-- Workit Health announced it now provides online treatment for individuals experiencing dependence on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH, through its telehealth platform. The service offers medical support, prescriptions, and counseling for people facing withdrawal, cravings, and related health risks.
Photo Courtesy of Workit Health
Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has gained traction in recent years. Lower doses produce stimulant effects, while higher doses act on the brain in ways similar to opioids. Stronger derivatives such as 7-OH have raised concern among clinicians and regulators due to their potency and accessibility.
7-OH is a concentrated form of a compound found in the kratom leaf. It can be 15–40 times as potent as leaf kratom, increasing the risk of dependence. FDA took action in July 2025 to restrict its availability. Leaf kratom remains unregulated at the federal level, leaving product strength and composition inconsistent. Authorities at state, county, and municipal levels have taken additional steps to address these products.
“These products may be marketed for general wellness, energy, or mood benefits, or as a safe, ‘natural’ form of high,” said Dr. Justin Coffey, Chief Medical Officer at Workit Health. “But there is no evidence-based indication for medical use of either kratom or 7-OH. These products are not currently regulated, so it is impossible for individuals to know what they are consuming, including their properties, side effects, or risks.”
Reports from users describe rapid escalation in use and difficulty stopping. One Workit Health member shared, “I was in quite a bit of pain when someone told me I should try this new, stronger kratom. I stupidly believed that that’s all that 7-OH was. I had no idea how addictive it can be. Boy, did I learn fast! By June, I was taking upwards of 240 mg of 7-OH per day. I tried to wean down on my own, but the withdrawals were so bad I couldn’t function normally.”
Families report similar strain. Another individual described the impact on a loved one, stating, “As my husband’s dependence on kratom deepened, I saw the spark fade from his eyes. At his lowest point, he contemplated suicide. He told me he felt trapped. He said the withdrawal made him feel like there was no escape, like the pain in his body and mind would never end.”
Clinical data aligns with these accounts. Dr. Coffey added, “In our experience, individuals with problematic use of kratom or 7-OH experience significant anxiety and agitation, in addition to other signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder. The good news is that buprenorphine, which is a remarkably safe and effective treatment for opioid use disorder, can also be used to treat kratom or 7-OH use disorder. We see more and more individuals in our program with this condition, and treatment can be life-saving.”
Through its app, Workit Health connects members with licensed clinicians, offers virtual visits, and provides medication-assisted treatment. The company reports increased demand for care tied to kratom use as high-potency products become more widely available.
About Workit Health
Workit Health, founded in 2015, provides telehealth treatment for substance use disorders. The platform offers video visits, e-prescribing, and therapy support for opioid, alcohol, and kratom use disorders. The company reports serving more than 35,000 members across the United States. Learn more about Workit Health at: https://www.workithealth.com.
Contact Info:
Name: Jaclyn Jutras, VP of Marketing
Email: Send Email
Organization: Workit Health
Website: http://www.workithealth.com
Release ID: 89197076
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