Kratom and Alcohol

What is Kratom? Kratom Uses. Mixing Kratom and Alcohol. Kratom and Alcohol Effects. Dangers of Kratom and Alcohol. Kratom and Alcohol Liver.


What is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna, is a tropical plant indigenous to Southeast Asia with unique pharmacological properties [1]. It is commonly consumed by preparing the leaves into decoction or tea or grinding them into a powder.

Kratom is primarily sought out for its stimulant and opioid-like properties and may be used either for its perceived therapeutic effects or as a recreational drug. In either case, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the safety of ingesting kratom products. 

Although raw leaves can be chewed or smoked for the effects, they are more frequently boiled in water to produce decoctions or teas, which contain multiple biologically active phytochemicals, accounting for their psychoactive properties. In addition to these more traditional preparation methods, the leaves may be dried and processed into powders, capsules, and extracts, especially in western countries.

When mixed simultaneously, kratom and alcohol have mixed opinions among users.

Kratom Uses

Historically, kratom has been used in traditional folk remedies to treat various ailments, for example, to mitigate symptoms of opiate addiction and withdrawal or to wean off dependence. It is also frequently used to relieve pain, produce euphoria, and stave off fatigue,

In the West, kratom is often used as a recreational drug, where it is perceived as a safe, “legal high”. This reputation led to the proposed categorization of kratom as a Schedule I drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2016, but it garnered little interest among policymakers. Thus, a key contributor to the problem is that kratom remains unrecognized as a controlled substance by the DEA and is therefore not subject to regulation by the US Controlled Substances Act.

Although it is currently listed on the DEA’s Drugs of Concern registry, this is mostly a symbolic measure and does little to prevent its sale. However, as of 2019, six state legislatures (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Vermont) have successfully passed statutes criminalizing kratom possession.

It remains legal in the rest of the USA and is easily obtained in stores or through numerous online retailers. Its sale is permitted throughout Europe, except for Poland, Ireland, Romania, and most of the Nordic and Baltic states.

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Mixing Kratom and Alcohol

Many legal and illegal drugs interact with other drugs and substances such as alcohol. Although Kratom is legal in 44 states and alcohol is entirely legal to use in the United States, there are a lot of uncertainties surrounding whether they are dangerous or safe to mix. Most individuals assume that because they are both legal in the majority of states that it is not a dangerous combination. However, there is no specific answer that science has given us to determine whether or not it is highly dangerous.

Many individuals have combined alcohol and kratom without many or any problems. Still, on the other hand, there have been reports of kratom-related deaths and overdoses, with nearly all of these reports involving the use of other substances along with kratom. Alcohol has been in many of these reported overdoses that lead to deaths.

Part of the issue is that mixing kratom and alcohol can have varying effects depending on the amount the person take. High doses of kratom have a sedative-like effect that could become dangerous in combination with alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose. Meanwhile, lower doses of kratom produce stimulant-like effects that could make the person feel less intoxicated than they really are. Even a combination as seemingly harmless as kratom and alcohol could lead to excess consumption or riskier behavior.

If you think you or someone you care about is dealing with kratom addiction, share your story with us. We're here to assist you and find a path to recovery together. Contact We Level Up NJ to get started.
If you think you or someone you care about is dealing with kratom addiction, share your story with us. We’re here to assist you and find a path to recovery together. Contact We Level Up NJ to get started.

Kratom and Alcohol Effects

The effects of mixing kratom and alcohol can be very diverse. In lower doses, when mixed with alcohol or on its own, kratom can cause higher energy levels, increased focus, lower levels of pain, increased relaxation, and a better overall mood.

However, some side effects of kratom, when mixed with alcohol or taken on its own, can be not very great. These adverse effects can be nausea, drowsiness, unexplained itching, dizziness, constipation, sedation, and abnormal amounts of urination.

Dangers of Kratom and Alcohol

Since kratom can fill the role of two potentially addictive substances, depending on how it’s used, there is a significant risk of potentially dangerous effects, including seizures, sweating, nausea, elevated urine production, constipation, dry mouth, itching, and hallucinations.

Alcohol abuse can frequently result from the strong chemical dependence it creates on the drinker. In addition, it can cause several side effects, from neurotransmitter burnout and central nervous system (CNS) damage to brain damage, memory loss, and seizures.

Like other medicines or substances, mixing alcohol with kratom has risks. Before combining the two treatments, there are several hazards, even though they may not be as well-established or evident as the risks of combining other drugs.

Overdose is the main risk. Because both kratom and alcohol are depressants, mixing the two can raise the chance of an overdose. The adverse effects of depression may be exacerbated if you take two depressants at once.

Anemia, renal damage, cancer, high blood pressure, and harm to the body’s neurological system can all result from heavy metal poisoning. When combined with kratom, alcohol use can make all of this worse.

About three years ago, certain kratom products were also linked to salmonella. Salmonella can also result in diarrhea, fever, dehydration, cramps, severe abdominal discomfort, and more.

Additionally, combining kratom and alcohol increases the chance of addiction to both narcotics. Kratom can lead to dependence, and some users report feeling physically ill after stopping use.

Lastly, nothing is understood about kratom itself. Many people are unaware of the interactions that kratom has with other substances while it is inside the body. This covers over-the-counter drugs, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, allergy pills, and more. There is also a shortage of information regarding its interactions with other products, including vitamins, prescription drugs, and herbal supplements.

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kratom and alcohol
What do kratom and alcohol do to your liver? One of the most important causes of liver dysfunction is drug-induced liver injury (DILI) 

Kratom and Alcohol Liver

How hard is kratom on the liver? The role of the liver is to regulate chemical levels in your blood and excrete something called bile, which helps carry waste from the liver. All the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver then processes and breaks down this blood, balancing and creating nutrients that metabolize drugs into easier forms for the body to use. When the liver is heavily impacted, other areas of the body begin to suffer. As with other drugs, kratom and liver problems go hand in hand due to long-term use. Kratom liver toxicity is just one of the many side effects users may experience due to abuse. 

Kratom liver toxicity occurs when someone takes too much kratom to the point where their liver cannot do its job. One study noted that a 47-year-old male with no history of drug use experienced symptoms of lethargy, abnormal liver tests, and pruritis after drinking kratom tea for 21 days. He was ultimately diagnosed with drug-induced liver disease as a result. Effects of kratom on the liver: Another study found that acute hepatitis can even be induced by drinking kratom herbal tea regularly. Kratom-induced liver toxicity usually occurs gradually in regular users, causing more serious symptoms as the person’s condition worsens.

Some people like to mix kratom and alcohol. They claim that mixing even a small supplement dose with any amount from one glass (or beer) will give them an intense high. Still, it’s important not to do so because if you combine kratom and alcohol, your body could end up having more than enough stimulants, which can cancel out their depressant effects on brain temperature regulation, causing someone to find themselves in danger due to possible dangerous side effects such as alcohol poisoning. Thus, kratom and alcohol addiction is risky behavior that should be avoided.

Kratom and Alcohol Overdose

How does alcohol function? When consumed in excessive doses, alcohol depresses the central nervous system because it is a hypnotic sedative medication. In small dosages, alcohol can function as a stimulant, promoting feelings of exhilaration and talkativeness; however, ingesting excessive amounts of it at once can result in drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, or even death.

When a person purposefully or accidentally consumes too much of a particular chemical or a mixture of substances, an overdose results. Overdoses frequently result in death. However, if medical assistance is given right away, overdose victims may be revived. In the United States, there are thought to be 100 drug overdose deaths per day. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 67,367 people died in the United States from drug overdoses in just 2018 alone.

Many people mix these two substances to take advantage of alcohol’s intensified effects. Such individuals believe that combining even a very small amount of kratom with a tiny bit of alcohol enhances the benefits. However, using even modest amounts of kratom with alcohol is neither safe nor desirable, as it is with any pharmacological combos. This is due to the fact that alcohol’s depressing effects can negate kratom’s stimulant effects and lead a user to raise their kratom dosage. The depressive effects of kratom then dominate and create an even riskier situation when the consumer consumes more of it.

Some of the symptoms of kratom and alcohol-related overdose are:

  • Slow or shallow breathing 
  • Irregular heart rate 
  • Agitation 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Confusion 
  • Pale and clammy skin 
  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Seizures 

The remains of about 152 persons who died from opioid overdoses contained kratom, according to a 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And of them, about 19 had alcohol in their systems as well. Although there isn’t enough evidence to prove that kratom was a factor in these fatalities, the idea cannot be discounted. As a result, it is strongly advised against mixing kratom with alcohol.

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kratom and alcohol
Kratom itself has the potential to be incredibly addictive, both physically and chemically

Kratom and Alcohol Hangover

Hangovers that happen as a result of recreational kratom consumption are relatively common. The hangovers produced by kratom appear similar to those associated with excessive alcohol use. They will often include:

  • Headache, general weakness, and a lack of motivation
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Mood swings
  • Dry mouth, itching, aches, and pains, or muscle cramps
  • Lethargy, irritability, anxiousness, sweating, and loss of appetite

Some individuals say that taking kratom to deal with a hangover is why they mix it with alcohol. Still, it is very difficult to decide whether using kratom and alcohol simultaneously is safe. Most individuals agree that mixing any drug, whether it is legal or not, with alcohol is a dangerous game. As such, it is always highly recommended that no individual mix drugs together, especially when using them recreationally, as there is a high risk of overdose. 

However, there is not enough strong evidence to give a clear or safe answer. Many claims that taking a low dose of kratom to deal with your hangover symptoms is a miracle cure. On the other hand, many say that it worsens the effects of a hangover and causes severe nausea. 

This could be due to the dosage individuals take, but there is inadequate evidence to support or deny this claim. Regardless, as kratom is an addictive substance in and of itself, which can cause several severe side effects (including addiction), it is best to stay away from the drug to begin with, especially if one wants to mix it with other medications. 

Kratom and Alcohol Withdrawal

Like alcohol, kratom has sedative and pain-relieving properties. In moderate-to-high quantities (2.5-5g), kratom may promote relaxation by relieving pain and discomfort in a manner that feels similar to alcohol. As a result, many kratom users have reported using the drug to reduce their alcohol intake.

So far, there is very little research on the use of kratom for alcohol withdrawal. Some people report that it reduces withdrawal symptoms or helps reduce alcohol intake, but kratom poses its own potential risks and can itself be addictive.

Since this herbal substance may enhance mood and reduce feelings of nervousness in some users, it may seem logical to use it for anxiety and other similar alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, since kratom’s effects at varying doses are still unknown, it’s not clear whether it helps more than it hurts, or even if it’s fully safe for alcohol detox.

If you’re concerned about the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, it’s best to consult a medical professional. There are several FDA-approved medications that can help with symptoms, as well as more established natural remedies and mindfulness practices that are less risky.

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Kratom and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

First and foremost, if you think a loved one is abusing kraom and alcohol, you should research the drug and its associated addiction to understand better what your loved one needs.  Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle the effects of kratom and alcohol abuse in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, show your support throughout the entire treatment process.

In addition, prolonged drug use can have severe physical and psychological effects on you, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol and Kratom Detox Treatment

Kratom and alcohol detox is the process of weaning someone off of a dependency to the substance. It allows members of  rehab centers like We Level Up NJ to recover safely and comfortably. While an uncomfortable withdrawal from alcohol is unavoidable, it doesn’t have to be unbearable.

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal from alcohol and kratom but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and withdrawal effects from alcohol.

Inpatient Alcohol and Kratom Rehab

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug use. the goal is to help the patient stop using alcohol and other substances, but alcohol rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Following a full medical detox, most people benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare plan, which may include continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy 

Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy program, yoga for addiction recovery, or an addiction treatment massage therapy.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
  • Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.

Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our opioid addiction treatment program medically. So, reclaim your life, and call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Alcohol Rehab Near Me

Alcohol and kratom addiction is a condition that can cause major health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up NJ rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition and give you clarity about issues like alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.

kratom and alcohol
If you find yourself addicted to combining and taking these two substances, it is important to get help. 
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