A physician-supervised pathway to freedom from kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine dependence — with the goal of eventually becoming medication-free.
Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are becoming increasingly common causes of opioid-like dependence. Many people begin using these products believing they are safer alternatives to prescription opioids or other substances. Unfortunately, regular use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, cravings, and difficult withdrawal symptoms.
At Direct2Recovery in Phoenix, Arizona, we understand that many people struggling with kratom or 7-OH dependence don’t want to trade one long-term dependency for another.
That’s why we offer an individualized treatment approach that may involve short-term Suboxone followed by monthly Sublocade injections, with the ultimate goal of safely discontinuing medication when clinically appropriate.
Why Is Kratom and 7-OH So Difficult to Quit?
Kratom contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. One of these compounds, 7-hydroxymitragynine, has significant opioid activity.
Concentrated 7-OH products can produce substantial physical dependence, sometimes developing surprisingly quickly.
People attempting to quit may experience:
- Severe anxiety and restlessness
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
- Sweating, chills, and fatigue
- Intense cravings and repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop
The good news is that effective medical treatment options are available.
Our Treatment Approach: Suboxone Followed by Sublocade.
Step 1: Stabilization With Suboxone — Up to 8 Weeks
The first step may involve treatment with Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone).
Suboxone can help relieve opioid-like withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and allow patients to stop using kratom or 7-OH.
Our physician determines the appropriate starting dose and timing based on the patient’s substance use history, withdrawal symptoms, and medical needs.
For patients seeking a shorter treatment course, this initial phase may last several weeks, with a goal of transitioning within 8 weeks when appropriate.
During this phase, we focus on:
- Stopping kratom and 7-OH use
- Controlling withdrawal symptoms
- Reducing cravings
- Restoring normal sleep and daily functionings
- Developing a sustainable recovery plan
Step 2: Transition to Sublocade — A Planned 2–3-Month Course
Once stabilized, appropriate patients may transition from daily Suboxone to Sublocade.
Sublocade is a once-monthly extended-release buprenorphine injection that provides sustained medication levels without requiring patients to take a daily medication.
This can be particularly appealing to people who want to move away from the daily routine of taking Suboxone.
For selected patients, we may plan an initial course of two to three months of Sublocade treatment.
Benefits may include:
- No daily Suboxone tablets or films
- Consistent buprenorphine delivery
- Continued control of withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Less focus on daily medication administration
- A potential pathway toward eventual medication discontinuation
Step 3: Working Toward Medication-Free Recovery
One of the unique characteristics of Sublocade is its extended-release formulation.
After the final injection, buprenorphine continues to be released gradually as the medication depot breaks down. Drug levels decline over time rather than stopping abruptly.
For some patients, this gradual decline may make the process of discontinuing buprenorphine more manageable than stopping daily medication.
However, withdrawal symptoms can still occur, sometimes weeks or months after the last injection.
At Direct2Recovery, we monitor patients throughout this process and provide additional support or treatment when necessary.
Our goal is not simply to replace kratom or 7-OH with another medication.
Our goal is to help patients achieve lasting recovery, with medication-free living as an option when it is safe and sustainable.
Is This Treatment Right for Everyone?
Not necessarily.
Some people can discontinue kratom with supportive care and do not require buprenorphine. Others have more severe dependence or coexisting opioid use disorder and benefit from longer-term medication treatment.
Our approach begins with an individualized medical evaluation.
We consider the severity of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, previous attempts to quit, coexisting substance use, and each patient’s personal recovery goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.
Why Choose Direct2Recovery?
Direct2Recovery is a physician-led addiction medicine practice in Phoenix, Arizona, founded by Paul Flatley, DO, FASAM, a board-certified addiction medicine and emergency medicine physician.
We offer:
- Same-day and next-day appointments when available
- In-person treatment in Phoenix
- Telemedicine appointments throughout Arizona when clinically appropriate
- Suboxone treatment and Sublocade injections
- Individualized treatment plans
- Commercial insurance and AHCCCS coverage, subject to plan benefits and authorization requirements
- Ongoing medical supervision and recovery support
We understand that many people struggling with kratom and 7-OH dependence are afraid of withdrawal, frustrated by repeated attempts to quit, and concerned about becoming dependent on another medication.
We work with patients to develop a realistic plan that addresses those concerns.
Ready to Quit Kratom or 7-OH?
You do not have to continue the cycle of dependence and withdrawal.
Whether you are using kratom powder, extracts, concentrated 7-OH tablets, or other products, our medical team can help you explore your treatment options.
Direct2Recovery Medication-Assisted Treatment Specialists.
Serving patients throughout Arizona via telemedicine and in-person care.
602-601-7429
Direct2Recovery.com
Schedule your consultation today and let’s discuss the best plan for your recovery.
Direct2Recovery — Phoenix, Arizona
Medical disclaimer: Buprenorphine treatment for kratom or 7-OH dependence requires individualized clinical assessment and may be off-label depending on the diagnosis. A short course of Sublocade is not a proven cure for kratom or 7-OH dependence. Treatment duration, medication discontinuation, and long-term recovery outcomes vary. Sublocade is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder.
