From Kratom to Nitazenes: The Rising Danger of Addictive Synthetics and Convenience Store Drugs

Over the past year, public health authorities in the United States and abroad have reported a sharp rise in synthetic opioids appearing in retail outlets and online markets. Despite multiple FDA warnings, many of these products continue to be sold openly as supplements or “brain enhancers,” creating a false sense of safety among consumers. Misconceptions about legality or origin often hide the reality that these substances are highly addictive and potentially deadly, with dependence developing far more quickly than many realize.

In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of these emerging synthetics and highlight the role of trusted Fort Lauderdale detox programs in providing a safe path to recovery.

The hidden dangers of “convenience store” drugs

A growing number of addictions no longer begin with illicit street sales. Instead, they are fueled by substances openly marketed in gas stations, vape shops, and online marketplaces. These products often carry the misleading impression of safety simply because they are sold openly. Users may find themselves spending $80 to $120 a day just to sustain their habit, unaware of how quickly dependence can spiral out of control. Despite the FDA issuing multiple public warnings about these substances, regulation frequently fades behind availability. As these products continue to appear on shelves disguised as supplements or enhancers, their risks rival those of heroin and fentanyl, with dependence developing at an alarmingly rapid pace.

Let’s examine three of the most common and dangerous substances being sold through these unconventional channels:

1. Tianeptine (Gas Station Heroin)

Originally prescribed to treat depression in several countries, tianeptine has gained a dangerous foothold in the U.S., where it is unapproved by the FDA. Poison control centers have reported a sharp rise in cases tied to the drug, which is sold under names like Tianaa, Zaza, or Neptune’s Fix. Often masked as dietary supplements or marketed as mood boosters, stress relievers, or focus enhancers, it is also promoted for pain relief, appetite suppression, and sexual performance.

Despite its packaging, tianeptine behaves like an opioid, producing euphoric effects similar to heroin. The dangers include addiction, respiratory depression, seizures, and even death. Withdrawal can begin quickly and mirrors that of opioids, with symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, chills, depression, muscle pain, and sweating. Although tianeptine has been used abroad to manage conditions like depression, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome, the risks often outweigh any benefits. The FDA has issued multiple warnings, and several states have banned its sale. Yet it continues to appear in smoke shops and convenience stores, making it alarmingly easy to access.

2. 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

7-hydroxymitragynine, often shortened to 7-OH, is a potent alkaloid naturally present in trace amounts in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa). Kratom leaf has historically been used in Southeast Asia for its stimulant and mild analgesic effects. However, the highly concentrated 7-OH extracts now sold in stores are much more powerful and act similarly to synthetic opioids. The FDA has expressed serious concerns about 7-OH products due to their impact on opioid receptors, and in July 2025, it recommended that certain 7-OH formulations be classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The decision aims to limit the sale of such extracts, which are being marketed in forms like gummies, drink mixes, and flavored edibles—especially targeting younger users.

Despite these regulatory moves, 7-OH remains accessible in many convenience stores, vape shops, and online outlets. The marketing often presents 7‑OH as a mood enhancer, dietary supplement, or energy booster—descriptions that mask its serious dangers, including:

• Addiction, sedation, and respiratory depression are primary risks highlighted by the FDA.
• Inconsistent dosing creates a high potential for accidental overdose.
• Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, which can mirror opioid dependence and include anxiety, chills, insomnia, muscle aches, nausea, and other distressing physical and psychological effects.

Individuals struggling with dependence on synthetic substances like concentrated 7‑OH can benefit from professional treatment. Fort Lauderdale detox programs provide medically supervised care to manage withdrawal safely and support long-term recovery, offering a structured path back to health for those affected by these potent synthetic opioids.

3. Nitazenes

Among the most alarming of the new synthetic opioids are nitazenes. Originally developed in the 1950s as research chemicals, they were never approved for medical use due to their extreme potency and unacceptable side effects. Despite this, nitazenes have resurfaced in the illicit drug market, posing a significant public health threat. Some variants of nitazenes are many times stronger than fentanyl, with certain forms being up to 100 times more potent. This extreme potency means that even a tiny dose can be fatal. What makes them especially dangerous is how they appear: in counterfeit pills, vape liquids, and heroin supplies. Many users may not even realize they are ingesting nitazenes until it’s too late. Across the U.S. and Europe, overdose cases linked to these substances are steadily rising.

The emergence of nitazenes underscores the evolving nature of the opioid crisis. As these substances become more prevalent, they complicate efforts to combat the epidemic and highlight the need for increased awareness and preparedness among both the public and healthcare professionals.

Detox and Recovery: A Safer path forward

Breaking free from addiction is never easy, but it is possible, and it begins with detox. For those struggling with tianeptine, kratom extracts, nitazenes, or other synthetic opioids, professional detox is essential. These substances act on the same receptors as heroin and fentanyl, which means withdrawal can be intense and even dangerous without medical supervision.

At Peace Medical, we offer safe, supportive, and affordable care. With medical oversight and an initial detox visit at price levels accessible to anyone, without needing to use insurance, patients can begin clearing substances from their system, stabilizing their health, and taking the first step toward long-term recovery.

Detoxing is not just about surviving withdrawal; our Fort Lauderdale detox programs focus on breaking the cycle and reclaiming control. With the right care and continued support, recovery is within reach. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait—help is available today, and recovery begins with one step forward.