When an individual consumes Kratom and alcohol, unfortunately, their risk of overdose rises. This risky combination has the potential to lead to cardiac arrest, respiratory issues, coma, or, in severe cases, death.
As more individuals become aware that Kratom is supposed to be used as an herbal drug, they are under the assumption that overdoses can never occur. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In our article below, we’ll discuss the dangers of mixing kratom and alcohol.
Kratom: Defined
Originating from the Mitragyna speciosa, Kratom is an herbal extract that’s been used for thousands of years. This native, tropical plant from Southeast Asia was used by indigenous people who chewed its leaves or made tea to enhance their energy levels, boost their productivity, and relieve pain. However, many individuals abuse Kratom, making it one of the most abused substances.
Kratom powder comes in different strengths and colors; Kratom has various effects and is one of the most significant types of Kratom. Did you know that you can turn Kratom extract into liquid form?
Many individuals consume Kratom in raw leaves, powder, tablets, or gum for pain relief. In the United States, Kratom isn’t an illegal drug; however, many states consider it to be a concern, according to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration).
Today, Kratom is sold and marked as an herbal supplement that can boost your energy levels, enhance your mood, relieve pain, and provide less withdrawal compared to prescription medications.
Kratom Effects
When consumed, Kratom reacts to the brain’s opioid receptors. When used in low doses, Kratom provides the individual with more energy and a mood boost and enables them to become more social. When consumed in a higher dosage, Kratom reacts similarly to an opioid, providing effects such as euphoria and pain relief.
Some other effects of consuming Kratom are less anxiety, weight loss, increased energy, relaxation, a reduction in pain, and an overall feeling of health.
After consuming Kratom, you can expect to feel the effects within fifteen minutes. Effects from Kratom can last anywhere from two to five hours once ingested; however, we must note that the timeframe varies depending on the individual dosage.
Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
Similar to other substances, when an individual consumes Kratom consistently, they become dependent on it. Dependency occurs because the natural drug interacts with the brain and alters how it functions. Once this change in the brain occurs, you’ll often see symptoms of withdrawal begin.
Although withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the individual and their dosage, some Kratom withdrawal symptoms include body pain, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and diarrhea.
How Alcohol Affects the Body
Considered a depressant for our central nervous system, alcohol contains psychotropic effects. Today, alcohol remains one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide, even though many individuals refuse to label it as a drug. Around eighty-six percent of individuals in the United States consume alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse.
When an individual consumes alcohol, they’ll experience a reduction in anxiety, pain relief, and relaxation; however, these feelings are only temporary until the effects wear off. Excessive alcohol drinkers can develop an addiction over time. Alcohol addiction works in the same way Kratom addiction does.
An individual’s brain will adapt to the alcohol or Kratom, and their body is unable to function without it. When you experience alcohol withdrawal, the symptoms are very similar to Kratom withdrawal. When mixing kratom and alcohol, withdrawal symptoms may reach the highest levels or can lead to death.
Dangers of Mixing Kratom and Alcohol
The number of individuals who abuse Kratom and alcohol in the United States continues to increase. Frequently, these individuals use kratom and alcohol to receive a high that’s larger than consuming Kratom on its own. When combining the two substances, the effects of the drugs increase.
We must make individuals aware that when mixing kratom and alcohol, they will experience depressant effects. These drugs, when combined, can impact your central nervous system and increase your chances of developing depression or even a fatal overdose. Additionally, you can also experience other adverse side effects.
Kratom and Alcohol Detox
If an individual has been mixing kratom and alcohol, it may be possible to detox at home if they’ve been consuming low doses and for only a short amount of time. However, if an individual is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, we recommend visiting an inpatient detox center to prevent relapse.
If the individual has attempted to detox at home and has been unsuccessful, they may want to consider visiting a detox treatment center. At these centers, they have trained professionals who can address each person’s needs in a relaxing and supportive facility.
When in an inpatient detox center, professionals will remove Kratom and alcohol from the body. After detox, the patient may receive additional help to address the psychological effects of using Kratom and alcohol.
Using Kratom After Drinking Alcohol
According to scientists, there’s limited research on how long Kratom remains in an individual’s system. We must note that how long Kratom remains in your system depends on your age, weight, gender, height, and dosage. To avoid mixing kratom and alcohol, we recommend waiting at least twenty-four hours before consuming alcohol.
Why People Mix Kratom and Alcohol
Kratom is marketed as an herbal supplement, a home remedy for assisting with issues such as mental fog, pain relief, low energy levels, and much more. Many individuals choose to use Kratom to self-medicate as opposed to using prescription medication. Similar to other drugs, many individuals may misuse Kratom and combine it with other medicines, such as alcohol.
When these situations occur, the effects of mixing kratom and alcohol can leave the individual feeling drugged. Combined, this will lead to an increased impact than you would receive if used alone.
One thing we must address is that many individuals fail to realize that mixing kratom and alcohol can increase your chances of overdosing.
Can You Use Kratom to Deal With a Hangover?
While your chances of overdosing greatly increase when mixing alcohol and Kratom, there’s little research that discusses the effects of using Kratom to deal with a hangover. Many individuals may desire to use Kratom after a night of drinking, but we don’t have enough evidence to give an accurate answer.
However, some individuals have reported using anywhere from two to six grams of Kratom to address hangover symptoms. Some swear by this “remedy” and say it helps energize them to function throughout the day, while others say their hangover symptoms worsen and cause nausea. It’s essential to remember that even using low doses of Kratom can provide pain relief and increased energy levels.
Additionally, if you use Kratom in high doses when mixed with alcohol, you may receive some unpleasant side effects. This could be one of the primary reasons individuals feel worse when consuming Kratom.
If you’re experiencing a hangover, we recommend taking the necessary steps of plenty of rest and hydration to recover. If you plan to use Kratom to help manage your hangover, you should contact a healthcare professional to determine what dosage is best for your individual needs.
How to Consume Kratom Safely
If you plan on using Kratom individually or with alcohol (which is highly discouraged), there are essential safety precautions you must take before consuming.
- Take a small dosage – If consuming, you should avoid mixing kratom and alcohol. If you plan on consuming Kratom or alcohol, you should do so in small doses to reduce experiencing severe side effects.
- Choose a reliable source – When purchasing Kratom, you should ensure you’re purchasing through a reliable source to avoid purchasing a contaminated substance. Purchase Kratom from a reliable source that conducts proper tests on their products.
- Hydration – When consuming Kratom or alcohol, ensure you stay hydrated, as consuming these products can cause dehydration. Keep water on hand or an electrolyte beverage.
Kratom and Alcohol: FAQ
1. What is Kratom?
Originating from the Mitragyna speciosa, Kratom is an herbal extract that’s been used for thousands of years. This native, tropical plant from Southeast Asia was used by indigenous people who chewed its leaves or made tea to enhance their energy levels, boost their productivity, and relieve pain.
2. What are the dangers of mixing Kratom and alcohol?
When combined, it can impact your central nervous system and increase your chances of developing depression or even a fatal overdose.
3.) How can you detox from mixing Kratom and alcohol?
If you’ve been suffering from mixing Kratom and alcohol, you can detox at home or, in more severe cases, visit an in-patient detox facility.
4.) Why do people mix Kratom and alcohol?
Many individuals choose to use Kratom to self-medicate as opposed to using prescription medication. Similar to other drugs, many individuals may use Kratom incorrectly and combine it with other medicines, such as alcohol.
5.) Can you use Kratom for a hangover?
While your chances of overdosing greatly increase when mixing alcohol and Kratom, there’s little research that discusses the effects of using Kratom to deal with a hangover.