Gas Station 'Heroin': A New Epidemic Devastates Families

A concerning synthetic opioid, marketed as 'gas station heroin,' is driving families from their homes. An Arizona mother revealed her family's decision to flee the US after her 21-year-old son became addicted to the drug, which a friend recommended for anxiety. The substance, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), is sold openly in gas stations, vape shops, and other stores in various forms, often labeled as 'all-natural.'

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued a stark warning about the drug's potent, opioid-like effects, stating it's a new wave of the epidemic. Mayes' office is actively cracking down on retailers selling these dangerous products, particularly to individuals under 18. Despite efforts, law enforcement seeks stronger measures to combat the growing problem, as reports of Kratom-related incidents have more than doubled in the past year.

The impact of this substance extends beyond addiction, with potential side effects including psychotic symptoms, anorexia, insomnia, seizures, and hallucinations. The Arizona Kratom Consumer Protection Act aims to remove harmful, adulterated products from shelves, but the accessibility and misleading marketing continue to pose a significant threat to public health across the state.