Kratom and 7-OH Detox in Virginia 

Kratom is made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, which act as a stimulant at low doses and mimics the effects of opioids at higher doses. 

7-OH, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, is one of the active compounds in kratom and is often produced synthetically. 7-OH produces an even stronger opioid-like effect and is even more addictive than kratom.  

Although the Virginia government recently placed restrictions on kratom and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has placed 7-OH and three related kratom-based products into Schedule I Classification, many people are not aware of the dangers of these substances. Nearly 2 million Americans use kratom, a number that has risen dramatically over the past decade. 

Many users of kratom or 7-OH become addicted unintentionally after being offered kratom products that are promoted as an herbal supplement or an energy booster. This mistaken idea that this is a safe product is only strengthened by these products being underregulated and easily available at vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores. 

Even though cigarettes, alcohol, and even lottery tickets are federally regulated, in many states kratom has no age restrictions, carries no warnings, and is not kept locked up or behind the counter. Although Virginia and other states are starting to put more regulations in place, many people are still unaware of how addictive kratom is. 

Kratom is not approved by the U.S. FDA for safe medical use, and several of its synthesized and concentrated variants (7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM 16) have been confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to have no accepted medical use. 

How to Spot Kratom Dependency 

Keep an eye out for these signs that could indicate kratom or 7-OH dependency: 

• Spending too much money 

• Needing more and more to feel anything 

• Feeling sick or becoming depressed or irritable if you stop using, don’t use enough, or not fast enough 

• Being unable to stop when you want to 

Any of these may be a sign that detox may be needed. 

The primary option for kratom detox is medication. This can be administered on an outpatient basis by a licensed medical provider who specializes in treating addiction. 

Inpatient medical care, such as inpatient detox, may be recommended.  

Detoxing from 7-OH or kratom is the first step. Ongoing addiction treatment is designed to teach the skills to prevent relapse. The Master Center model of care is based on scientific evidence for what is proven to work and decades of experience treating more than 10 thousand patients.  

Addiction affects many parts of a person’s life. That’s why Master Center supports recovery through five key areas. 

• Medical Care 
  Medication helps address the physical side of addiction – getting a patient sober and helping to protect them from relapse.   

• Recovery Coaching 
  Recovery coaching brings connection to another recovering person and provides support between appointments   

• Therapy 
  Therapy helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that come with addiction and find ways to change on the inside and outside 

• Psychiatry 
  Psychiatry helps address mental health concerns that often occur alongside addiction. 

• Care Coordination & Healthcare Navigation 
  Treatment and recovery can be complicated. Care coordination helps keep everything connected, while Healthcare Navigation connects you with resources that support your recovery like housing, food banks, and primary care. 

Each service plays a different role. Together, they create a stronger foundation for recovery. 

Dependency on kratom or 7-OH is treated with many of the same medications used for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), such as Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine works by satisfying the brain’s need for these substances and suppressing cravings. 

Buprenorphine is used to treat cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but does not necessarily cure dependency. Other comfort medications used for withdrawal symptoms include clonidine, hydroxyzine, and ondansetron.

Choosing medication to support your recovery is an individual decision that you will make with guidance from your medical provider. Additional supportive services work in tandem with medications to support long term health. 

Detox – getting the drug out of your system – works fairly quickly, usually taking 7 to 14 days.  

Afterwards, the timeline of ongoing treatment depends on your personal situation. Without ongoing treatment after detox, the risk of relapse is greater, with a higher chance of taking you back to square one.  

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires lifetime care, but that care won’t always be intensive or time-consuming. The most intense treatment is early on, with a goal of reaching a low-touch maintenance phase to support lifelong recovery. 

Can Patients Continue Working and Caring For Family? 

Yes! Outpatient care, like ours, is designed to help you continue to live your life while detoxing and continuing care afterwards.  Extended hours and a hybrid telehealth model allow you to better fit care around your job, family, and other commitments.  

Master Center combines every model proven to work, all in one place and all at the same time, to give you the best chance at lasting recovery. It is quick and convenient to get started, with same day appointments available and several Master Center locations across the Commonwealth. 

How to tell if someone is using kratom? 

• You can’t know for sure if someone is using it, but clues include: 

• Opioid-like withdrawal symptoms such as (Physical illness, sleep changes, irritability, depression) 

• Increased spending or signs that they’re spending more money than they have 

• Going through lots of bottles – many kratom or 7-OH products come in capsule form or look like energy shot drinks.

Is kratom addictive? 

• Yes. Kratom attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain, producing the same high and the same chance for dependency and addiction. 7-OH is a synthetic, concentrated version that can be even more addictive.  

Does kratom help with opioid withdrawal? 

• No. But it can create two addictions instead of just one.  

Does suboxone help with kratom withdrawal? 

• Yes. Because kratom acts like an opioid in the brain, the same medications can help with kratom and opioids.  

What is 7-OH? 

• 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, is one of the active ingredients of the botanical drug kratom. Although very little of it is in kratom, it is often separated and concentrated to make a highly addictive opioid. 7-OH and three related substances have been classified as Schedule I controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

Does 7-OH show up on a drug test? 

• It depends. Kratom and 7-OH are still new and not illegal in many states. Some urine drug screens may not pick up these substances, but more and more tests now identify the use of kratom and 7-OH.  

Can you overdose on kratom or 7-OH? 

• It’s not common on its own. However, as kratom is often consumed with other substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, or opioids, kratom use can contribute to overdose.  
• Although there have not been confirmed overdoses from kratom or 7-OH, there have been toxicity reports where people have experienced seizures, sedation, or psychosis from taking too much.

Is kratom/7-OH legal? 

• Kratom is considered a controlled substance in six states and is restricted in several others.  

• In Virginia, as of July 2026, it is illegal to sell kratom products to customers under 21. In addition, all kratom products must be locked up or placed behind the counter, and packaging must include an ingredients list and a warning label. 7-OH products are illegal in Virginia. 

• Federally, 7-OH and three of its relatives (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16) are listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed these substances have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sees them as a threat to public safety. 

Where is Master Center located? 

• Master Center has several locations across Virginia. Find yours here. 

Call our intake hotline at 804.323.7029 to schedule your first appointment.

Page reviewed by Keeley Grimm, DNP, BS, RN.