The Risks And Dangers of Gas Station Kratom Like OPiA Pills
Let’s start with the basics: OPiA is a brand of kratom pills or tablets. Since they’re sold in spaces like gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores, they’re easily accessible in most states.
Because of this, as well as the fact that they’re typically marketed as an herbal supplement, people often mistake them as being safe (or safer) than other drugs.
In reality, there are very real risks and dangers associated with gas station kratom like OPiA pills.
So, are OPiA kratom tablets addictive? How do you stop using them? What else should you know? Education is crucial for people who use kratom and their loved ones.
South Shores Detox treats kratom addiction through an evidence-based, person-centered approach. We’re here to help you or your loved one stop using OPiA tablets and achieve sustainable recovery.
Are OPiA Kratom Tablets Addictive?
Yes. OPiA Kratom tablets are addictive. In fact, these products contain a highly concentrated version of one of kratom’s main active alkaloids, called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). This means that they’re more potent than some other kratom products.
Regular use of even standard kratom products can cause physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms and cravings upon discontinuation. In turn, people may have a difficult time getting off the drug. This can create a cycle of addiction.
This is even more pronounced with these extract versions of the drug, which have the potential to flood opioid receptors and cause dependence even more readily than natural kratom.
What are the Risks and Dangers of OPiA 7 OH Kratom Tablets?
What are the current known risks of OPiA tablets? Addiction is just one of the dangers associated with kratom use. Here are some of the possible adverse effects to be aware of if you or someone you know uses kratom products.
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Cases of NAS have been reported in instances where people regularly used kratom but not opioids during pregnancy.
- Heart and lung problems. For example, high blood pressure and slowed breathing.
- Gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Neurological issues (e.g., confusion, tremors, and seizures).
- Liver problems, including the potential for acute liver injury.
- Drowsiness and sedation.
- Dizziness.
This isn’t a complete list of possible consequences of kratom use on the human body. For example, while it’s less common than it is with traditional opioids, overdose can occur in those who use kratom.
OPiA Kratom: Drug Interactions and Polysubstance Use
Kratom can interact with other drugs. Using kratom with other drugs raises the risk of serious repercussions, such as overdose, liver damage, and death. The majority of kratom overdose cases also involve other substances.
For example, a person with opioid addiction may use a drug like fentanyl alongside kratom, leading to an increased chance of overdose. Both drugs can cause respiratory depression, making it more difficult for oxygen to get to the brain. This can cause permanent brain damage quickly if the overdose isn’t treated.
That said, a drug overdose caused only by kratom is possible. Kratom overdose can be reversed via treatments used for opioid overdose, like naloxone. Be aware of the risk of overdose and act right away if you notice the signs.
Are There Mental Health Risks to Kratom Abuse?
Research shows that products derived from kratom leaves can worsen psychiatric symptoms.
For example, those with conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and related disorders may experience the worsening of manic and psychotic symptoms as a result of kratom consumption.
With OPiA kratom and other 7 OH products in particular, withdrawal can cause severe depression and include the risks of suicidal ideation (or even intention).
The Presence of Heavy Metals in Kratom Products
High amounts of heavy metals have been found in Kratom products. For example, levels of lead and nickel that are not considered safe for human consumption. This is one crucial consideration for those wondering whether Kratom is safe to use.
Is Kratom Legal? Kratom Regulation in the United States
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers kratom a drug and chemical of concern. Regulations vary by state, county, and city. For example, while kratom is not banned in California at large, it is banned in San Diego.
On July 29th, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a scheduling action to control certain 7-OH products under the Controlled Substances Act. As time goes on, the legal status of Kratom products may change.
If you’re in an area where kratom isn’t legal, you can face repercussions for possessing the drug. Legal repercussions related to substance use or possession can have serious impacts on your life, making things like finding employment more challenging.
Kratom Withdrawal vs Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Common kratom withdrawal symptoms are a lot like those seen in opioid withdrawal. Like the effects of the drug itself, withdrawal symptoms can vary widely, both in type and severity.
With that in mind, kratom withdrawal symptoms may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Urges to use kratom (drug cravings).
- Depressed mood or mood swings.
- Feeling tense, restless, or irritable.
- Low energy and fatigue.
- A feverish sensation.
- Joint or muscle pain.
- Loss of concentration.
- Diarrhea.
- Tremors.
- Itching.
- Runny nose.
- Insomnia.
- Yawning.
- Chills.
The active ingredient in kratom products like OPiA acts on the opioid receptors. Medications used to treat opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine-naloxone, can be used to address kratom withdrawal symptoms.
Treating OPiA Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
South Shores Detox and Recovery provides medically supervised detox services. Our team is here to help you get through kratom withdrawal safely. Treatment for withdrawal symptoms will often involve monitoring, medications (not limited to those used for opioid use disorder), and hydration support.
The only fail-safe way to avoid the risks associated with kratom is to stop using the drug altogether. While detox is important, treating addiction involves more than getting through withdrawal symptoms. Therapy is an essential next step.
Addressing the Underlying Causes of Kratom Dependence
Some people start using kratom for pain relief associated with medical conditions like fibromyalgia. Others use it as an attempt to self-medicate symptoms of mental disorders, like anxiety or depression. It can also be used in recreational settings. Regardless of why you use kratom, the addictive potential is there.
When underlying causes are present, addressing them matters. South Shores Detox provides dual diagnosis treatment for persons with co-occurring mental health concerns.
Our residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment programs provide comprehensive therapy for kratom addiction.
At our center, you’ll work with team members to set and meet your own personal recovery goals. For example:
- Managing symptoms of mental health conditions without kratom use.
- Rebuilding interpersonal relationships after drug abuse.
- Creating daily life routines that support a sober lifestyle.
- Preventing relapse.
Everyone facing kratom addiction is unique. Recovery is possible. Finding the right treatment center, approach, and team matters. We’re here to help.
Call South Shores Detox for Proven Kratom Abuse Treatment
South Shores Detox provides effective treatment for kratom addiction and withdrawal symptoms. With a full continuum of care available and a comprehensive team of medical and mental health providers, we take a personalized approach to drug abuse treatment.
Getting effective treatment can help you overcome kratom use and avoid the possible risks associated with the drug. Still, it can be difficult to reach out for help. Our Southern California addiction treatment center is here to make it easier.
Please call our admissions line to connect with a team member confidentially.
FAQs About OPiA Kratom Tablets and Addiction
What is the origin of kratom? Is kratom natural?
Kratom is a type of tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It is also called Mitragyna Speciosa. What you see sold in stores is usually kratom leaves ground into kratom powder. In some cases, it’s sold in the form of a pill or tablet, like with OPiA products. While kratom leaf is natural, some 7 OH kratom products contain chemical compounds that are synthetic.
Does kratom have medical uses?
Not offically. At this time, the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical uses.
Is kratom hard on the heart?
Yes. Kratom has been associated with organ damage and cardiac toxicity. Tachycardia and hypertension are some of the most common safety issues related to heart health in kratom users. It can also lead to other heart-related health issues, including cardiopulmonary arrest, where the heart and lungs stop functioning properly.
What strength of kratom is an opioid?
Kratom isn’t a classical opioid, regardless of dose. However, kratom can produce both opioid and stimulant-like effects. Many people self-report that they use low doses of kratom as an “energy booster,” but that higher doses cause opioid-like effects, such as sedation.
Is kratom bad for your body?
Yes. Kratom can cause a range of physical health problems. These include, but aren’t restricted to, heart problems, liver toxicity, fatal or non-fatal overdose, drug interactions, and neurological issues.
Does kratom show up as an opioid on drug tests?
Usually, no. However, kratom can create a false positive for opioid drugs like methadone.
References
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- Ahmed, S., Tran, Q. V., & McLean, M. (2023, August 8). The great imitator: A case of accidental kratom overdose. Cureus.
- Commissioner, O. of the. (n.d.). FDA tests kratom products for heavy metals. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Bachu AK;Singal P;Griffin B;Harbaugh L;Prasad S;Jain L;Mohiuddin S;Papudesi BN;Nagi T;Youssef NA;Chopra A;Ahmed S; (n.d.). Kratom use and Mental Health: A systematic literature review and case example. Journal of addictive diseases.
- Bowdring, M. A., Leas, E. C., Vishwakarma, M., Schleicher, N. C., Prochaska, J. J., & Henriksen, L. (2023, August 23). Kratom availability in California Vape Shops. Preventive medicine reports.
- Arhin, M., Mobley, J., Hamad, H., & Remick, P. (2023a, June 29). Successful management of Kratom use disorder with buprenorphine and Naloxone. Cureus.
- A;, C. F. R. H. (n.d.). Cardiovascular health in Kratom users; a narrative review. Journal of addictive diseases.
- Kratom metabolite causes false positive urine drug screening results for methadone | American Journal of Clinical Pathology | oxford academic. (n.d.-f).