Addiction Clinics Reported Rising Kratom Withdrawal Cases

Healthcare providers observed a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for kratom and 7-OH use in 2026.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Bold vector editorial illustration of a glass mortar and pestle, representing clinical medical treatment for substance withdrawal. — Healthcare providers have observed a sharp rise in 2026 of patients seeking clinical treatment for withdrawal symptoms linked to kratom and 7-OH products. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Data from August 2026 revealed that kratom users accounted for 14% of new patient admissions at Boulder Care, up from 3% in September 2025. Clinicians are increasingly treating withdrawal symptoms related to products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Why it matters

Patients are turning to these supplements to manage pain, anxiety, or previous substance use, yet often find themselves needing clinical intervention. Access restrictions and local bans are also cited as factors that may exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction treatment providers reported a surge in patients seeking care for kratom, with one network seeing intake rise to 20 patients per week. Federal data shows lifetime kratom usage hit 5 million by 2023, while annual poison center reports rose to 3,434.

The players

Boulder Care

This telehealth-based addiction treatment provider offers specialized care for various substance use disorders.

Recovery Centers of America

This network operates inpatient and outpatient clinics providing treatment for substance abuse and addiction.

Drug Enforcement Administration

This federal agency is responsible for enforcing controlled substance laws and is currently planning an effective ban on certain 7-OH concentrations.

The details

Clinicians treat withdrawal from these concentrated wellness supplements using established opioid use disorder medications like buprenorphine, naloxone, and methadone. Nearly one-third of new patients starting buprenorphine at Boulder Care this August reported active kratom or 7-OH use.

Between 2019 and 2023, lifetime kratom use grew from 4 million to 5 million people.
Kratom users represented 3% of new patients at Boulder Care in September 2025.
In July 2026, kratom users made up 8% of new patient intake at Boulder Care.
During August 2026, kratom users reached 14% of new patient admissions.

Health Landscape

The emergence of concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products highlights a shift where unregulated supplements frequently bypass traditional medical oversight. This complicates public health efforts as clinicians integrate these products into existing opioid withdrawal treatment frameworks.

Individuals struggling with kratom or 7-OH withdrawal can access evidence-based support through established programs that utilize buprenorphine and methadone. Patients are encouraged to consult with addiction specialists if they experience severe symptoms while attempting to stop use.

The takeaway

Patients who use kratom as a self-management tool should be aware that highly concentrated 7-OH products carry significant physical dependency risks. If you or a loved one are experiencing withdrawal, seek professional guidance as clinicians are now utilizing standard opioid use disorder protocols for relief.