7-Hydroxymitragynine: The Hidden Driver Behind Kratom's Addictive Potential

Last Updated October 2025

Psychoactive Alkaloids in Kratom

Kratom and 7-Hydroxy: Not Just A Dietary Supplement

7-hydroxymitragynine is a potent alkaloid found in kratom. It occurs in much smaller amounts than its cousin mitragynine, but it packs a much stronger punch at the brain's opioid receptors. While mitragynine is often seen as the primary active compound in kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine is the one most responsible for its addictive grip.

 

The body does not just ingest 7-hydroxy from raw leaf. It also creates it by metabolizing mitragynine. That means even if someone avoids extracts or enhanced powders, their body is still converting some portion of regular kratom into this more powerful metabolite.

How 7-Hydroxymitragynine Works in the Brain

Both mitragynine and 7-hydroxy bind to mu-opioid receptors. These are the same receptors activated by morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. But while mitragynine is considered a partial agonist, 7-hydroxymitragynine is significantly stronger in its binding affinity.

 

Animal studies have shown that 7-hydroxymitragynine may be up to 13 times more potent than morphine. Its effects kick in fast, bind hard, and leave a longer tail of dependency than mitragynine alone. This is why some kratom users feel like they are not just dealing with caffeine jitters or a mild comedown. They describe full-blown withdrawal symptoms, even if their use started as occasional or casual.

 

The addictive profile of 7-hydroxy explains why kratom extracts are especially difficult to quit. These extracts often contain artificially boosted levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Some shots and capsules contain more 7-hydroxy than the entire natural leaf profile ever could. The result is a faster buildup of tolerance, more intense cravings, and a more painful crash.

Why This Matters for Quitting

People trying to stop kratom often underestimate the role of 7-hydroxy. They think they are quitting a tea leaf. In reality, they are coming off something that acts on the brain like an opioid. The withdrawals hit in waves. Restless legs. Mood swings. Nausea. Deep fatigue. A lingering fog that hangs around long after the worst is over.

 

The conversion of mitragynine into 7-hydroxy keeps withdrawal symptoms alive longer than expected. Even after the last dose, the body continues to clear residual 7-hydroxy from the system. Recovery takes time. The brain needs support to recalibrate its natural dopamine and serotonin levels. Sleep patterns have to reset. Cortisol and adrenaline need regulation.

 

This is where structure makes a difference. Guessing your way through kratom withdrawal rarely works. Stacking random supplements or cold-turkey suffering is not a strategy. It is a gamble.

How Quit Kit Supports Recovery from 7-Hydroxy

Quit Kit was created for this exact challenge. People trying to step away from kratom or 7-hydroxymitragynine need more than willpower. They need a system that supports the whole recovery window. The kit provides targeted nutrients, timed through the day:

 

Morning Pack

  • L-Dopa helps replenish dopamine and fight the energy crash
  • B-Vitamins and NAC promote nervous system recovery and antioxidant protection
  • Probiotics restore gut health and influence neurotransmitter balance

Afternoon Pack

  • L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety
  • Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol and stabilize mood

Night Pack

  • Magnesium Glycinate and GABA reduce restlessness and physical tension
  • L-Tryptophan and Melatonin help the body find restorative sleep

Every capsule plays a specific role. Not to cure or fix, but to support. Quit Kit is non-opioid, over the counter, and designed for people who want to quit at home. It ships free, includes a money-back guarantee, and follows a 21-day taper-friendly schedule.

Voices From People Who Quit 7-Hydroxy With Support from Quit Kit

“I’ve been taking Quit Kit for a total of five days now, but I have cut down my [7OH] usage by so much—by over half. I was taking 200 mg a day, and yesterday, I only took 90 mg all together. Also, I was able to go 17 hours this morning between doses. That is incredible and that’s how I know that this Quit Kit supplement is really working for me.” - OREGON

 

"I just wanted to say thank you for getting me back on my feet. I had been struggling with 7 hydroxy for about 4 months at a high dosage. It took about 4 days to start to feel anything but normal but the kit definitely helped with so many of the symptoms. I have tried to stop before without anything and it did not go well and after a day I was back to it. What you have made is a real game changer, if I ever know anybody who needs relief I will be telling them about this product. Thank you again for making such a wonderful product for a serious issue occurring with so many people." - ALASKA

A Stronger Compound Means a Smarter Exit Plan

7-hydroxymitragynine is the compound most responsible for kratom’s addictive nature. Its potency is real. Its grip is deep. And its withdrawal profile is often misunderstood or downplayed. Anyone trying to quit needs to know what they are really dealing with. This is not about shame or exaggeration. It is about honesty and preparation. Quitting takes more than motivation. It takes a plan. Quit Kit is that plan for thousands of people. It meets you where you are, helps you through the hardest days, and gives you the structure to stay off for good.

Much Love,

 

Matt von Boecklin

Founder / Quit Kit

Struggling with 7OH, Kratom, or Opioids?

Real recovery isn’t about finding another substance to rely on. It’s about getting your brain chemistry back to normal. That’s exactly what the Quit Kit is designed to do. With a three-week supply of three daily doses, Quit Kit helps to:

 

Support dopamine and serotonin balance – so you don’t feel like you’ve been hit by a truck when quitting.

 

Reduce withdrawal symptoms – without relying on stimulants, sedatives, or another addictive crutch.

 

Help rebuild focus and energy – with real neurochemical support, not more psychoactive substances.

Learn More

Struggling with 7OH, Kratom, or Opioids?

Real recovery isn’t about finding another substance to rely on. It’s about getting your brain chemistry back to normal. That’s exactly what the Quit Kit is designed to do. Quit Kit helps:

Support dopamine and serotonin balance – so you don’t feel like you’ve been hit by a truck when quitting.

Reduce withdrawal symptoms – without relying on stimulants, sedatives, or another addictive crutch.

Help rebuild focus and energy – with real neurochemical support, not more psychoactive substances.

Learn More

Sources

Matsumoto, Kenichi, et al. Involvement of μ-opioid receptor in the antidepressant-like effect of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the mouse tail suspension test. Neuropharmacology, vol. 134, 2018, pp. 224–230. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390817303933.

 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Kratom DrugFacts. NIDA, 2022
 

Bloomberg News. Kratom’s First FDA Study Suggests Capsules Safe at High Doses. Bloomberg.com, 17 Sept. 2024, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-17/kratom-s-first-fda-study-suggests-capsules-safe-at-high-doses
 

Recovery.com. Kratom Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment. Recovery.com, https://recovery.com/resources/kratom-withdrawal/
 

Quit Kit Product Details. https://tryquitkit.com/products/the-quit-kit

Statements made on this website have not been evaluated from the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Quit Kit is intended for adults 18 years and older. Consult a healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medications that may interact with the ingredients in Quit Kit, or have a medical condition.