Key Takeaways
- Kava and kratom are different substances with different risks. Kava is primarily used for its calming, relaxing effects, while kratom can produce stimulant or opioid-like effects depending on the dose. Although both are marketed as natural products, neither is risk-free.
- Both may seem appealing during recovery, but they can complicate sobriety. Some people use kava or kratom to manage cravings, anxiety, pain, or insomnia, yet these substances can interfere with healthy recovery and may increase the risk of relapse.
- Kratom carries a higher potential for dependence. Regular kratom use can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction-like behaviors, while kava has its own safety concerns, including possible liver complications and interactions with medications.
- Professional addiction treatment offers a safer path than self-medicating. Comprehensive care addresses both substance use and its underlying causes through medical supervision, therapy, and individualized treatment planning rather than relying on alternative psychoactive substances.
Question:
What is the difference between kava vs kratom?
Answer:
Kava and kratom have become popular alternatives for people seeking relaxation or relief from anxiety, pain, and withdrawal symptoms, but they present different benefits and risks. Kava is a traditional South Pacific plant commonly used for its calming effects, while kratom is a Southeast Asian botanical that can produce stimulant or opioid-like effects depending on the dose. Although some people in recovery turn to these substances to ease cravings or improve mood, the article explains that both can interfere with long-term sobriety. Kratom, in particular, has the potential to cause dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal, while kava may interact with medications and has been linked to liver-related concerns in some cases. Rather than relying on psychoactive herbal products, the article encourages individuals in recovery to seek professional addiction treatment, where medical detox, therapy, and personalized care can address both substance use and the underlying issues that contribute to addiction.
Kava and kratom are not the same: kava is generally used for calming and relaxation, while kratom can act as a stimulant at lower doses or produce opioid-like effects at higher doses, with a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal. For adults dealing with substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders, especially people in recovery who are considering kava or kratom for cravings, anxiety, pain, or withdrawal symptoms, that difference matters because either substance can complicate sobriety and raise the risk of relapse.
With more people recognizing the risks addictive substances can pose to themselves and the people around them, many have started looking for substitutes for their previous recreational activities. Some of the most common alternatives include kava and kratom, both of which are now widely available in local bars, gas stations, and even vitamin shops.
This article explains how kava and kratom differ, the effects and safety concerns tied to each one, how they may affect recovery from addiction, and why professional addiction treatment can be a safer option than self-medicating with psychoactive herbal products. Kratom, in particular, can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal, while kava has its own risks, including possible liver complications and medication interactions, making medical detox, therapy, and individualized treatment a more reliable path to long-term recovery.
What Is Kava?
Kava is a shrub native to the South Pacific islands that has been used for centuries for its relaxing and mood-boosting effects. Also known as Piper methysticum, or “intoxicating pepper,” Kava is made by grinding the plant’s roots into a powder. After, the powder is mixed with water to create a psychoactive tea-like beverage with a slightly bitter taste and a milky appearance.
While Kava is most often available in the form of a drink often sold at bars and cafes, it can come in a variety of other forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and extracts, which can be found both online and in local convenience stores.
Kava contains compounds, kavalactones, which are likely responsible for its calming effects. Research suggests that kavalactones interact with the neurotransmitter GABA receptors in the brain. In doing so, it produces feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
Kava is commonly used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Anxiety and stress relief
- Insomnia
- Muscle relaxation
- Pain relief
- Socializing
Kava is generally considered safe when taken in moderate doses and for short periods of time. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. These can include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
The DEA highlights the risk of developing of kava dermopathy, a side effect of Chronic use of kava resulting in dry scaly skin or yellow skin discoloration. In rare cases, Kava can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage. As with any other substance, it is essential to talk to your doctor before using Kava, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any other medications.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an herbal substance derived from the mitragyna speciosa tree native to southeast asia. In Southeast Asia, kratom leaves are traditionally chewed or brewed as tea. This drug acts on opioid receptors, unlike kava, which helps explain its opioid-like effects and addiction risk. Like Kava, kratom is sold in the form of teas, tinctures, and supplements from various vendors across the country.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medical uses for kratom, many people reporthaving used this substance to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings during their recovery from opioid addiction. The FDA has also warned against kratom use because of associated deaths. It is also used for pain management and to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms, but this use is not FDA-approved.
Of course, there is research suggesting that kratom can have addictive properties when used in high doses or over long periods of time, and 35.3% of kratom-only users meet criteria for kratom use disorder. Best known for producing short-term relaxation and euphoria, kratom may also produce unpleasant side effects including:
Nausea
Vomiting
Itching
Sweating
Dry mouth
Constipation
Increased urination
Tachycardia
Drowsiness
Loss of appetite
Users of kratom may also experience anorexia, hepatotoxicity, seizures, and hallucinations. This is why it is important to always consult with your doctor before taking any new substances and to only use kratom in low, controlled doses. Kratom’s legal status varies by state and locality, with Texas regulating sales under Senate Bill 497 and Senate Bill 1868 proposing stricter rules.
Users of kratom may also experience anorexia, hepatotoxicity, seizures, and hallucinations. This is why it is important to always consult with your doctor before taking any new substances and to only use kratom in low, controlled doses.
Why Do People in Recovery Use Kava and Kratom?
For those recovering from substance use disorders, the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can occur during this period can be debilitating. For many people, turning to substances such as Kava and kratom that can mimic the effects of their abused drug can seem like a way to cope with cravings and underlying mental health symptoms without relapsing.
In general, Kava and kratom are often marketed as natural remedies or a natural alternative for quick relief, but kratom is more often used to improve mood and reduce anxiety, while kava offers more of a sedative effect. However, people in recovery use Kava and kratom for a variety of reasons, including:
Manage cravings: Kava and kratom can be effective in reducing cravings for alcohol and other drugs, such as opioids. More specifically, kratom interacts with opioid receptors, which can make it appealing to people trying to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Reduce anxiety and stress: Kava and kratom can both have a calming and relaxing effect, which can be helpful for people in recovery who are dealing with symptoms such as anxiety and stress. Kava is also often discussed in complementary and integrative health approaches and is sometimes used to treat anxiety.
Improve their mood: Kava and kratom can both improve mood and promote a sense of well-being, which can be helpful for people in recovery who are struggling with depression or other mental health issues.
Pain relief: Kava and kratom both can provide relief in people experiencing chronic pain. Some people may also use kratom for pain management, but that can increase concerns about dependence and relapse on opioids or other painkillers.
Aid in sleep: Kava and kratom can both help to improve sleep quality, which is important for those in recovery who are often struggling to sleep due to anxiety, stress, or other factors.
It is important to note that Kava and kratom are not without their risks. Both substances can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Additionally, these plant based supplements consumed for psychoactive effects can still lead to substance misuse, and regular use of kratom can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to note that Kava and kratom are not without their risks. Both substances can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Additionally, kratom can be addictive, and regular use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
Kava vs Kratom: Are They Safe?
Despite the potential benefits of Kava and kratom, there are also a number of reasons why people in recovery should avoid using these substances. For starters, neither kava nor kratom is completely risk-free, and both can pose significant health risks despite being marketed as natural products.
Kratom, in particular, presents a risk for abuse. In fact, regular use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms because kratom acts on opioid receptors, which can contribute to physical dependence. Withdrawal from this substance can be severe, with side effects comparable to that of opioid withdrawal, and include symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and muscle aches. At higher doses, it tends to be more sedating and may raise the risk of adverse effects.
Kava and kratom can also negatively interact with certain prescription drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and other substances by affecting the central nervous system. In these cases, people using MAT services to help manage their cravings or withdrawal symptoms may experience negative side effects that may be detrimental to their recovery after using Kava or kratom. A similar experience can also occur for those taking prescription medication for mental health problems.
Combining kava and kratom can increase adverse effects.
Not to mention, the use of these substances can trigger cravings for other drugs, such as alcohol and opioids, regardless of whether an individual has a physical addiction to Kava or kratom. As a result, Kava and kratom can compromise your recovery and, when use becomes compulsive, contribute to drug abuse or kratom addiction.
Using any mind-altering substance can interfere with your ability to work through the issues that led to your addiction. In many cases, these drugs make it difficult to focus on developing healthy coping mechanisms and relationships. This puts you at a higher risk of relapsing when triggers and cravings arise. As a result, the use of kratom and kava in recovery is not without risk. Both are legal in the United States but face restrictions in some countries.
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The Benefits of Professional Addiction Treatment
Despite the appeal of using substances like Kava and kratom to help with your recovery from drugs or alcohol, seeking professional addiction treatment will always be your best option. When you seek professional help, you open yourself up to a variety of benefits, including:
- Increased chances of success
- Reduced risk of relapse
- Improved physical and mental health
- Better relationships and social life
- Increased employment opportunities
These are just some of the many benefits that come with recovering at a professional treatment center. Addiction is a serious and complex disease, and treating this condition will require much more care than alternative substances like Kava and kratom can provide.
Drug Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Centers, we understand that addiction recovery can be a complicated and difficult process. Our treatment approach provides the comprehensive and effective care you need to successfully achieve long-term sobriety.
In addition to our diverse staff of medical and mental health professionals, you will have access to a variety of treatment options when participating in our program, including
- Medical detox services
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient
- Outpatient treatment
We want you to have the best chance at success on your recovery journey. That is why we will work with you to identify your specific care needs and build a treatment plan that caters to them. Our comprehensive, holistic treatment approach addresses the effects of substance abuse and the underlying causes. To do so, we provide you with the foundation of skills you need to maintain long-term recovery from drug addiction.
Ready to start your recovery? Call us today at 877-732-6837. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer all of your questions and help you start your journey to a happier and healthier future.
