Episodes

  • 175 Melanie Returns to Celebrate a Year Off 7-OH

    175 Melanie Returns to Celebrate a Year Off 7-OH
    Nov 30 2025
    Melanie (episode 110 from January 2025) returns to celebrate a year off 7-OH (quit date October 27, 2024). She is one of our first guests to discuss getting addicted specifically to 7-hydroxymitragynine products. Melanie also did not have any previous history of disordered substance use prior to this addiction. In follow-up questions after the interview, she texted Charlie the following responses - Melanie: Got up to spending $75 to $100 per day on 7-OH right before quitting.Took three and half days off of work during her detox.Never had withdrawals from mitragynine extract because she never took those daily. Getting laid-off from work six months after quitting was not related to her 7-OH addiction, though she did temporarily drink a little more to cope the first month she was unemployed. Several Statement Clarifications & Sources from Episode A. Charlie refers to 7-OH being “13 times more potent than morphine” The often-cited idea that 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is “~13 times more potent than morphine” comes from receptor-level and animal data, not direct human dose equivalence. It refers to higher potency at the mu-opioid receptor and stronger analgesic effects in preclinical models. Source: Obeng S. et al. 7-Hydroxymitragynine Is an Active Metabolite of Mitragynine and a Key Mediator of Its Analgesic Effects. ACS Central Science, 2019. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.9b00141 B. Melanie and Charlie talk about 7-OH’s “half-life of 3 hours” Human pharmacokinetic data show that 7-OH has a relatively short half-life (on the order of a few hours, depending on dosing and conditions), so “around three hours” is a reasonable simplification for listeners. Source: Obeng S. et al. Human Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine Pharmacokinetics after Oral Dosing of a Mitragynine-Rich Kratom Extract. Molecules, 2024; 29(5):984. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/5/984 C. Melanie says “it’s basically like heroin / legal heroin” This reflects Melanie’s personal subjective experience with high-potency 7-OH extract products. While 7-OH acts on opioid receptors and can cause dependence and withdrawal, kratom alkaloids differ from heroin in chemical structure, potency, and overdose profile. Source: Gorelick DA. Kratom: Substance of Abuse or Therapeutic Plant? Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2022; 45(3):415–430. https://www.psych.theclinics.com/article/S0193-953X(22)00027-2/fulltext D. Charlie and Melanie discuss “synthetic kratom” Kratom leaves naturally contain mitragynine, and after drying and oxidation, trace amounts of 7-OH. Many 7-OH products contain synthetic or semi-synthetic analogs not found in the plant. These products can be far stronger than traditional kratom powder and carry different risks. Source: Prevete E. et al. A Preliminary Inventory of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Products and Vendors on the Darknet and Cryptomarkets. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 2024; 56(4):485–495. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2023.2242361 E. Charlie compares 7-OH as “the cocaine of coca” This analogy is meant to illustrate the difference between a traditional plant product and its purified, concentrated alkaloid such as 7-OH. Coca leaves contain low levels of cocaine alkaloids and have historically been used in relatively mild ways, while cocaine is a chemically isolated, highly potent derivative. By analogy, ultra-potent 7-OH kratom extracts/synthetics are to kratom leaf what cocaine is to coca leaf: a conceptual comparison, not a direct pharmacological equivalence. Source: Naranjo PL. Social Function of Coca in Pre-Columbian America. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1981; 3(2–3):161–172. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0378874181900520 WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY ON THE PODCAST? https://forms.gle/VWrjhLSTPHqJyVhw7 QUITTING KRATOM SUPPORT MEETINGS https://www.kratommeetings.com CONNECT WITH US https://www.instagram.com/kratomsobriety https://twitter.com/kratomsobriety https://www.tiktok.com/@krat0ms0briety https://www.youtube.com/@KratomSobriety https://www.facebook.com/kratomsobriety https://bsky.app/profile/kratomsobriety.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@kratomsobriety CONTACT THE SHOW Voice: 313-437-7720 Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com https://kratomsobriety.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424 https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5 https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00
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    43 mins
  • E174 Stewart

    E174 Stewart
    Nov 23 2025

    Charlie introduces Rosa as a new cohost (episode #54 used the alias Sofia). In the interview, Natalie sits down with Stewart, a husband, father of three, and self-employed handyman from Mesa, Arizona, who is celebrating one year of sobriety from kratom. Stewart shares a candid story of how kratom entered his life, how his use escalated, and the impact it had on his health, family, and sense of purpose. He got up to 80 grams per day, tapered down, and used a faith-based 12-step program and help of his family to quit kratom. The online kratom-specific recovery community Stewart and Natalie discuss:

    Quitting Kratom Support

    https://kratomquitters.com

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    https://forms.gle/VWrjhLSTPHqJyVhw7

    QUITTING KRATOM SUPPORT MEETINGS

    https://www.kratommeetings.com

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    https://www.instagram.com/kratomsobriety

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    https://www.tiktok.com/@krat0ms0briety

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    https://www.facebook.com/kratomsobriety

    https://bsky.app/profile/kratomsobriety.bsky.social

    https://www.threads.net/@kratomsobriety

    CONTACT THE SHOW

    Voice: 313-437-7720

    Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com

    https://kratomsobriety.com

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424

    https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5

    https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00

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    54 mins
  • E173 Matt B. Returns to Discuss "QuitKit"

    E173 Matt B. Returns to Discuss "QuitKit"
    Nov 16 2025

    Jacob and Jazz talk about the growing presence of kratom extract products in stores, concerns about their sale, and efforts to offer healthier alternatives. In this week's interview, Jazz chats with Matt to discuss the progress he has made since his appearance on Episode #98. Matt shares new insights from his recovery journey and explains how his QuitKit product has become a valuable resource not only for himself, but also for others seeking support.

    Discount Code: KSP-15 for QuitKit

    Try Quit Kit – Backed by Science, Built for You

    https://tryquitkit.com/

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    CONTACT THE SHOW

    Voice: 313-437-7720

    Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com

    https://kratomsobriety.com

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424

    https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5

    https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00

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    52 mins
  • E172 Kevin's Friend Paloma

    E172 Kevin's Friend Paloma
    Nov 9 2025

    Jacob shares holiday sobriety tips in the open. Our guest this week shares the story of her ex-partner Kevin, a talented and magnetic musician whose life was tragically cut short due to kratom toxicity according to death records (no other substances in his system and no pre-existing health conditions at the time of his passing). Through the perspective of his former partner Paloma, the conversation explores the progression of his disordered use, the challenges of withdrawal, the lack of societal awareness, and the emotional toll on loved ones. The episode ultimately calls for empathy, greater awareness, and more responsible regulation, emphasizing that addiction can affect anyone and that hope and support are essential for recovery.

    Scientists Identified the Lethal Dose of Mitragynine in Kratom for Mice: https://www.inverse.com/article/51089-can-you-overdose-on-kratom

    Kevin's Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/kevin-oliveira-obituary?id=58342246

    Vipassana Centers | Vipassana Research Institute: https://www.vridhamma.org/Vipassana-Centers

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    QUITTING KRATOM SUPPORT MEETINGS

    https://www.kratommeetings.com

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    CONTACT THE SHOW

    Voice: 313-437-7720

    Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com

    https://kratomsobriety.com

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424

    https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5

    https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00

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    58 mins
  • E 171 Eric O.

    E 171 Eric O.
    Nov 2 2025

    In the intro, Lily and Charlie discuss the isolating nature of Kratom addiction and the importance of reaching out to others for support and community. Lily interviews Eric O, who shares his personal journey with kratom addiction and recovery. Eric describes how he first encountered kratom at a kava bar, initially using it socially and later as a way to manage pain and stress. Over time, his use escalated, leading to financial troubles, strained relationships, and significant health issues. With the support of his wife and family, Eric went through the challenges of withdrawal and relapse, ultimately achieving nine months of sobriety at the time of the interview. He emphasizes the importance of support systems, honesty, and avoiding triggers, and hopes his story will help others struggling with similar addictions.

    WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY ON THE PODCAST?

    https://forms.gle/VWrjhLSTPHqJyVhw7

    QUITTING KRATOM SUPPORT MEETINGS

    https://www.kratommeetings.com

    CONNECT WITH US

    https://www.instagram.com/kratomsobriety

    https://twitter.com/kratomsobriety

    https://www.tiktok.com/@krat0ms0briety

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    https://www.facebook.com/kratomsobriety

    https://bsky.app/profile/kratomsobriety.bsky.social

    https://www.threads.net/@kratomsobriety

    CONTACT THE SHOW

    Voice: 313-437-7720

    Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com

    https://kratomsobriety.com

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424

    https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5

    https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • E170 Ali

    E170 Ali
    Oct 26 2025

    In the intro, Jacob welcomes co-host Natalie (episodes 15 and 132) back to the podcast as they catch up on her life, career as a paramedic, and her perspective on seeing substance use issues in the field. Guest Ali shares her journey from early struggles with alcohol and opiates to years of dependence on kratom and the challenges of withdrawal. She opens up about the turning points that led her to seek help, including loss, motherhood, and finding faith. Finally, she reflects on her 18 months of sobriety, the power of community, and the hope that comes with rebuilding a life free from kratom. Link to the quitting kratom community Ali and Natalie are part of:

    Support for Kratom Addiction Recovery Meetings and Resources

    https://kratomquitters.com/

    WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY ON THE PODCAST?

    https://forms.gle/VWrjhLSTPHqJyVhw7

    QUITTING KRATOM SUPPORT MEETINGS

    https://www.kratommeetings.com

    CONNECT WITH US

    https://www.instagram.com/kratomsobriety

    https://twitter.com/kratomsobriety

    https://www.tiktok.com/@krat0ms0briety

    https://www.youtube.com/@KratomSobriety

    https://www.facebook.com/kratomsobriety

    https://bsky.app/profile/kratomsobriety.bsky.social

    https://www.threads.net/@kratomsobriety

    CONTACT THE SHOW

    Voice: 313-437-7720

    Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com

    https://kratomsobriety.com

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424

    https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5

    https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00

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    43 mins
  • E169 Katya - Perspective from a Partner of an Addict

    E169 Katya - Perspective from a Partner of an Addict
    Oct 19 2025

    In the open, Charlie and Nolan talk about the YouTuber interview from a couple weeks ago. In the interview, Katja shares with Lily her story of discovering the kava and kratom bar scene while living in Brooklyn and later witnessing her partner’s descent into kratom addiction. She offers a candid look at how extract products, financial strain, and secrecy turned their lives upside down and how she found stability through Al-Anon and community support. Her reflections give loved ones and those quitting kratom a grounded view of addiction, recovery, and hope.

    WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY ON THE PODCAST?

    https://forms.gle/VWrjhLSTPHqJyVhw7

    QUITTING KRATOM SUPPORT MEETINGS

    https://www.kratommeetings.com

    CONNECT WITH US

    https://www.instagram.com/kratomsobriety

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    https://www.tiktok.com/@krat0ms0briety

    https://www.youtube.com/@KratomSobriety

    https://www.facebook.com/kratomsobriety

    https://bsky.app/profile/kratomsobriety.bsky.social

    https://www.threads.net/@kratomsobriety

    CONTACT THE SHOW

    Voice: 313-437-7720

    Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com

    https://kratomsobriety.com

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424

    https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5

    https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00

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    58 mins
  • E168 Katie Herzog - Naltrexone & The Sinclair Method

    E168 Katie Herzog - Naltrexone & The Sinclair Method
    Oct 12 2025

    This week features an interview Katie Herzog, author of the book "Drink Your Way Sober." Please be aware, you cannot use the Sinclair Method with kratom as it will cause precipitated withdrawals. The discussion explores medicated assisted treatment, harm reduction. the disease model for addiction, and a range of other topics.

    Drink Your Way Sober

    https://www.drinkyourwaysober.com/

    WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY ON THE PODCAST?

    https://forms.gle/VWrjhLSTPHqJyVhw7

    QUITTING KRATOM SUPPORT MEETINGS

    https://www.kratommeetings.com

    CONNECT WITH US

    https://www.instagram.com/kratomsobriety

    https://twitter.com/kratomsobriety

    https://www.tiktok.com/@krat0ms0briety

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    https://www.facebook.com/kratomsobriety

    https://bsky.app/profile/kratomsobriety.bsky.social

    https://www.threads.net/@kratomsobriety

    CONTACT THE SHOW

    Voice: 313-437-7720

    Email: kratomsobriety@gmail.com

    https://kratomsobriety.com

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kratom-addiction/id1685569424

    https://www.audible.com/podcast/Kratom-Addiction/B0C3YHDLV5

    https://open.spotify.com/show/4GkQiYu6S8IBn8qswyVm00

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    55 mins