratom addiction is real, and the rise of stronger kratom extracts and derivatives has made the issue more urgent. Whether you are using kratom powder, liquid shots, 7-OH, MGM-15, Pseudoxinyl, or another kratom-related product, Portland Treatment can help you take the next step.

Our team provides compassionate outpatient addiction treatment in Maine for people who are ready to understand their substance use, stabilize their recovery, and build a healthier life.

Call Portland Treatment today to learn more about kratom addiction treatment in Biddeford, Maine. Recovery is possible, and you do not have to do this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Addiction

Is kratom addictive?

Yes. Kratom can lead to tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, cravings, and compulsive use. The risk may be higher with frequent use, high doses, extracts, 7-OH products, and other concentrated kratom-derived substances.

What is 7-OH?

7-OH stands for 7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent kratom alkaloid. It occurs naturally in kratom in small amounts, but some products contain added or enhanced levels. The FDA has warned consumers to avoid 7-OH products because of serious safety concerns.

What is MGM-15?

MGM-15 is an emerging semi-synthetic kratom-related compound also known as dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine or DHM. It is associated with the newer wave of kratom-derived products and may have stronger opioid-like activity than traditional kratom leaf products.

What is Pseudoxinyl?

Pseudoxinyl appears to be a market name associated with pseudoindoxyl-type kratom products. The scientific term most often used is mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, a kratom-related compound that has appeared in some products marketed as kratom or kratom alternatives.

What does kratom withdrawal feel like?

Kratom withdrawal may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches, chills, depression, cravings, and restlessness. Withdrawal may be more intense with extracts, 7-OH products, or other potent derivatives.

Can Portland Treatment help with kratom addiction?

Yes. Portland Treatment provides addiction treatment in Maine for people struggling with kratom, kratom extracts, 7-OH, MGM-15, Pseudoxinyl, and other substance use concerns. If detox is needed first, the team can help with an appropriate referral.

Do I need inpatient rehab for kratom addiction?

Not always. Some people can begin with outpatient treatment such as PHP or IOP, while others may need detox or inpatient support first. The right level of care depends on withdrawal severity, mental health, relapse risk, and other substances involved.

Is kratom safer than opioids?

Kratom is sometimes marketed as a safer alternative to opioids, but it still affects opioid receptors and can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and serious side effects. The risk is especially concerning with concentrated extracts, 7-OH, MGM-15, and other high-potency products.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Increases in kratom-related reports to poison centers. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7511a1.htm

Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Kratom. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/kratom

Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA takes steps to restrict 7-OH opioid products threatening American consumers. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers

Food and Drug Administration. (2025). Products containing 7-OH can cause serious harm. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/products-containing-7-oh-can-cause-serious-harm

NPS Discovery. (2026). Dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine (MGM-15). Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. https://www.cfsre.org/images/content/reports/public_alerts/Dihydro-7-Hydroxy_Mitragynine_MGM-15_NPS_Discovery_050626.pdf

NPS Discovery. (n.d.). Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. https://www.cfsre.org/nps-discovery/monographs/mitragynine-pseudoindoxyl

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2026). Kratom. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom