Karen Wolownik Albert, CEO of Recovery Centers of America at St. Charles, joined FOX 32 Chicago to talk about kratom, a product often marketed as a supplement that Naperville has now pulled from store shelves. Her message for Illinois families: regular kratom use can lead to dependence and withdrawal, and help is available.
Naperville’s ban on the retail sale of all kratom products, natural and synthetic, including 7-OH, took effect October 1, 2026. The ordinance does not ban possession. City officials cited concerns about addiction, overdoses, and a lack of regulation, and several other Illinois communities have also restricted kratom sales. State law already prohibits selling kratom to anyone under 18.
Natural Kratom vs. Concentrated 7-OH
Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is often sold as a natural way to boost energy, lift mood, or ease stress and pain, but the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use.
Not all kratom products are the same. Natural kratom leaf contains mostly mitragynine and only small amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. Concentrated and semi-synthetic 7-OH products, often sold as tablets, gummies, shots, or “enhanced” kratom, contain much more. The FDA says 7-OH can be more potent than morphine, and in 2025 it recommended federal scheduling of concentrated 7-OH products, not natural leaf.
Both can lead to dependence. Higher-potency 7-OH products carry greater opioid-like risks, including slowed breathing, especially at high doses or when combined with other substances.
Withdrawal and Treatment
People who use kratom regularly can build tolerance. When they stop, withdrawal can resemble opioid withdrawal, though it is often milder: muscle aches, trouble sleeping, sweating, a runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, low energy, and cravings. Other reported risks include confusion, sedation, and, in rare cases, serious liver injury.
Karen also explained how treatment can help. There is currently no approved medication specifically for kratom withdrawal. Because kratom acts on some of the same receptors as opioids, physicians may consider medications such as buprenorphine, which is FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder. Its use for kratom is off-label and is a case-by-case decision based on a medical assessment. Withdrawal management can be one part of a continuum of care that includes detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment.
Parents can help by learning what kratom and 7-OH products look like and talking openly with their kids about the risks of any substance, including ones sold as “natural.”
Watch the full FOX 32 Chicago segment:
If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom, 7-OH or opioid use, we are here to help. Learn more about our Illinois treatment centers. Call 1.800.RECOVERY or contact us online today.
