Kratom and Emerging Over-the-Counter Risks

Courtney Morgan
Jan 31
5 min read

Kratom and Emerging Over-the-Counter Risks

By Courtney Morgan

As conversations around substance use, treatment, and recovery continue, it is also important to talk about substances which are legal, widely available, and often misunderstood. One of those substances is Kratom.

Kratom is a plant-based product which can be legally purchased at many smoke shops, convenience stores, and specialty retailers. It is commonly sold as powders, capsules, liquid extracts, or bottled shots and is often marketed as a natural supplement for pain relief, energy, or mood support. Because Kratom is legal and sold over the counter, many people assume it is regulated or low risk, however, health professionals and recovery advocates are raising concerns about the growing availability of high-potency Kratom products, particularly those containing elevated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, often referred to as 7-OH.

What Is 7-OH?7-hydroxymitragynine is one of the active compounds found naturally in Kratom leaves, but only in very small amounts. In recent years, commercially produced products have appeared that contain concentrated or enhanced levels of this compound. Research shows that 7-OH acts on the brain’s opioid receptors and is significantly more potent than mitragynine, the primary compound traditionally associated with Kratom. Products containing higher concentrations of 7-OH can have effects similar to opioids, including sedation, tolerance, and dependence. Because Kratom products are largely unregulated, there are no consistent standards for strength, purity, or labeling. This means consumers may not know how potent a product is or how it may affect them.

Legal Does Not Always Mean Low Risk. The legal status of Kratom can create a false sense of safety. While some individuals report using Kratom without immediate harm, others experience unintended consequences, especially with frequent use or higher-potency products.

Another important concern is access within the home. When substances with opioid-like effects are sold openly and stored casually, they may be accessible to others in the household, including children, teens, or vulnerable family members. Substances which can affect the brain and body should be treated with the same care as prescription medications. Safe storage matters. Using locked containers, keeping products out of sight and reach, and having clear household rules can reduce the risk of accidental ingestion or misuse.

Dependence and Withdrawal Are Possible. People who regularly use high-potency Kratom or 7-OH products have reported developing dependence. When use stops, withdrawal symptoms can occur.

These may include:·

Anxiety and restlessness

Muscle aches and physical discomfort

Nausea or gastrointestinal distress

Sleep disruption

Depression and cravings

These symptoms are often described as similar to opioid withdrawal and can be difficult to manage without support.

Awareness, Not Judgment. This conversation is not about blame or shame. People use substances for many reasons, including pain, stress, trauma, or curiosity. What matters is access to accurate information and supportive resources.

As new over-the-counter products continue to enter the market, staying informed helps individuals and families make safer choices, especially when children are present in the home.

Save A Life provides locked medication storage containers as part of the harm reduction prevention services. If you or someone you know could benefit from a lock box to help keep medications or substances safely secured away from children or others in the home, you are encouraged to reach out.

How to Get Help:

If you or someone you care about is concerned about Kratom use, dependence, withdrawal, or household safety, help is available. Support is often most effective when accessed early, and no one has to navigate these concerns alone.

Save A Life Recovery Resource Center is available to support individuals and families with non-judgmental, peer-based assistance. Staff and volunteers can help people explore options, ask questions, make connections, and find resources that fit their needs. We provide free and confidential recovery coaching as well as creative programs and all recovery meetings. NA also hosts meetings at the center on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00pm.For confidential, 24/7 support and treatment referrals nationwide, individuals can also contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).Substance use conversations are evolving, and awareness is one way that communities can care for one another. Information, safety, and access to resources will help to make a difference.

Save A Life Recovery Resource Center

Location:19 VFW Road, Lincoln, ME 04457

Phone: 207-403-9100Email: director@salrecoverynetwork.org

Open Hours

· Monday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

· Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 – 6:00 PM

· Wednesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

· Thursday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

· Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Schedule Updates

Please check our Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule information. While we strive for consistency, occasional cancellations may occur. Facebook is the fastest way to see changes:facebook.com/SaveALifeRecoveryNetwork

Ways to Donate

Support our work in the following ways:

· PayPal: director@salrecovery.org

· Venmo: @thecenter207

· Checks:Save A Life Recovery Resource CenterP.O. Box 12Lincoln, ME 04457

Programs at the Center

Secondary Prevention Services (Free & Open to All)Available during all drop-in hours:

· Free Narcan™

· Wound care and hygiene kits

· Locked medication storage containers

· Medication disposal kits

· Quick, easy, free training

Weekly Schedule

Monday

· Poetry Sharing – 3:30 PM

· Haiku Hour – 4:00 PM

· Welcome Home NA* – 6:00 PM

Tuesday

· Open Hours – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (NEW)

· AA* – 12:00 PM

· Afternoon Tea Time – 3:00 PM

· Moms Supporting Moms – 4:00 PM (NEW)

· Recovery in Color- Every other Tuesday 5:30pm Next dates: 1/20, 2/3, 2/17 (NEW)

Wednesday

· Break the Vape – 3:00 PM (NEW)

· Creative Writing^ – 5:30 PM

Thursday

· Teen Recovery Coach Available – 3:00–6:00 PM(Guitar & Ukulele lessons, crafts, activities, and more)

· Knitting Circle – 5:00 PM (NEW)

· Welcome Home NA* – 6:00 PM

Friday

· The Balance Circle (Mental Health Peer Support) – 2:30 PM

· AA* – 7:00 PM

Saturday

· Music Club^ – 5:00 PM until finished

o 5:00–5:30 PM Acoustic

o All genres welcome after

o Instruments provided or bring your own

Sunday

· AA* – 1:00 PM

^ Free childcare available

· NA and AA groups are independent and not affiliated with Save A Life Recovery Resource Center

Recovery Coach Services (Free of Charge)

If you are seeking recovery from substance use or unhealthy lifestyle patterns, or are an affected loved one, we offer one-on-one support from Peer Recovery Coaches at no cost.We are also proud to offer support through our Volunteer Teen Recovery Coach.