Northbrook, Ill.-based Brightside Recovery reported a threefold increase in patients seeking treatment for 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, in recent months as federal officials move to restrict the substance, WTTW News reported Oct. 7.
The provider, which operates clinics in Northbrook, North Aurora, Olympia Fields, Rockford and Peoria, said 9 in 10 patients seeking treatment in the last month were using 7-OH.
The potent kratom-derived compound, often sold in concentrated or synthetic forms, is sold at gas stations and vape shops in tablets, energy shots and gummies. David Kushner, MD, medical director at Brightside Recovery, said the substance produces effects similar to opioids and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. The clinic is now treating more patients for 7-OH use than fentanyl use, he said.
In July, the Drug Enforcement Administration moved to temporarily place 7-OH in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. In August, the DEA placed three 7-OH-related substances — mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 — in Schedule I. The proposed scheduling of 7-OH itself has not yet taken effect.
Phil Atteberry, co-founder and executive vice president of Brightside Recovery, said the proposed restrictions may be prompting more patients to seek treatment. He also raised concerns that people experiencing withdrawal could turn to fentanyl or heroin instead.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said kratom/7-OH fatalities have steadily declined over the last five years, according to a statement shared with WTTW. The agency continues to recommend naloxone and other opioid reversal agents to prevent overdoses.
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