What You Need to Know Kratom

Kratom and 7-OH products are often talked about casually, but it’s worth slowing down and knowing the facts. Share the facts with friends and family, and be a positive influence by living a substance-free life.

Kratom Facts to Know

What is Kratom?

Kratom comes from a tree in Southeast Asia. The leaves are processed into products like pills, powders, and drinks.

Natural Doesn’t Mean Safe

Kratom is a drug. Kratom and 7-OH products are often talked about casually, but it’s worth slowing down and knowing the facts. Share the facts with friends and family, and be a positive influence by living a substance-free life.

Mitragynine & 7-OH

Kratom leaves contain 2 major chemicals that can be highly addictive: Mitragynine & 7-OH.

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Teens may think that natural means safe, but Kratom is a powerful drug with serious side effects

Protect Your Brain and Body

Using Kratom can cause a range of effects, including:

  • nausea

  • dizziness

  • trouble breathing

  • faster or slower heartbeat

  • anxiety

  • irritability

  • memory problems

  • depression

  • chemical, social, or physical dependence

Choose to Stay Healthy!

Protect Yourself. Know the Risks.

Need to Talk?

Whether it has been a bad day, or you just need someone to listen, reach out now. Talk or text 24/7 with these resources designed to support youth.

  • 911 Emergency Services

  • 988 Crisis Lifeline

  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

  • State Crisis Line: 844-534-4673

  • OAR Line: 1-888-688-4222

What can you do?

Talk with your child about staying substance-free and never using kratom or 7-OH products. It’s never too early to have a conversation about kratom and other drugs. The sooner you talk about the risks of substance use, the greater chance you have of influencing your child’s decisions. Remind them that “natural” doesn’t mean safe and that kratom products can show up in different forms like pills, powders, and drinks. Encourage your child to do their own research and to come to you with questions. LearnMoreAZ.org has information on fentanyl tailored for teens.

Monitor what your child. Keep track of what your child is seeing online and who they’re connected to. Substances can be promoted and shared through texts and social media, so keep an eye on where your child spends time online. Ask who they follow and what they’re seeing and hearing. Before allowing your child to set up accounts, consider having them sign a social media safety contract so expectations are clear. Teach your children to watch out for marketing gimmics in common places, such as gas stations or convenience stores. 

 

Get the facts on Kratom & 7-OH. When you talk with your child, don’t skip the details. Be specific: kratom comes from a tree, but there is no oversight on how it is made, and it’s not approved for medicinal use in the USA. Kratom leaves contain two major chemicals that can be highly addictive: Mitragynine & 7-OH. Let them know kratom use can lead to serious problems, and that protecting their brain and body matters.

Sources: NIDA, CDC, SAMHSA

This publication was made possible by grant number H79TI083320 from SAMHSA. The views, opinions and content of this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of SAMHSA or HHS.