MATFORCE Messages - Kratom & 7-OH: Understanding the Risks

Kratom & 7-OH: Understanding the Risks Presented by Amanda Hoskin, Director of Metro Phoenix Partners in Prevention, a coalition within The Barbell Saves Project Thursday, August 27th, 2026 11:00 am to 12:00 pm This virtual presentation provides an overview of kratom and its potent derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), including how these substances affect the body, their increasing availability and associated risks such as dependence and adverse health outcomes. Participants will learn how these products are marketed, why they are often misunderstood as "safe" and how to identify warning signs of misuse and opportunities for prevention and community response. The presentation also highlights the growing public concern surrounding kratom, including a 175% increase in kratom-related deaths in Arizona from 2024 to 2025 and a 51% increase in past-year kratom use among Arizona teens from 2023 to 2024, underscoring the importance of awareness and early prevention. Register here: qrco.de/bgu7tu or visit matforce.org