What New York Families Should Know About 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl (MP)

Educational graphic for New York families explaining the risks of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), featuring a New York skyline, kratom leaves, example tablets, and chemical structures to illustrate emerging kratom-derived opioid compounds.

My name is Benjamin Zohar, NCACIP. As an intervention specialist supporting families across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, I’m increasingly being asked about the risks connected to kratom and its newer, more potent byproducts — especially 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP).

I’m sharing this information because many New Yorkers are unaware that some kratom-related substances can behave like powerful synthetic opioids. Families often contact me after seeing unexpected withdrawal symptoms, respiratory depression, or signs of dependence in a loved one who believed they were using a “natural” or “safe” supplement.

Educational infographic explaining mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), including how it forms from mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), its relationship to traditional kratom, potential opioid activity, health risks, and recent regulatory developments.

What 7-OH and MP Actually Are

According to a detailed public health review by MATTERS Network1, kratom contains more than 50 alkaloids. The primary one, mitragynine, is a mild and unusual opioid-like compound. However:

7-OH is a metabolite created when the body processes mitragynine.
MP (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl) is created from 7-OH in human plasma.

These byproducts are far more potent than kratom’s natural alkaloids. The MATTERS report notes that 7-OH is approximately 22 times more potent than mitragynine at the μ-opioid receptor, and MP is described as nearly as potent as fentanyl in its opioid activity.

Infographic explaining mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), showing how kratom is metabolized into mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, with potency comparisons, health risks, and public health implications.

Why This Matters in New York Right Now

In my work with families from Long Island, NYC nightlife communities, Orange County, and Westchester, I have seen individuals unintentionally develop symptoms resembling opioid use disorder after using kratom products marketed as “plant-based,” “legal,” or “safe.”

The MATTERS report highlights key dangers:

Respiratory depression similar to classical opioids
Liver toxicity and seizures
High misuse potential
Significant withdrawal symptoms after regular use

Because these products are sold openly in smoke shops, convenience stores, and online, many New Yorkers underestimate their risks — particularly teenagers, young adults, and people attempting self-medication.

Infographic comparing traditional kratom leaf products with concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) extracts, highlighting differences in source, potency, opioid activity, product forms, dependence risk, overdose potential, and regulation.

What I’m Seeing in Families Across NY

A pattern I frequently see:

Someone begins using kratom for energy, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal.
Tolerance increases — they need more to feel normal.
Stopping suddenly causes severe withdrawal.
Respiratory symptoms or nodding occur even though “it’s not an opioid.”

This aligns with MATTERS’ findings that 7-OH and MP produce opioid-like effects, including dependence and respiratory depression

What Families in New York Can Do

Here are practical steps I encourage:

Ask directly if kratom or “extracts” are being used.
Watch for withdrawal: chills, body aches, anxiety, stomach issues.
Have naloxone available — it works for 7-OH overdoses.
Seek professional guidance early — don’t wait for a crisis.

My Role as an Intervention Specialist

When a family contacts me about kratom-related problems, especially 7-OH or MP, I focus on:

SBIRT-informed screening to determine risk level
Crisis stabilization if overdose or severe withdrawal is occurring
Family coaching to create a unified, nonjudgmental plan
Treatment navigation with programs experienced in kratom-related withdrawal

New York families rarely realize how powerful these substances can be until symptoms escalate. Sharing this knowledge can help prevent emergencies.

For additional evidence-based information on concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), kratom dependence, withdrawal, and emerging semi-synthetic opioid derivatives, see the following resources:

Source

1. MATTERS Network (2025). Kratom Byproducts: 7-OH and MP — Drug & Contaminants Education. mattersnetwork.org/kratom-byproducts-7-oh-and-mp/

If You Work in Prevention, Treatment, or Harm Reduction

I welcome your observations and local data. What are you seeing in your New York region? Sharing insights helps strengthen statewide safety and education efforts.

— Benjamin Zohar, NCACIP
Intervention Specialist & Recovery Navigator, New York

Integrated Recovery & Intervention Education Network (IRIEN)