The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about concentrated 7-OH products sold online and at gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores, saying the potent opioid can cause addiction and fatal overdoses.
The public safety announcement identifies 7-OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, as a substance found in products including tablets, gummies, drink mixes and liquid shots.
Trace amounts occur naturally in kratom leaves, but concentrated products can contain much higher levels, according to the announcement. The sheriff’s office warns that colorful packaging and descriptions such as “natural” or “herbal” do not establish that a product is safe.
Concentrated 7-OH can cause dependence, withdrawal and dangerously slowed breathing. The Food and Drug Administration advises consumers to avoid 7-OH products and says the substance is not approved for any medical use.
The sheriff’s office urges adults to keep these products away from children and teenagers and discuss the risks with young people.
Its announcement also outlines signs of a possible overdose: a person who cannot be awakened; slow, shallow or stopped breathing; blue or gray lips or fingernails; and gurgling or choking sounds.
Anyone witnessing a suspected overdose should call 911 immediately, administer naloxone, also known as Narcan, if available, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions for rescue breathing or CPR. If the person is breathing, place them on their side and stay until help arrives.
Emergency care is still necessary even if the person wakes up, the announcement emphasizes.
Free, confidential treatment referrals are available around the clock through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP, or 4357. Treatment providers can also be found through FindTreatment.gov.
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