By Guest Writer Ruth Ann Rigby, CRS, Certified Recovery Specialist and Crisis Navigator | Founder, Rigby Consulting, LLC | Co-Founder, First Responders of Mississippi
If you only read one thing, read this.
Look for small shot bottles, capsules or gummies labeled “botanical” or “kratom.” Watch for silver metal cartridges or flavored canisters of nitrous oxide. Be aware of bottles labeled Zaza or Tianna, vape pens and empty energy drink cans piling up.
Also watch for money disappearing, flu-like symptoms that seem to clear after a trip to the store, mood swings, secrecy, nodding off or being wired at odd hours.
Trust your gut. Have the conversation. Call someone today: your pastor, a counselor, your doctor, law enforcement or a crisis navigator.
If it is an emergency, call 911.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. Poison Control is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222.
Mississippi’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams are available 24/7 in every county. Information is available through the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.
If you need help finding the next step, the Center for Hope & Healing at Broadmoor can be reached at 601-898-4947.
September is National Recovery Month. Every year, I spend a good deal of it sharing experience, strength and hope.
So let me start with mine.
My name is Ruth Ann, and I am an alcoholic and an addict. I have been in recovery for 10,782 days — 29 1/2 years — and that is God’s grace, not mine.
Recovery is real, and thank God it is.
But the struggle is real, too, for the people still in the middle of their disease.
We call addiction a disease because it is one. It carries a stigma we wish we could change, and we are changing it one day at a time.
We do recover. I’ve seen it thousands of times.
But you can’t recover from something you don’t know you’re fighting.
This year, I want to spend Recovery Month talking about the drugs families may not recognize yet — the substances they may be watching enter their own homes without knowing what they are or where to turn.
I want families to know how to recognize the warning signs and how to get their loved ones the care they need.
I have spent nearly 30 years in behavioral health and addiction treatment, and I still get the same phone call almost every week.
A mother. A wife. A grandfather. A youth pastor.
The voice on the other end is scared and a little embarrassed, and the first words are almost always some version of:
“Ruth Ann, what is this stuff? I found it in his truck. It came from the gas station.”
I want to be honest about where this article comes from.
It comes from a place of concern — real, present-tense concern for what Colonel Steven Maxwell and I, along with others in our field, are seeing in Mississippi.
These are not simply trends we read about. We see children and adults sitting in front of us.
The thing I keep coming back to is this: Many families do not know what they are looking at until the problem has progressed.
That is why the warning signs matter.
You can’t act on what you don’t recognize.
So let’s talk about it plainly.
“Gas station heroin”: Kratom and 7-OH
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have traditionally been chewed or brewed as tea.
In the United States, kratom products can appear as capsules, powders, gummies, extracts and small bottles marketed for a variety of purposes.
But “natural” does not automatically mean safe.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns consumers about kratom and has identified serious adverse effects associated with its use, including liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder.
Mississippi has also enacted regulations governing kratom products, including age restrictions and requirements involving labeling and registration. Local governments may have additional restrictions. (Mississippi Legislature)
Then there is 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly called 7-OH.
This is where the conversation becomes even more complicated.
7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in kratom, but concentrated 7-OH products are being sold separately in products such as tablets, gummies, drink mixes and shots.
The FDA describes concentrated 7-OH products as potent opioid products that have not been proven safe or effective for any medical use and advises consumers to avoid them. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
In July 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced the beginning of a temporary scheduling process for 7-OH above a proposed threshold, along with certain synthetic 7-OH derivatives. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
That is important because consumers may see colorful packaging, gummies or drink shots and assume they are harmless.
The packaging does not tell you everything about the chemistry inside.
Warning signs of kratom or 7-OH use can include:
● Empty capsule bottles, foil packets, small shot bottles or “botanical” gummies in a car, backpack or bathroom trash
● Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, itching or changes in appetite
● Drowsiness or periods of unusual energy and irritability
● Sweating, chills, runny nose or other symptoms when the substance is unavailable
● Money disappearing or unexplained frequent purchases
● Defensiveness when questioned, particularly statements such as “It’s legal” or “It’s natural”
Colonel Maxwell has been sounding the alarm from the law enforcement side.
On the Defining Wellness Centers 365 Proof podcast earlier this year, Maxwell discussed the risks associated with unregulated products and synthetic substances and warned that children are being exposed at increasingly young ages.
He also described what former agents continue to encounter in the counterfeit-pill trade.
“We see fentanyl and meth being pressed, colored, scored, and sold as fake pharmaceutical drugs,” Maxwell said.
The lesson is important: A gummy is not automatically safe because it is a gummy. A product labeled “botanical” is not automatically safe because it comes from a plant.
Huffing and “whippets”: Nitrous oxide and inhalants
Parents ask me all the time:
“What are these little silver canisters?”
Or:
“Why does my daughter have a box of whipped cream chargers when she doesn’t bake?”
Those can be nitrous oxide chargers.
Nitrous oxide products are sold for legitimate culinary purposes, but the FDA warns consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide recreationally. Misuse can cause serious adverse health effects, including loss of consciousness, neurological problems and, in some cases, death. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Huffing is another form of inhalant misuse. It can involve fumes from products such as spray paint, air duster, glue, gasoline or aerosol cleaners.
The consequences can be severe.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency and neurological problems, including numbness, weakness and difficulty walking. Severe or prolonged misuse can result in lasting neurological injury. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Inhalants can also affect the brain, heart and other organs. Some inhalants can cause sudden death.
Warning signs can include:
● Metal cartridges, balloons or large canisters
● Chemical or paint smells on breath or clothing
● Paint or chemical stains on hands, face or clothing
● Rags, bags or other materials hidden in a bedroom or vehicle
● Red or runny eyes and nose
● Slurred speech or poor coordination
● A drunk-looking appearance without an alcohol smell
● Tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet
● Confusion, mood changes or unusual behavior
If you suspect inhalant or nitrous oxide misuse, don’t assume it is harmless because the product is sold legally for another purpose.
And yes, alcohol
I would be doing you a disservice if I wrote this and left out alcohol.
Alcohol is legal. It is everywhere. It is also frequently combined with other substances.
Combining alcohol with substances that can cause sedation or impair judgment can increase the risk of serious harm.
Alcohol does not get a pass in your house because it is legal.
If drinking has become daily or secretive, if it is the first thing someone reaches for after work and the last thing before bed, if there are blackouts or missed obligations, or if someone is hiding the evidence, it is time for a conversation.
The energy drink problem
Now let’s talk about something many people do not consider a drug at all.
Energy drinks are everywhere.
I see people combining them with other substances: a kratom shot and an energy drink, alcohol and an energy drink, or other combinations intended to offset fatigue or sedation.
That does not make energy drinks equivalent to illicit stimulants, but combining large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants with psychoactive substances can complicate the picture and may increase health risks.
Energy drinks can cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sleep disruption, anxiety and other adverse effects, particularly when consumed in large amounts or by people who are sensitive to stimulants.
Warning signs of excessive energy-drink consumption can include:
● Empty cans piling up in a car, bedroom or trash
● Racing or irregular heartbeat
● Shaking or tremors
● Headaches or dizziness
● Sleep disruption
● Anxiety, panic or irritability
● Nausea or stomach problems
● Chest pain or fainting
If someone has chest pain, loses consciousness or has a seizure, call 911.
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms pass.
Also on the shelf: Tianeptine, Delta-8 and vapes
Three more products deserve attention.
Tianeptine
Tianeptine is not approved by the FDA for medical use in the United States. The FDA has warned consumers about products containing tianeptine, including products sold under names such as Tianaa, Tianna and Neptune’s Fix. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
The FDA has received reports of serious adverse events involving tianeptine and warns consumers not to purchase or use tianeptine products. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Tianeptine has also been referred to as “gas station heroin.”
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC products, including gummies, vapes and drinks, can be marketed as hemp-derived products.
But consumers should not assume that a hemp label means a product is risk-free.
Products can vary in potency and composition, and THC can affect judgment, memory, coordination and mental health.
Parents should pay attention to unexplained gummies, vapes, drinks or other products that appear out of place.
Vapes
I know you’ve heard about vaping.
But parents still tell me, “At least it’s just nicotine.”
Nicotine is addictive, and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to nicotine’s effects because the brain continues developing into young adulthood.
A vape may also be used to deliver THC or other substances.
If your child is vaping, don’t dismiss it as a small thing.
It is worth having the conversation.
One warning that covers everything: fentanyl
Colonel Maxwell’s former agents have encountered fentanyl in counterfeit pills.
That creates another danger for families because people may not know exactly what is in an illicit or counterfeit product.
Fentanyl is extremely potent, and accidental exposure through counterfeit drugs can be fatal.
This is one reason I encourage families to learn about naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan.
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose, but it is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
If someone is unresponsive or having trouble breathing, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.
Then follow the instructions that come with the medication and stay with the person until help arrives.
When mental illness is part of the picture
Here is the part I need you to hear.
A lot of the kids and adults I work with are not partying.
They are trying to medicate themselves.
They have anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma or another mental health condition, and they found something that seemed to turn the volume down for a little while.
Kratom for anxiety.
Nitrous for racing thoughts.
Alcohol for sleep.
The problem is that substance use can complicate underlying mental health conditions, interfere with treatment and worsen symptoms for some people.
If your loved one is struggling with a mental health condition and substance use, those problems need to be addressed together.
Ask for a professional who understands co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
This is not just a teenager problem
Let me be clear about who I’m seeing.
Yes, adolescents and college students.
But also the nurse working nights who started using kratom for energy.
The contractor using 7-OH because his back hurts and he doesn’t want to return to prescription pain medication.
The stay-at-home mom whose “wellness shot” became a daily habit.
The attorney.
The deacon.
The retiree.
The first responder who has seen too much and found something that seems to quiet it down.
Addiction does not check your ZIP code, degree or church membership.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Well, that’s not us,” read it again.
Don’t wait six months. Here’s what to do this week.
Colonel Maxwell has worked in law enforcement for decades and has watched people move through the criminal justice system repeatedly.
One lesson he emphasizes is the importance of addressing problems before they reach the courtroom or emergency room.
“Real change begins upstream,” Maxwell said.
That means starting at the kitchen table, in the youth group or in the conversation you’re afraid to have.
This article is my attempt to help break that silence.
The rest is up to you.
Step 1: Trust what you’re seeing.
If your gut says something is wrong, pay attention.
You do not need to catch someone in the act before you ask questions.
Step 2: Have the conversation.
Choose a calm, private time.
Not in front of siblings.
Not at 11 p.m. after an argument.
Sit down and say something like:
“I found this. I’m not here to punish you. I’m scared, I love you and we’re going to figure this out together.”
Expect denial.
Expect anger.
Keep the conversation open.
Step 3: Call someone today.
You do not have to wait until you have gathered every piece of information.
Consider calling:
A pastor or trusted church leader. Many churches offer recovery ministries and support groups.
A licensed counselor or therapist. Ask whether the provider treats both mental health and substance use disorders.
A treatment provider. An assessment can help determine the appropriate level of care.
Your family doctor or pediatrician. A physician can evaluate physical symptoms and help connect the person to treatment.
Law enforcement. Your local sheriff’s office or police department may have officers trained in crisis intervention or other resources.
A crisis navigator or interventionist. A navigator can help families determine what steps to take and where to seek care.
Step 4: If it’s an emergency, treat it like one.
Trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, a seizure, chest pain, blue lips or sudden severe neurological symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Call 911.
If someone has taken a substance and you are unsure how serious the exposure may be, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
If someone is talking about suicide or does not want to live, call or text 988.
Mississippi also has Mobile Crisis Response Teams serving all 82 counties 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Step 5: Reduce access to the substance.
Remove substances from the home when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Look at online purchasing, vehicles, bedrooms and other places where substances may be stored.
Step 6: Get help for yourself, too.
Families need support.
Consider Al-Anon, Families Anonymous, counseling, a family support group or another trusted resource.
You cannot carry this alone.
Step 7: Follow through.
An assessment leads to a recommendation.
Take the recommendation seriously.
If a professional recommends residential treatment, do not automatically substitute outpatient treatment because it is more convenient.
If medication or treatment for an underlying mental health condition is recommended, discuss your concerns with the provider rather than stopping or avoiding care without medical guidance.
And remember what Colonel Maxwell says:
“Detox is not treatment.”
Getting a substance out of the body is only the beginning.
Step 8: If they refuse help, you still have options.
This is one of the questions I hear most:
“What if they won’t go?”
You are not powerless.
A trained interventionist can help a family structure a conversation around treatment.
A Mobile Crisis Response Team can assess a person experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
When someone presents an immediate danger to themselves or others, families may also have legal options for seeking an evaluation or court-ordered treatment.
Because the legal process is complicated, speak with a qualified professional familiar with Mississippi law before taking that step.
Reach out. You are not alone.
I don’t write these things to scare you.
I write them because I have sat with too many families who carried this alone for too long — good, loving people who kept it quiet because they were ashamed, hopeful or simply did not know whom to call.
Almost every one has said some version of the same thing:
“I wish I had reached out sooner.”
So hear me.
There is no shame in this house.
Addiction is not a character flaw, and it is not a parenting failure.
It is a health crisis, and health crises deserve treatment.
Reaching out is not giving up on the person you love.
It is one of the most loving things you can do.
You have time right now.
Use it.
Your pastor, counselor, doctor, Mobile Crisis Response Team, sheriff, treatment center or crisis navigator can be a starting point.
It does not matter who you call first.
It matters that you call.
Whoever answers the phone has heard this before.
They will not think less of you.
Neither will I.
Colonel Maxwell has made a commitment to public safety throughout his career.
“We can and will continue to do whatever it takes to keep our citizens safe,” Maxwell said.
He has done his part on the highways and in the courtrooms.
I’ve tried to do mine in treatment centers and behavioral health.
But neither of us can do the part that happens in your house.
That part belongs to you.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
That’s what Recovery Month is really about.
Not just the people who made it.
The people who are about to.
Recovery is possible, and the person you’re worried about deserves the opportunity to find it.
If you don’t know where to start, start by reaching out.
You can also contact the Center for Hope & Healing at Broadmoor at 601-898-4947.
We help families in crisis figure out the next step, whether that means an intervention, treatment placement or simply having someone to talk to.
We are here for you.
Ruth Ann Rigby, CRS, is a Certified Recovery Specialist and Crisis Navigator with nearly 30 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction treatment. She is the founder of Rigby Consulting, LLC, in Canton, Mississippi, and co-founder of First Responders of Mississippi. She is a national presenter on addiction, recovery and behavioral health leadership and serves on the Advisory Board of the Center for Hope & Healing at Broadmoor in Madison, Mississippi.
Resources
If it’s an emergency
● 911: Trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, seizure, chest pain or other life-threatening symptoms
● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
● Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Mississippi crisis help
● Mississippi Mobile Crisis Response Teams: Available 24/7 in all 82 counties
● Local sheriff or police department: Ask about crisis-intervention resources
● Naloxone: Keep naloxone available if appropriate. It can reverse an opioid overdose, but it is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call 911 for an overdose emergency.
Finding treatment
● Center for Hope & Healing at Broadmoor: 212 Key Drive, Madison, MS 39110 | 601-898-4947
● SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (HELP), free and confidential
● FindTreatment.gov: Treatment resources by location
For families
● Family Recovery Collective: familyrecoverycollective.com
● Al-Anon: al-anon.org
● Families Anonymous: familiesanonymous.org
Learn more
● U.S. Food and Drug Administration information on 7-OH and kratom
● National Recovery Month resources from SAMHSA
● Mississippi Department of Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response Teams
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Mississippi Legislature; Mississippi State Department of Health; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; National Poison Data System/Poison Control resources.
