CANAAN, CT — Mountainside Treatment Center’s Detox Program is experiencing a notable rise in kratom-related admissions as lawmakers and public health officials nationwide intensify scrutiny of the unregulated substance and its potent derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
Following Florida’s statewide ban on 7-OH and pending Connecticut legislation (HB 6855), Mountainside has seen increased engagement across multiple levels of care. While Jana Wu’s weekly virtual Kratom Support Group continues to attract new participants, particularly from Florida and New York City, where kratom products are still easily accessible, Mountainside’s Detox Program is also reporting a steady increase in clients seeking treatment for kratom dependence. Further, Mountainside professionals are noting that the severity and duration of withdrawal is more acute now than in years past.
“Many people assume kratom is a safe, natural alternative to opioids, but detoxing from kratom and 7-OH can be just as complex,” said Jana Wu, LCSW, LADC, ICADC, Director of Clinical Integration at Mountainside. “We’re seeing individuals struggling with dependence and withdrawal, often unaware of the risks. Mountainside has been tracking kratom use for several years and the acuity of clients for 7-OH in particular, can be even more severe.”
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse stated in the Wall Street Journal on August 19, 2025, that "people with opioid use disorders who use kratom will turn to much more dangerous drugs, leading to an increase in overdose deaths.”
Understanding the Difference: Kratom vs. 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia whose leaves contain natural alkaloids—primarily mitragynine—that act on opioid receptors, producing stimulant effects at low doses and sedative or euphoric effects at higher doses.
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a semi-synthetic derivative of kratom, is far more potent. It occurs naturally in trace amounts but is often concentrated or added to commercial products, dramatically increasing addiction potential and withdrawal severity. While kratom alone can cause dependence, 7-OH-enhanced products carry significantly higher risks for tolerance, craving, and withdrawal—often prompting individuals to seek medical detox or specialized support groups for education and recovery.
Leading the Way in Kratom & 7-OH Specific Detox Care
Mountainside’s medically supervised detox provides a safe environment for individuals withdrawing from kratom and other substances through:
- Professionals who have extensive experience and understanding of Kratom and 7-OH withdrawal
- Engagement in an in-person Kratom support group
- 24-hour medical oversight for safety and comfort
- Holistic stabilization includes nutrition, mindfulness, and rest
- Trauma-informed therapy and psychoeducation to reduce relapse risk
The FDA and CDC have raised concerns about kratom’s unregulated status and contamination in imported or synthetic products. As these issues draw national attention, Mountainside continues to serve as a trusted leader in kratom education, treatment, and advocacy.
National Leadership & Community Support
Mountainside’s experts have been featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, iHeart Radio, and the Dopey Podcast.
“Our goal is not to stigmatize—it’s to educate and support,” Wu emphasized. “People deserve accurate information, safe treatment, and a path forward.”
Let’s Talk Kratom Support Group
Tuesdays at 7-8pm Eastern, facilitated by a licensed clinician and Recovery Coach