In this eye-opening episode of the Poisoning Podcast, host Erin DeLullo sits down with Texas Tribune reporter Stephen Simpson to uncover the truth about Kratom – the controversial Southeast Asian plant hailed as an opioid alternative but plagued by rising poisonings and addiction.

Discover the battle between natural Kratom and synthetic 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), which the FDA cracked down on in July 2025 by recommending it as a controlled substance due to its opioid-like effects up to 13 times stronger than morphine.

Learn about mislabeling in gas stations, ties to THC debates in Texas, self-medication risks, and real stories of rapid addiction and overdose reversals with Narcan.

Key topics include:

• What is Kratom? Origins, uses for pain relief, and opioid withdrawal

• The rise of 7-OH: Synthetic dangers, industry wars, and poison control spikes

• Addiction risks: Becoming "crippling addicts" in under a week?

• Texas regulations: Bans, enforcement issues, and THC comparisons

• FDA updates: 2025 crackdown on 7-OH products and calls for better labeling

• Protecting kids: THC poisonings in minors and Kratom's appeal to youth

• Hope amid crisis: Community efforts, Narcan access, and mental health education

Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/EMDeLulloEmail us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.com

Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan

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