The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine Blog

Kratom products today are far more potent and complex than they were only a few years ago. What had begun as regular Mitragyna speciosa has transformed into concentrated extracts, enhanced formulas, and synthetic compounds created to intensify effects and extend duration.

One of these concerning, newer substances is MGM-15, which is a semi-synthetic derivative of 7-hydroxymitragynine; 7-hydroxy is a powerful naturally occurring alkaloid found in kratom. While often advertised as a stronger or more effective alternative, what isn’t as well known is that MGM-15 carries opioid-like risks that can lead to physical dependence and challenging withdrawal symptoms.

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What Is MGM-15?

MGM-15 is a chemically modified form of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). 7-OH occurs naturally in small amounts in kratom leaves, but it is significantly more potent than mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom.

MGM-15 is lab-formulated to increase potency, prolong effects, and intensify opioid receptor binding. MGM-15 does not occur naturally in kratom, and it's typically sold as tablets and liquid extract forms.

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How MGM-15 Affects The Brain

MGM-15 acts primarily on the mu-opioid receptors, the same receptors involved in prescription opioid pain medications, heroin, and fentanyl. Repeated activation of these receptors causes the brain to adapt by reducing its own natural opioid production.

Over time, using MGM-15 can lead to:

• Needing higher doses for the same effect
• Physical & psychological dependence
• Withdrawal symptoms when use stops
• Cravings driven by a neurochemical imbalance

What determines withdrawal severity is not whether a substance is labeled natural, but how it activates the brain’s opioid receptors. This receptor-driven process explains why kratom and its derivatives can produce withdrawal symptoms that closely resemble opioid withdrawal.

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MGM-15 & The Evolution of Kratom Products

MGM-15 represents the latest in the evolution of kratom products. Over time, manufacturers have moved away from raw leaf toward formulations designed to give a more intense high, including nano kratom, which is engineered for faster absorption, and pseudoindoxyl kratom compounds, a rearrangement of 7-OH to give stronger effects.

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Why MGM-15 Use Is So Dangerous

While kratom already carries dependence risks, MGM-15 introduces additional concerns, including:

Increased Potency

By enhancing 7-hydroxy, MGM-15 has stronger and longer-lasting opioid receptor activation, increasing the risk of addiction.

Unpredictable Dosing

Because MGM-15 products are unregulated, their potency can vary widely, labeling may be inaccurate or misleading, and users may unknowingly consume excessive doses.

Accelerated Dependence

With high-potency kratom derivatives like MGM-15, physical dependence can develop very fast. What once could take months with traditional kratom may occur in only a few weeks, even in individuals with no prior history of substance misuse.

Opioid-Like Withdrawals

Stopping MGM-15 can result in withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen with opioid dependence, including but not limited to cravings, body pain, gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, and insomnia.

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The Withdrawal Symptoms of MGM-15

Withdrawal from MGM-15 often includes significant mental and emotional symptoms in addition to physical discomfort. These effects are tied to opioid receptor disruption and can be just as distressing.

Common symptoms may include:

• Depressive symptoms
• Mood swings or panic
• Emotional numbness
• Brain fog & difficulty concentrating
• Reduced ability to experience pleasure

These symptoms are consistent with what is observed during 7-hydroxymitragynine withdrawal, reinforcing that kratom derivatives impact the same neurochemical systems involved in opioid dependence.

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Can MGM-15 Lead to Addiction?

Yes. Because MGM-15 directly stimulates opioid receptors, it can lead to:

• Physical & psychological dependence
• Loss of control over use
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Repeated failed attempts to stop

Many individuals attempt to taper kratom or kratom derivatives on their own, only to find that withdrawal symptoms intensify or persist. This is not a lack of willpower; it is a sign of sustained opioid receptor dependence.

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Why Stopping MGM-15 Feels So Difficult

Detoxing from high-potency kratom derivatives can be particularly difficult due to:

• Prolonged withdrawal timelines
• Severe physical & psychological symptoms
• High relapse risk during self-taper attempts

Traditional tapering strategies, such as going ‘cold turkey’, often fail because they do not adequately address opioid receptor dysregulation. As a result, many individuals continue using simply to avoid withdrawal.

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Outpatient Detox for Kratom & MGM-15

Effective kratom detox requires addressing the underlying opioid receptor activity, not replacing one substance with another, like Suboxone, which is an opioid.

Our abstinence-based medically supervised outpatient detox focuses on:

• Quickly stabilizing the brain’s opioid receptors
• Minimizing withdrawals with non-addictive comfort medications
• Supporting long-term sobriety rather than substitution

This approach is especially impactful for individuals struggling with potent kratom derivatives like MGM-15.

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The Bottom Line of MGM-15 Products

MGM-15 is a semi-synthetic, opioid-acting compound. It's dangerous because of its potency, unpredictability, and impact on opioid receptors, making it especially difficult for individuals attempting to stop on their own.

If using kratom products has become difficult to control, or stopping leads to severe withdrawals, medical detox may be necessary.

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Get Medical Help for Kratom or MGM-15 Use

The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine provides physician-led, outpatient detox care for individuals struggling with kratom and other opioid-acting substances. We’ve been performing kratom detoxes since 2018 with a 95% completion rate.

The Coleman Institute provides Accelerated Outpatient Detox programs at convenient locations across the United States, including:

• Richmond, Virginia - Insurance Accepted
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Tampa, Florida
• Denver, Colorado
• Orange County, California

Free, confidential consultations are available for those seeking a safe and effective recovery! Call 888-705-9615 to connect with a compassionate staff member to learn more.

Kratom use in the United States military has shifted from a gray area to a growing concern. While kratom is often marketed as a legal supplement, recent actions by the Department of Defense and individual service branches make it clear that kratom use is prohibited in military service and subject to enforcement.

For service members, the real question is no longer just whether kratom appears on a routine drug test, but whether continued use, and how someone chooses to stop, could affect their life, including their health and career.

The Military is Paying Closer Attention to Kratom

Recently, the Department of Defense has taken a stronger stance on substances that may impair readiness, judgment, or health, even if those substances are not federally scheduled drugs.

In September 2025, the Defense Department declared kratom use a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), enforceable under Article 92, effective December 31st.

Individual branches have reinforced this position through official communications.

• The Navy and Marines issued an All Navy Message (ALNAV 003/26) prohibiting kratom and kratom-derived compounds, citing health risks, potency concerns, and the unregulated nature of modern kratom products.
• The Air Force has made a public warning to service members that kratom is on the DoD’s prohibited substance list.
• The Army Criminal Investigation Command has warned that kratom use may result in serious consequences under the UCMJ as well.

What Kratom Products Did The Military Ban?

Use of any substance derived from kratom is not allowed in the U.S. military.

The military’s scrutiny includes kratom’s active compounds, such as Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The ban includes all forms, including naturally derived, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic forms.

Many modern kratom products are no longer simply leaves or powder. Selections range from gummies, vapes, capsules, and more. They are often sold as enhanced or concentrated formulas, including nano kratom and psuedoinoxyl.

Some of these products contain highly concentrated 7-OH, which the military has specifically flagged as especially potent and risky.

Can the Military Test for Kratom?

Yes, the military can test for kratom.

While kratom may not appear on every standard drug test panel, specialized laboratory testing can detect kratom alkaloids when testing is ordered.

The idea that ‘kratom is safe because it isn’t tested for’ is a very risky assumption, especially as the military tightens oversight of substances it considers a threat.

The Issue for Kratom Users in the Military

For many service members, kratom use begins as a way to cope with pain, stress, fatigue, or trauma, and gradually becomes part of a daily routine.

With regular use, individuals may experience physical and/or psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or escalation to more potent forms of kratom due to an increased tolerance.

Kratom use now carries severe risks within the military due to the military's crackdown on mind-altering substances.

Treatment Approach Matters in the Military

Choosing a treatment approach is where many service members encounter an unexpected issue.

Many treatment programs respond to kratom dependence by transitioning patients onto opioid replacement medications, such as Suboxone or methadone. But at the end of the day, those drugs are still opioids.

Service members generally cannot continue serving while prescribed opioid-based maintenance medications. Being placed on these medications may lead to duty restrictions, medical disqualification, or administrative separation. For military personnel, swapping kratom for an opioid-based medication may stop kratom use, but it can also create a new barrier to continuing service.

The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine uses an abstinence-based approach with non-addictive comfort medications. Our approach ensures that you’re not swapping one addiction for another.

Seek Help and Begin Recovery

Across military guidance, one message is consistent: early intervention and action are encouraged.

Seeking help before enforcement, testing, or disciplinary action protects your health, reduces career and legal risks, allows you to enter treatment on your own terms, and prevents your kratom use from continuing to spiral out of control.

For many service members, the challenge isn’t deciding to stop kratom but finding a way to stop that aligns with military expectations.

The Coleman Institute’s kratom detox can be completed in just 5 days, whereas other treatment facilities will typically require you to be admitted inpatient for a minimum of thirty days; when you’re serving the military, most aren’t able to step away from their everyday life for a whole month.

Kratom Detox at The Coleman Institute

For individuals seeking a fast, effective, and safe treatment option, The Coleman Institute offers a medically supervised, abstinence-based, 5-day outpatient kratom detox program.

Unlike many programs, The Coleman Institute does not use any opioid replacement medications such as Suboxone or methadone. Instead, we focus on using non-addictive comfort medications and providing an outpatient structure that allows for flexibility.

Our approach allows individuals to quit kratom without substituting another medication that could interfere with their ability to serve. Following detox, we offer Naltrexone Therapy to help with cravings and prevent relapse. Naltrexone and its extended form, Vivitrol, are opioid antagonists and do not show up on urine drug screens, unlike Suboxone.

If you or a loved one needs to stop using kratom products, we’re here to help. Call us now to take the first step toward lasting recovery.

Nano kratom has emerged as one of the latest forms of kratom on the market. This reformulated powder is promoted as a ‘more advanced’ version of traditional kratom, created using nanotechnology to increase absorption and deliver a faster onset of more intense effects.

Faster absorption means nano kratom can feel stronger and act more quickly than traditional kratom, but wears off sooner. Over time, its intensity can heighten the risk of opioid-like physical withdrawal or Kratom Use Disorder (KUD).

At The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine, we’ve seen a growing number of our patients struggling with dependence and withdrawal from concentrated kratom formulations, including nano kratom. Understanding how these reformulated products affect your or your loved one's brain is key to finding the best path to recovery.

How Does Nano Kratom Work?

Nano kratom is not a new strain or chemical compound; it’s a reformulated version of standard kratom powder that’s been processed into extremely small particles, often less than 100 nanometers in diameter. This increased absorption via nanotechnology enhances how the body absorbs kratom’s active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

While this process doesn’t change kratom’s chemistry, it alters how quickly the body responds. Faster absorption can make the effects feel stronger, increasing the likelihood of tolerance and dependence.

Kratom’s alkaloids, especially 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), bind to opioid receptors in the brain, explaining the physical withdrawal symptoms many people experience after regular use.

Why Nano & Other Enhanced Kratom Products Are Riskier

These ‘ultra-enhanced’ nano kratom formulations deliver higher concentrations of kratom alkaloids than natural leaf powder. Because these forms are absorbed more efficiently, they act more strongly on the brain’s mu-opioid receptors, increasing the risk of dependence and withdrawal.

Other emerging derivatives, such as pseudoindoxyl (pseudo), may be even more potent due to their altered chemical structure. These synthetic variants can be especially difficult to stop using because of their strong opioid-like effects and prolonged activity in the body.

Although some manufacturers market nano kratom as a ‘cleaner high’ or ‘more effective’, what they’re really describing is its increased potency, and that also means increased risk. Because long-term safety data on nano-processed kratom is extremely limited, medically monitored detox remains the safest and most reliable option for stopping use.

Common Nano Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from nano kratom can vary depending on dose, frequency, and individual factors, but commonly includes:

• Intense cravings
• Anxiety & restlessness
• Muscle aches & body pain
• Fatigue or insomnia
• Irritability or mood swings
• Sweating & chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Runny nose & watery eyes

Because of its enhanced absorption and shorter high, nano kratom may cause stronger or faster-onset withdrawal than other standard kratom products.

Our Abstinence-Based Approach to Treatment

At The Coleman Institute, we use an abstinence-based approach to help people safely stop using kratom, including nano kratom, without relying on replacement medications like methadone or Suboxone.

The Coleman Institute’s Outpatient Kratom Detox program makes detox quicker, safer, more comfortable, and effective through the use of non-addictive comfort medications that ease withdrawal symptoms. Using our Accelerated Opioid Detox protocols, patients can complete detox in as few as five days, without the need for inpatient hospitalization.

This approach allows patients to begin recovery completely free from kratom and opioid-replacement therapies, establishing a solid foundation for long-term recovery.

Nano Kratom Myths versus Facts

Myth	Fact
“Nano kratom is not addictive.”	Just like regular kratom, nano kratom is addictive. Kratom’s alkaloids activate the same brain receptors as opioids, which can cause physical dependence and withdrawal.
“Kratom products help people detox from opioids naturally.”	While some use kratom to manage opioid withdrawal, it usually leads to cross-dependence that requires medical detox.
“You don’t need medical help to stop using kratom products.”	Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and destabilizing; professional medical detox services ensure safety and comfort.

The Dangers of Detoxing Cold Turkey

Even though kratom is legal in many states, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to quit without help. Sudden discontinuation, especially from more potent forms like nano kratom, can cause significant withdrawal symptoms that increase the risk of relapse.

A supervised medical detox program provides structure, comfort, and accountability, helping patients begin recovery with professional clinical support.

Nationwide Outpatient Kratom Detox Locations

The Coleman Institute provides Accelerated Outpatient Detox programs at convenient locations across the United States, including:

• Richmond, Virginia
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Tampa, Florida
• Denver, Colorado
• Orange County, California

Our experienced team of professionals has helped thousands of patients across the country safely detox from kratom and other addictive substances through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Break Free From Kratom Withdrawal Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with kratom products, you don’t have to face this alone. Call 888-705-9615 or schedule a callback to start your recovery journey from kratom today.

Medically Supervised Outpatient Accelerated Detox

Many people hesitate to break free from addiction because they fear detox. They picture long inpatient rehab stays or hospitalization, being forced to share a patient room with other people, painful withdrawal, and time away from work and loved ones. Others attempt to stop using on their own, hoping to ‘tough it out’.

Detoxing without medical support is not safe. Withdrawal from substances such as opioids and alcohol can lead to severe physical and psychological complications, including seizures, dehydration, and relapse.

At The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine, we offer a safer alternative: Accelerated Outpatient Detox. Our one-of-a-kind program helps patients detox from addictive substances in as little as three days, without hospitalization or general anesthesia, and always under expert, licensed medical supervision.

Detoxing Without Medical Support Is Dangerous

Attempting to quit cold turkey or detoxing at home can result in dangerous, challenging, and extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that are detrimental to your health.

These symptoms may include:

• Severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
• Uncontrolled anxiety, tremors, or agitation
• Heart irregularities or seizures
• Delirium tremens (for alcohol withdrawal)
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• A higher risk of relapse and overdose

Medical detox is essential to ensure safety, stability, and comfort. Our professionals monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms with non-addictive comfort medications and clinical care, reducing both the risks and the discomfort.

A Better Alternative to Inpatient Detox

Traditional hospital-based detox programs can last several weeks and often use replacement opioids such as methadone or Suboxone. These programs can be costly, disruptive to daily life, and difficult to complete.

The Coleman Institute’s outpatient detox programs provide a medically supervised yet flexible alternative with non-addictive comfort medications. Patients have their own private room during the day at the facility and return to their home or lodging each night, avoiding the disruption of inpatient rehab while still receiving clinically excellent care.

With over 25 years of experience and a 95% completion rate, The Coleman Method is among the most trusted outpatient detox options available today.

How The Coleman Method Works

1. Pre-Detox Evaluation A licensed medical provider reviews your history and develops a personalized treatment plan with you. You’ll receive clear instructions before starting, including when to stop using substances before treatment begins.
2. Day One Patients arrive in mild withdrawal. Our team conducts a comprehensive medical assessment. Comfort medications and micro-doses of naltrexone for opioid detoxes, or Phenobarbital for alcohol detoxes, begin to be used.
3. Day Two & Beyond Withdrawal symptoms are carefully managed, and you meet with a compassionate case manager. Medications are adjusted as needed throughout the detox.
4. Final Day A comprehensive treatment plan for long-term sobriety and plans for follow-up medical care are established. Long-acting naltrexone (Vivitrol) can be administered to support ongoing recovery.

Outpatient Detox Programs at The Coleman Institute

Our accelerated detox method supports individuals detoxing from a wide range of substances. Each program is fully outpatient, medically supervised, and abstinence-based.

The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine offers:

• Opioid Detox - for heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers, and more
• Alcohol Detox - medically monitored to prevent withdrawal complications
• Suboxone Detox - to safely transition off maintenance therapy
• Methadone Detox - a structured approach for long-term users
• Kratom Detox - for individuals dependent on kratom products
• Stimulant Detox - for cocaine, methamphetamine, and more
• Benzodiazepine Detox - for Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and more

Each of our protocols is customized to your specific needs and overseen by trained medical professionals.

Why Choose The Coleman Institute

You won’t find The Coleman Institute’s unique, effective approach anywhere else in the United States.

The benefits of our program include:

• Detox completed in as few as three days
• No hospitalization or anesthesia required
• Non-addictive comfort medications to minimize withdrawal
• Naltrexone Therapy (Vivitrol) to prevent relapse
• Six months of follow-up care and case management
• Abstinence-based, no methadone or Suboxone maintenance
• 25+ years of experience and 95% completion rate

Our treatment services allow patients to begin recovery safely and comfortably, with minimal disruption to their lives.

Continuing Care After Completing Detox

Detox is only the beginning of recovery. Every patient receives personalized case management for up to six months after completing detox.

Our case managers help coordinate ongoing support, such as:

• Individual Therapy
• Support Groups
• Family Counseling
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Outpatient Program (OP)
• Sober Living Housing
• Ongoing Naltrexone Therapy

This continuum of care provides the structure and accountability necessary for sustaining sobriety.

The Coleman Institute’s Locations

The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine is available in five U.S. states.

We have facilities nationwide, including:

• Richmond, Virginia (Headquarters)
• Denver, Colorado
• Tampa, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Orange County, California

Patients frequently travel from out of state for our accelerated, outpatient detox programs.

The Best Way to Detox Without Going Inpatient

Detoxing alone is unsafe, but detoxing without going inpatient can be safe when performed under medical supervision at The Coleman Institute.

Thousands of patients throughout the country have completed detox safely through our Accelerated Outpatient Detox programs. With expert clinical oversight, effective medical protocols, and compassionate care, we help patients take their first step toward lasting recovery safely, comfortably, and without the need for inpatient hospitalization.

Start your recovery today! Call 877-773-3869 or schedule a callback to learn more about our Outpatient Accelerated Detox programs.

What Is Pseudoindoxyl (Pseudo)?

Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl (also known as Pseudo or MP) is one of the most powerful compounds linked to kratom and its opioid-like effects. It is created when 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), one of kratom’s strongest active ingredients, is rearranged into an even more potent form.

Certain kratom products are now marketed as containing concentrated 7-OH and Pseudo, usually in tablet or liquid forms. Kratom and its enhanced versions act much more like traditional opioids. People who use them often find themselves developing dependence quickly and experiencing withdrawal symptoms as severe as quitting fentanyl or other opioids.

For individuals using Pseudo products, and for loved ones watching their struggles unfold, understanding what makes these products so dangerous is the first step toward finding and getting help.

How Pseudo Is Different From Regular Kratom

Standard kratom leaves mostly contain mitragynine, the plant’s primary compound. Mitragynine can create dependence over time and can lead to Kratom Use Disorder (KUD).

Pseudo and other 7-OH enriched products are in a different category than typical kratom, especially when the two are mixed. 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, or 7-Hydroxymitragynine, is an even more potent opioid-like compound that is present in small amounts naturally but often concentrated in extracts. Pseudo, MP, or Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is a rearrangement product of 7-OH that is formulated to be even stronger, now appearing in some marketed kratom products in stores as well as online.

These factors make Pseudo potentially even more addictive and more difficult to stop using, especially alongside 7-OH. Many people don’t even realize they’ve moved from standard kratom into using synthetic products that are even more potent.

What Pseudo Withdrawal Feels Like

Because Pseudo acts like a strong opioid, withdrawal symptoms often mirror opioid withdrawal.

Physical symptoms:

• Severe muscle & bone pain
• Nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea
• Restlessness & fatigue
• Sweating, chills, & goosebumps
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure

Psychological symptoms:

• Overwhelming cravings
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression & hopelessness
• Irritability & agitation
• Difficulty sleeping

Many people describe Pseudo withdrawal as even harsher than expected, especially if they believed the kratom they were ingesting was just a safe herbal product.

Why Quitting Alone Is Dangerous

A common myth is that kratom is easy to quit. It’s not, especially when you’re using an enhanced version. Because of how it taps into the same receptors in the brain as opioids do, stopping suddenly without medical help often leads to:

• Intense withdrawal symptoms
• Higher risk of relapse
• Increased overdose risk

Medical Detox is vital for people struggling with Pseudo withdrawal.

Outpatient Detox for Pseudo Withdrawal

The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine has been saving lives for over 25 years, and we’ve been helping people detox from kratom since 2018. Our Kratom Detox program safely manages withdrawal while allowing patients to return home each day. This makes recovery more accessible for people who can’t put their lives completely on hold or afford to stay in a 30-day residential rehab.

Our Kratom Detox Approach:

• Short Treatment Timeline - Most detoxes are completed in just a few days instead of having to face withdrawals for weeks.
• Comfort-Focused Care - We use non addictive medications to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
• No Hospitalization Needed - Our process is safe and outpatient-based with no inpatient stay required.
• Relapse Prevention - Many patients opt for Naltrexone Therapy to reduce cravings and protect against relapse.

The Coleman Institute is Here to Help

If you or a loved one is abusing kratom products, you may notice mood swings, anxiety, or repeated failed attempts to quit. It can be confusing and painful (mentally and physically), especially as these products are sold legally and often marketed as ‘safe’.

But Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is not harmless. It acts like an opioid, and withdrawal can be extremely challenging. The good news is that with professional help, recovery is possible. Many people who once felt trapped by kratom addiction have broken free and started a new chapter in life.

Find Help for Pseudo Withdrawal

At our Virginia headquarters, The Coleman Institute accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Sentara Health Plans, along with self-pay and financing options. We also provide treatment in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and California.

Call us today at 540-253-1029 or schedule a callback to learn more about outpatient detox for Pseudo withdrawal. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone you love, you don’t have to face addiction alone.