Kratom & 7-OH Treatment Center | Sanctuary Treatment Center

Kratom & 7-OH Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

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Written By

John Ingham,
Medical & Behavioral Health Content Writer

Medically and Clinically Reviewed per our editorial standards

Key Takeaways

7-OH withdrawal may include anxiety, insomnia, sweating, body aches and strong cravings
Withdrawal severity varies based on dose, frequency and length of use
High-potency 7-OH products may produce more significant opioid-like withdrawal symptoms
Medically supervised detox can help manage symptoms and determine the next level of care
Treatment can address withdrawal, compulsive use and underlying mental health concerns

Kratom addiction has changed.

What was once primarily sold as powdered Mitragyna speciosa leaf, capsules or tea has expanded into high-potency extracts, concentrated mitragynine products, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and other synthetic or semi-synthetic kratom-derived compounds.

These products are not interchangeable.

Someone drinking traditional kratom tea may have a very different exposure from someone taking concentrated extract shots, 7-OH tablets or a product containing a chemically modified kratom alkaloid. Newer compounds such as MGM-15 and MGM-16 move even further away from traditional kratom leaf and into a developing market of potent opioid-active substances derived from kratom chemistry.

Sanctuary Treatment Center in Tarzana, California provides kratom addiction treatment in Los Angeles for adults struggling with physical dependence, withdrawal, cravings or an inability to stop using kratom and kratom-derived products.

Treatment may include medically supervised detox, residential care, dual diagnosis treatment, behavioral therapy, medication evaluation when clinically appropriate, outpatient programming and long-term recovery planning.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia.

Its leaves contain numerous naturally occurring alkaloids. Mitragynine is generally considered the primary alkaloid in kratom, while 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, occurs naturally only in much smaller amounts.

Kratom has a complicated pharmacology and does not behave exactly like traditional opioids. However, several kratom alkaloids interact with opioid receptors, and repeated use can result in tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal and symptoms consistent with kratom use disorder.

Risk becomes especially important as products become more concentrated.

Today, products marketed under the kratom umbrella can include:

Traditional dried kratom leaf
Kratom powder
Kratom capsules
Kratom tea
Concentrated liquid extracts
Kratom extract shots
Enhanced kratom powder
High-mitragynine extracts
Gummies
Tablets
Sublingual products
Drink mixes
Concentrated 7-OH products
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl products
MGM-15 products
Other chemically modified kratom-derived compounds

The word “kratom” on a package does not necessarily tell a consumer what type of product is actually inside.

That distinction has become increasingly important as concentrated and semi-synthetic kratom-derived opioids have entered retail markets. Federal regulators have specifically distinguished traditional botanical kratom from high-concentration 7-OH and synthetic 7-OH-related compounds.

Kratom Extract Addiction and High-Potency Kratom Products

Kratom extracts concentrate alkaloids from plant material into a smaller amount of powder, liquid or another formulation.

An extract therefore should not automatically be treated as equivalent to ordinary powdered leaf.

Products may advertise:

Extract ratios
High mitragynine percentages
Total alkaloid content
“Enhanced” kratom
Extra-strength formulations
Proprietary alkaloid blends
Rapid-onset shots
Concentrated tablets or gummies

Higher concentration can make it easier for someone to consume substantially more active alkaloid material without consuming large amounts of plant powder.

For some people, the transition looks like this:

Kratom powder → stronger powder → extracts → multiple extract shots per day → concentrated alkaloids or 7-OH products.

Not everyone follows this pattern, but increasing potency can contribute to tolerance. A product that once produced noticeable effects may eventually be used primarily to prevent withdrawal.

Signs that extract use has become problematic can include:

Increasing the number of shots or extracts used each day
Using shortly after waking
Needing increasingly concentrated products
Feeling sick when a dose is delayed
Spending significant amounts of money on kratom
Trying unsuccessfully to return to plain leaf
Using primarily to prevent withdrawal
Experiencing anxiety about running out
Hiding the amount being consumed
Continuing despite health, relationship or financial consequences

Research on kratom use disorder suggests that frequency of use may be particularly important in the development of withdrawal and dependence.

7-OH Addiction: When “Kratom” Starts Looking More Like an Opioid Product

7-hydroxymitragynine, usually shortened to 7-OH, 7-HMG or 7-hydroxy, has become one of the most significant developments in the modern kratom market.

7-OH does occur naturally in kratom, but only at very low levels.

Modern commercial 7-OH products are different.

Researchers analyzing commercial products have found highly concentrated 7-OH formulations that are inconsistent with normal kratom leaf chemistry. A 2026 analysis found that more than 98% of the evaluated 7-OH-labeled products showed evidence consistent with semi-synthetic production.

These products may appear as:

Tablets
Chewables
Gummies
Shots
Drink mixes
Powders
Dissolvable strips
Enhanced kratom products
Combination alkaloid products

This matters because isolated or highly concentrated 7-OH can produce a substantially different exposure from traditional kratom leaf.

The FDA has specifically warned that its concerns regarding concentrated 7-OH should not be confused with ordinary botanical kratom. Federal officials describe concentrated 7-OH products as potent opioid products with potential for addiction and other serious harm.

Learn more about 7-OH →

Learn about 7-OH withdrawal and detox →

7-OH, Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16: The New Generation of Kratom-Derived Opioids

The kratom market is no longer limited to substances that naturally occur in kratom leaves.

Chemical modification of mitragynine and 7-OH has created an emerging category of synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom-derived opioids.

The names can be confusing, but several compounds are becoming especially important.

What Is Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl?

Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, sometimes shortened to MP or pseudoindoxyl, is a potent opioid-active compound related to mitragynine and 7-OH chemistry.

Commercial products containing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl began appearing alongside 7-OH products in the U.S. market.

A study examining online products between September 2024 and February 2025 identified hundreds of 7-OH and pseudoindoxyl products, including standalone products and formulations containing both compounds. Many were marketed as if they were simply another type of “kratom.”

That branding can obscure an important difference.

A concentrated pseudoindoxyl tablet should not be assumed to have the same risk profile as traditional kratom leaf.

Federal officials now specifically identify mitragynine pseudoindoxyl as one of several synthetic kratom-related substances of concern.

What Is MGM-15?

MGM-15, also known as dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine, is a chemically modified derivative related to 7-OH.

It is not simply another strain of kratom.

MGM-15 was originally developed and studied in laboratory research but has since moved into the commercial consumer market. Federal investigators have documented MGM-15 products sold in concentrated formulations including tablets and powders.

That shift matters because consumers may encounter packaging that uses words such as:

Kratom
Alkaloid
Extract
Enhanced
Natural
Plant-derived

while the actual active substance has been chemically modified beyond what occurs in ordinary kratom leaf.

MGM-15 therefore represents an important new stage in the evolution of the kratom market: from botanical leaf, to extracts, to isolated alkaloids, and eventually to chemically modified opioid-active compounds.

Read Sanctuary’s guide to MGM-15 →

What Is MGM-16?

MGM-16 is a fluorinated derivative related to 7-hydroxymitragynine and MGM-15.

It has been studied as a potent opioid-active compound but should currently be described differently from MGM-15.

MGM-15 and pseudoindoxyl have already been documented in commercial products. MGM-16 represents an emerging next-generation concern, but federal investigators stated in their July 2026 notice that they did not yet have evidence establishing its presence in the U.S. consumer market.

DEA nevertheless identified MGM-16 alongside pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15 because of its pharmacological profile and the possibility that it could emerge as another substitute within the rapidly evolving synthetic kratom-derived market.

That distinction is important.

Sanctuary does not describe MGM-16 as a commonly used drug simply because it is a trending name. It is better understood as an example of where kratom-derived designer opioid chemistry may be heading next.

Other Emerging Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Kratom Compounds

7-OH, pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 may not be the end of this trend.

Once mitragynine or another kratom alkaloid is isolated, chemists can potentially alter its structure to create additional compounds.

Other names appearing in research, regulatory discussions or emerging-drug surveillance include compounds such as:

7-acetoxymitragynine
Other modified 7-OH derivatives
Modified mitragynine analogs
Novel pseudoindoxyl-related compounds
High-purity isolated alkaloid formulations
Multi-alkaloid synthetic blends
Unidentified or proprietary “enhanced kratom” compounds

Some of these substances remain primarily research chemicals rather than established retail drugs.

That is precisely why product labels require caution.

A rapidly changing gray-market industry can introduce a new compound faster than toxicology laboratories, physicians, parents and people who use the products become familiar with its name.

“Synthetic kratom” is also an imperfect term.

Traditional kratom is a plant. MGM-15, MGM-16 and other laboratory-modified compounds are more accurately described as kratom-derived synthetic or semi-synthetic substances rather than new varieties of the kratom plant.

Plain Kratom vs. Extracts vs. 7-OH vs. Synthetic Kratom-Derived Opioids

Understanding the differences between these products can help families recognize how much the market has changed.

Traditional Kratom Leaf

Ground or brewed Mitragyna speciosa leaf containing a naturally occurring mixture of alkaloids.

Traditional leaf can still produce dependence and withdrawal with repeated use, particularly when used frequently, but it should not be treated as pharmacologically identical to concentrated 7-OH.

Kratom Extracts

Products in which kratom alkaloids have been concentrated.

Potency varies significantly from product to product, and extracts can make escalating intake easier.

Concentrated 7-OH

Products deliberately formulated with much higher amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine than naturally occur in kratom leaf.

These may include tablets, gummies, shots and other formulations.

Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl

A highly opioid-active kratom-related compound now appearing in commercial products, sometimes by itself and sometimes in combination with 7-OH.

MGM-15

A semi-synthetic 7-OH-related compound, also known as dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine, that has moved from laboratory research into commercial retail products.

MGM-16

A related fluorinated compound with potent opioid activity in preclinical research. It represents an emerging threat, although evidence of widespread commercial use remains limited.

Other Synthetic Kratom-Derived Products

Additional analogs may emerge as manufacturers modify mitragynine, 7-OH or related chemical structures.

The practical takeaway is simple:

Do not assume two products are equivalent merely because both packages say “kratom.”

Signs of Kratom, 7-OH or Extract Addiction

A person does not have to be using heroin, fentanyl or prescription opioids to develop opioid-like dependence.

Signs that kratom or a kratom-derived product may have become a substance use disorder include:

Needing the product every day
Using multiple times throughout the day
Taking a dose immediately after waking
Experiencing withdrawal between doses
Repeatedly increasing the amount used
Switching to stronger extracts or alkaloids
Moving from kratom leaf to 7-OH
Moving from 7-OH to pseudoindoxyl or MGM-15
Intense cravings
Spending more money than intended
Planning daily activities around access to the substance
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop
Using primarily to feel normal
Continuing despite health consequences
Continuing despite family or relationship problems
Hiding use from loved ones
Using despite wanting to stop
Returning to use because withdrawal feels intolerable

Some people first begin using kratom because they believe it is helping them.

They may use it for:

Pain
Energy
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Sleep
Opioid withdrawal
Sobriety from another substance

That does not prevent dependence from developing later.

A person may eventually realize that they are no longer using kratom to obtain a desired effect. They are using it because they feel physically or emotionally unwell without it.

Kratom, 7-OH and Pseudoindoxyl Withdrawal Symptoms

Regular exposure to kratom and opioid-active kratom derivatives can produce physical dependence.

Withdrawal symptoms vary according to the product used, concentration, frequency, duration of use, other substances involved and individual physiology.

Possible symptoms include:

Anxiety
Restlessness
Irritability
Strong cravings
Insomnia
Sweating
Chills
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Muscle aches
Restless legs
Abdominal discomfort
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Low mood
Loss of motivation
Sleep disturbances

People using concentrated 7-OH or other highly opioid-active derivatives may report withdrawal that feels more similar to conventional opioid withdrawal than they expected from something sold as “kratom.”

However, there is not yet enough human clinical research to publish a reliable MGM-15, MGM-16 or pseudoindoxyl withdrawal timeline.

Claims that everyone will experience a particular withdrawal course should therefore be treated cautiously.

The correct level of detox support depends on what someone has actually been taking and how their body has adapted to it.

Kratom and 7-OH Detox in Los Angeles

Someone who has become physically dependent on kratom, 7-OH, extracts or related compounds may have difficulty stopping without support.

At Sanctuary Treatment Center, detox begins with an individualized clinical assessment.

The treatment team may evaluate:

The specific products being used
Plain leaf versus extracts
7-OH exposure
Pseudoindoxyl or MGM-15 exposure
Approximate daily use
Frequency of dosing
Length of use
Previous withdrawal experiences
Previous opioid use
Alcohol use
Benzodiazepine use
Prescription medications
Medical conditions
Mental health symptoms
Previous treatment attempts

This assessment is especially important because a label saying “kratom” may not adequately describe the person’s exposure.

Clients are encouraged to tell the treatment team the brand, formulation and listed alkaloids they have been taking whenever that information is available.

The goals of detox may include:

Managing withdrawal safely
Reducing physical discomfort
Monitoring medical symptoms
Addressing sleep disturbances
Treating dehydration or nutritional problems
Managing cravings
Evaluating other substance use
Stabilizing mental health
Preparing for continued addiction treatment

[Internal link: Learn about medical detox in Los Angeles → /programs/detox-los-angeles/]

Learn About Detox →

Can Medication Be Used for Kratom or 7-OH Withdrawal?

There is currently no FDA-approved medication specifically for kratom use disorder, 7-OH addiction, MGM-15 dependence or pseudoindoxyl addiction.

That does not mean medical treatment has no role.

Published case reports and case series have described clinicians using medications including buprenorphine in selected patients with kratom or concentrated 7-OH dependence. However, controlled clinical evidence remains limited, and researchers have emphasized that standardized treatment guidelines have not yet been established.

This is an important reason not to self-prescribe an opioid withdrawal protocol based on advice found online.

Someone with a history of opioid use disorder may also have different medical needs from someone whose dependence developed exclusively through kratom products.

At Sanctuary, medication decisions are based on clinical assessment and medical appropriateness.

Learn about Medication-Assisted Treatment →

Residential Treatment for Kratom and 7-OH Addiction in Los Angeles

Getting through withdrawal is only one part of recovery.

Some people have spent months or years organizing their day around kratom, extracts or 7-OH.

Removing the substance can expose the original problems that contributed to its use:

Chronic stress
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Chronic pain
Previous opioid addiction
Insomnia
Social isolation
Relationship problems
Difficulty managing emotions
Fear of withdrawal
Habitual reliance on substances for energy or motivation

Residential treatment provides structure while clients begin developing healthier ways to manage these issues.

Treatment may address:

Cravings
Relapse triggers
Emotional regulation
Behavioral patterns
Mental health
Trauma
Relationships
Family dynamics
Daily structure
Sleep
Stress management
Recovery support
Relapse prevention
Continuing-care planning

Explore residential addiction treatment →

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Kratom Addiction

Kratom use frequently begins for a reason.

Some people use it to manage anxiety or depression. Others use kratom to cope with pain, trauma, low energy or stress. People with previous opioid addiction may begin taking kratom in an attempt to manage cravings or withdrawal without returning to heroin or prescription opioids.

That underlying problem still needs attention.

Possible co-occurring concerns include:

Anxiety disorders
Depression
PTSD
Trauma
Mood symptoms
Sleep disorders
Chronic stress
ADHD symptoms
Grief
Previous opioid use disorder
Alcohol use disorder
Other substance use disorders

Treating only the kratom use while ignoring why someone relied on it can leave major relapse triggers unresolved.

Sanctuary provides dual diagnosis treatment so substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns can be addressed as part of one treatment plan.

Therapy for Kratom and Synthetic Kratom-Derived Drug Addiction

Behavioral treatment can help clients understand what role kratom, extracts or 7-OH began playing in their life and develop alternatives.

Treatment may incorporate:

Clients may work on identifying triggers, managing cravings, regulating emotions, improving distress tolerance and rebuilding routines that no longer depend on a substance.

What Happens After Kratom Detox?

Detox can stop the immediate cycle of use and withdrawal, but it does not automatically resolve the reasons someone became dependent.

Depending on clinical needs, continued treatment may include:

Residential treatment
Partial hospitalization
Intensive outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Dual diagnosis care
Medication management
Recovery support
Relapse prevention
Aftercare planning

Treatment intensity can gradually decrease as a client becomes more medically and psychologically stable.

Explore outpatient treatment in Los Angeles →

When Is It Time to Get Help for Kratom or 7-OH Use?

Consider speaking with an addiction professional if you or someone you love:

Cannot comfortably go a day without kratom
Experiences withdrawal between doses
Uses kratom immediately after waking
Has moved from leaf products to extracts
Has moved from extracts to 7-OH
Uses pseudoindoxyl or MGM-15
Takes products without being sure what alkaloids they contain
Needs increasingly potent products
Repeatedly tries and fails to stop
Uses primarily to avoid getting sick
Has significant cravings
Has returned to opioid use
Combines kratom-derived products with alcohol or other drugs
Has experienced serious medical symptoms
Is spending increasing amounts of money on products
Feels frightened by withdrawal
Wants to stop but does not know how

You do not have to decide whether something “counts” as a real opioid before asking for help.

If a substance is causing physical dependence, withdrawal, cravings or loss of control, the problem is real regardless of whether the product came from a pharmacy, smoke shop, gas station or website.

Why Choose Sanctuary for Kratom Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles?

Sanctuary Treatment Center provides comprehensive addiction treatment in Tarzana, California for people struggling with established drugs as well as rapidly evolving substances.

That matters with kratom because the market is changing faster than many traditional treatment pages acknowledge.

Someone entering treatment today may not simply be taking kratom powder.

They may be using:

High-potency kratom extracts
Multiple extract shots per day
Concentrated mitragynine
7-OH
Pseudoindoxyl
MGM-15
Combination alkaloid products
Other emerging synthetic kratom derivatives

Effective treatment begins by identifying what the person is actually using rather than reducing all of these products to the single word “kratom.”

Treatment at Sanctuary can provide access to:

Medically supervised detox
Residential treatment
Medical and psychiatric assessment
Medication evaluation when appropriate
Dual diagnosis treatment
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Trauma-informed care
Family support
PHP
IOP
Outpatient treatment
Relapse-prevention planning
Continuing care and aftercare

Start Kratom Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

Kratom dependence is treatable.

So are problems involving concentrated extracts, 7-OH and newer kratom-derived compounds.

You do not have to wait for the market, the law or public awareness to catch up before recognizing that a substance has become difficult to stop.

If kratom, 7-OH, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, extracts or another kratom-derived product has become part of your daily life, Sanctuary Treatment Center can help determine an appropriate next step.

Our admissions team can discuss your substance use, review insurance benefits and help determine whether detox, residential treatment or another level of care is appropriate.

Call Sanctuary Treatment Center at (888) 584-4314 to speak confidentially with admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom, 7-OH and Synthetic Kratom Products

Can kratom be addictive?

Yes. Repeated kratom use can result in tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal, cravings and other symptoms consistent with a substance use disorder. Risk appears to increase with frequent use.

Is 7-OH the same thing as kratom?

Not exactly. 7-hydroxymitragynine occurs naturally in kratom in trace amounts, but modern concentrated 7-OH products can contain levels far beyond traditional botanical kratom. Federal regulators specifically distinguish concentrated 7-OH products from ordinary kratom leaf.

What is the difference between kratom powder and kratom extract?

Kratom powder generally consists of dried plant material. Extracts concentrate alkaloids from that material, potentially delivering a much larger amount of active compounds in a small serving.

What is mitragynine pseudoindoxyl?

Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is a potent opioid-active compound related to kratom alkaloid chemistry. Commercial pseudoindoxyl products have emerged in the United States and may be marketed as kratom despite being substantially different from traditional leaf products.

What is MGM-15?

MGM-15 is dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine, a chemically modified derivative related to 7-OH. It has moved from scientific research into commercial products and is one of the synthetic kratom-related substances currently receiving federal scrutiny.

What is MGM-16?

MGM-16 is a fluorinated derivative related to 7-OH and MGM-15. It has shown potent opioid activity in research. As of 2026, federal investigators describe it as an emerging concern rather than an already well-established commercial drug.

Are MGM-15 and MGM-16 natural kratom alkaloids?

No. MGM-15 and MGM-16 are chemically modified kratom-derived compounds rather than alkaloids naturally present in traditional kratom leaf.

Are there other synthetic kratom drugs emerging?

Potentially. Compounds including 7-acetoxymitragynine and other modified mitragynine or 7-OH analogs have appeared in research and regulatory discussions. Not every compound discussed online has established commercial availability or meaningful human safety data.

Can 7-OH cause withdrawal?

Yes. Regular use of concentrated 7-OH can produce physical dependence and withdrawal. Recent clinical reports describe patients seeking medical treatment for problematic 7-OH use.

Can MGM-15 or pseudoindoxyl cause withdrawal?

These compounds have potent opioid activity and regulators have identified physical dependence and withdrawal among the concerns associated with their use. Human clinical evidence remains much more limited than it is for conventional opioids, so exact withdrawal timelines are not well established.

Does Sanctuary offer kratom detox in Los Angeles?

Sanctuary Treatment Center provides medically supervised detox and evaluates clients struggling with kratom, extracts, 7-OH and other substance-related dependence. The appropriate treatment approach depends on the person’s specific substance use and medical needs.

Can medication be used during kratom detox?

There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for kratom or 7-OH use disorder. Medical professionals may use individualized withdrawal-management strategies, and published case reports describe buprenorphine use in selected patients. Medication decisions should be made by a qualified clinician rather than through self-treatment.

Is kratom safer than fentanyl?

Traditional kratom and illicit fentanyl have substantially different pharmacology and risk profiles, and they should not be treated as equivalent substances. However, saying one substance is generally less dangerous does not mean it cannot cause dependence or other harm. Concentrated 7-OH and newer synthetic kratom-derived opioids also require separate consideration from ordinary kratom leaf.

Is “synthetic kratom” actually kratom?

Usually, that phrase is imprecise. Kratom refers to the Mitragyna speciosa plant. Products such as MGM-15 and MGM-16 are better described as synthetic or semi-synthetic kratom-derived compounds because their chemistry originates from kratom alkaloids but they are not simply botanical kratom.

Can someone become addicted to kratom extracts sold at gas stations or smoke shops?

Yes. Legal retail availability does not prevent a substance from causing physical dependence or compulsive use. Concentrated extracts, 7-OH and other kratom-derived products can be sold in ordinary retail environments while still having meaningful pharmacological effects.

Sources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Hiding in Plain Sight: 7-OH Products.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/hiding-plain-sight-7-oh-products

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2026, July 1). DEA to Temporarily Schedule 7-OH and Related Substances to Protect Public Safety.
https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2026/07/01/dea-temporarily-schedule-7-oh-and-related-substances-protect-public

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2026). Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16 in Schedule I. Federal Register, 91 FR 40909.

Avula, B., et al. (2026). Quantitative analysis of 7-hydroxymitragynine in commercial kratom products and its stability under chemical and physiological conditions. Phytochemistry, 247, 114871.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41825819/

Smith, K. E., et al. (2024). Controversies in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of kratom use disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39134892/