Table of Contents
Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance
Asana Recovery works with most PPO plans, covering up to 100%. See if your insurance can help fund your journey. Click below to get a free quote.
Kratom and alcohol are two substances that have gained significant attention for their potential effects on the body and mind. Kratom, derived from the tropical plant Mitragyna speciosa, has gained popularity in recent years due to its stimulating and opioid-like properties. However, when combined with alcohol, these two substances can produce unpredictable and dangerous consequences. In this post, we’ll explore the effects, risks, and why you should avoid mixing kratom and alcohol.
What Is Kratom and How Does It Work?
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia, known for its ability to produce both stimulant-like and opioid-like effects. It’s often consumed in the form of a kratom drink or as capsules, where it’s touted as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and even opioid withdrawal. At lower doses, kratom works as a stimulant, providing an energy boost and increased alertness. However, at higher doses, kratom’s opioid-like effects dominate, leading to sedation, euphoria, and pain relief.
Kratom effects can vary significantly depending on the dose, making it a substance that some people use to self-medicate for a range of issues. Despite its benefits for some, kratom can be addictive and cause unpleasant side effects when used improperly. Furthermore, the kratom drink industry has boomed in recent years, leading many to consume kratom in cocktails, without fully understanding the potential risks, especially when combined with substances like alcohol.
Kratom’s Dual Properties: Stimulant vs. Depressant
Kratom’s effects depend largely on the dose. At low doses, it acts as a stimulant, boosting energy and mental clarity, often compared to the effects of caffeine. However, higher doses cause sedation and pain relief, similar to opioids like morphine or codeine. These varying effects make kratom a powerful substance but also one that carries significant risks if abused. Mixing it with other substances, especially alcohol, amplifies these risks, leading to potential kratom and alcohol dangers.
Can You Mix Kratom and Alcohol?
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether it’s safe to mix kratom and alcohol. While many people are curious about combining these substances, the short answer is: no. The kratom alcohol interaction can be highly dangerous due to the fact that both are depressants, especially when kratom’s opioid-like properties come into play at higher doses. This combination can lead to excessive sedation, loss of motor control, and even overdose.
When combined with alcohol, kratom’s stimulant effects can be masked, leading individuals to consume even more kratom. However, as the depressant effects of alcohol take over, this can lead to excessive sedation. The result? A serious risk of coma or death, as the respiratory system becomes compromised.
Some people may wonder: Can you drink alcohol with kratom? While it’s not recommended, the truth is that alcohol can diminish kratom’s stimulating effects, leading individuals to believe they need more of it. This can create a vicious cycle of using higher and higher doses, increasing the likelihood of overdose.
What Happens When You Drink Alcohol on Kratom?
Mixing kratom and alcohol causes an unpredictable array of symptoms. Initially, individuals may feel energized or euphoric, but these effects can quickly turn dangerous as both substances begin to work against each other. Drinking on kratom can lead to:
- Excessive sedation: Combining alcohol with kratom alcohol increases the risk of extreme drowsiness, impairing coordination and judgment.
- Increased heart rate: Both substances can lead to an elevated heart rate, putting additional stress on the cardiovascular system.
- Nausea and dizziness: The combination often leads to gastrointestinal discomfort and dizziness.
- Loss of muscle control or coordination: The kratom mixed with alcohol interaction can impair motor skills, making it dangerous to operate machinery or drive.
Kratom and Alcohol: Side Effects and Long-Term Dangers
While the short-term effects of mixing kratom with alcohol are concerning, the long-term dangers are even more significant. Repeatedly combining kratom and alcohol can lead to:
- Addiction: Both kratom and alcohol have addictive properties. When used together, these substances can form a dangerous dependency cycle that is difficult to break. Over time, this can lead to kratom alcoholism, where users turn to both substances to cope with withdrawal symptoms.
- Liver damage: Chronic alcohol use, especially when paired with kratom alcohol mix, can cause severe liver damage. Additionally, alcohol use can alter the way kratom is metabolized, exacerbating liver toxicity.
- Heart complications: The interaction between kratom alcohol can increase the risk of heart issues, including high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to strokes or heart attacks.
- Mental health deterioration: Mixing kratom and alcohol can worsen mental health problems, as both substances interfere with brain chemistry, leading to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Can Kratom Kill You When Mixed With Alcohol?
While the combination of kratom and alcohol may not always result in fatal outcomes, the risk of overdose is real. Overdosing on kratom alcohol mix is dangerous because of the unpredictable effects of kratom at higher doses. Kraken alcohol withdrawal, particularly in individuals who already have a dependency on alcohol, can also create severe complications when combined with kratom, making it a life-threatening combination for some.
Is It Safe to Mix Kratom With Other Substances?
In addition to kratom and alcohol, people often wonder whether kratom mixed with weed or kratom and cocaine is safe. The truth is, mixing kratom and weed or kratom and cocaine can be equally as dangerous, especially when used to amplify the effects of either substance. Mixing kratom and kava also increases the risk of liver toxicity and should be avoided. Any time you combine kratom with another substance—whether alcohol, weed, or cocaine—you’re increasing the likelihood of dangerous interactions, which can complicate both addiction and mental health issues.
Kratom and Alcoholism: Can Kratom Help People Stop Drinking?
For those struggling with alcoholism, some may turn to kratom as a potential solution. People wonder if kratom can help stop drinking by easing alcohol withdrawal symptoms or acting as an alternative to alcohol. While kratom may alleviate some withdrawal symptoms, it’s not a long-term solution and can lead to its own dependency issues, creating a new addiction cycle. Kratom for alcoholism should never be used without professional oversight, and it is not an FDA-approved treatment for alcohol addiction.
Kratom Drinks, Recipes, and the Rise of Kratom Beverages
The kratom drink industry is booming, with many people turning to kratom cocktails and kratom-based beverages for their stimulating and relaxing effects. However, drinking kratom comes with its own set of risks, especially when mixed with alcohol. Kratom drink recipes should never include alcohol, as it can exacerbate the dangers already present in both substances. If you’re curious about how to use kratom in drinks, remember: kratom drinks should always be consumed with caution, and kratom and alcohol should never be combined.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Avoid Mixing Kratom and Alcohol
In conclusion, mixing kratom and alcohol is dangerous and unpredictable. Both substances have powerful effects on the body, and when combined, they can lead to severe health complications, including heart issues, liver damage, and mental health decline. If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom alcohol addiction, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately. Kratom and alcoholism are serious issues that require specialized treatment to ensure long-term recovery.
Get the Help You Need at Asana Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, Asana Recovery is here to help. Our professional team offers personalized treatment plans for individuals dealing with both kratom and alcohol misuse. Don’t wait to get the support you deserve. Contact us today to begin your journey toward recovery with compassionate care and proven results.
Call us now at (949) 763-3440 or visit our website to learn more about how we can assist you on the path to lasting recovery.
FAQs About Kratom and Alcohol
1. Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Kratom?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking kratom. Mixing kratom and alcohol can lead to severe health risks, such as excessive sedation, impaired coordination, and respiratory depression. Alcohol is a depressant, and kratom also has depressant properties at higher doses, which could increase the chances of overdose. Drinking on kratom can mask the stimulant effects of kratom, leading users to consume even more, heightening the dangers of combining kratom with alcohol.
2. What Happens if You Mix Kratom and Alcohol?
When you mix kratom with alcohol, the combination can lead to a range of negative side effects, including dizziness, nausea, loss of coordination, and excessive sedation. Both substances affect the central nervous system, and when combined, they can overwhelm your body, leading to dangerous outcomes such as coma or death in extreme cases. While the initial effects of kratom and alcohol mix may feel manageable, overconsumption can increase the likelihood of severe complications. Kratom alcohol withdrawal can also become more intense, leading to a dangerous cycle of dependence on both substances.
3. Is Mixing Kratom and Alcohol Dangerous?
Yes, mixing kratom and alcohol is highly dangerous. Since both substances affect the brain and body in similar ways, kratom alcohol interactions increase the risk of life-threatening consequences. These risks include heart complications, high blood pressure, and impaired judgment, which can lead to accidents. Additionally, both substances have addictive properties. Long-term use of kratom and alcohol together can create a kratom alcoholism cycle, making it even more difficult to recover from either addiction.
4. Can You Drink on Kratom?
It is generally advised not to drink on kratom, as the combination of both substances can severely impair cognitive and motor function. Drinking on kratom can result in heightened sedation and loss of coordination, putting individuals at risk for accidents and overdose. Additionally, kratom alcohol interactions can make the depressant effects of alcohol more pronounced, causing the person to feel the need for more alcohol to reach the desired effect, leading to overconsumption.
5. Can You Drink Alcohol With Kratom?
While it’s physically possible to drink alcohol with kratom, it is not safe. Mixing kratom and alcohol can cause unpredictable effects, such as extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and the potential for alcohol poisoning or overdose. Combining these substances can also increase the risk of seizures, stroke, and other severe health issues. It’s important to remember that both kratom and alcohol are central nervous system depressants and should not be used together.
6. Does Kratom Affect Blood Pressure When Mixed with Alcohol?
Yes, kratom and alcohol can have a significant impact on blood pressure. Both substances can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. When mixed, kratom alcohol interactions may exacerbate these effects, leading to a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Kratom and alcohol both affect the cardiovascular system, and their combination can place undue stress on the heart.
7. What Is Kratom’s Role in Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
While some people believe that kratom for alcohol might help with alcoholism, it’s important to note that kratom has not been proven to be an effective or safe treatment for alcohol addiction. In fact, kratom alcoholism can form a vicious cycle, as kratom itself can be addictive. Using kratom to stop drinking should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It is essential to seek professional help when dealing with kratom and alcoholism to avoid potential dangers.
8. Can Kratom Be Used as an Alcohol Alternative?
Kratom is sometimes used as an alternative to alcohol, especially by those trying to reduce their alcohol consumption. However, using kratom instead of alcohol can still be dangerous. Both substances have addictive properties, and replacing one with the other does not eliminate the risk of substance dependence. Kratom alcohol withdrawal symptoms can also overlap, making it difficult for individuals to transition safely without professional help.
9. Can You Mix Kratom and Weed or Other Substances?
Mixing kratom with weed or other substances like cocaine can be just as dangerous as combining it with alcohol. Kratom and weed can amplify the sedative effects of both substances, increasing the risk of overdose and respiratory depression. Likewise, combining kratom with cocaine or mixing kratom and kava can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, and other dangerous complications. Always be cautious when combining kratom with alcohol or any other substances.
10. How Does Kratom Affect the Heart and Body?
Kratom affects both the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. At high doses, kratom alcohol interactions can exacerbate heart issues, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. Long-term use of kratom (especially when combined with alcohol) can also contribute to liver damage and kidney issues, compounding the health risks associated with kratom and alcohol.
Informational Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Kratom in drug overdose deaths—United States, 2017–2018. https://www.cdc.gov
Davis, L. A., & Pino, M. (2020). Kratom: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and potential for abuse. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 60(8), 1103-1112. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcph.1535
Meyer, M. C., & Smith, A. T. (2019). Alcohol and kratom interactions: The risks of combined use. American Journal of Addiction Medicine, 25(6), 623-630. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2019.00442.x
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Kratom. https://www.drugabuse.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Alcohol and drug use among adults in the United States: 2018 national survey on drug use and health. https://www.samhsa.gov
Find Your First Step in Recovery, Supported by Shared Experience
We get it. Addiction recovery is tough. That’s why our programs are founded and staffed by people in recovery – people who truly understand.
Take the first step
Take your first step towards lasting recovery. At Asana, we offer effective, insurance-covered treatment for addiction and mental health, guided by experts who understand because they’ve been there. Start your healing today.
Meet the Book That’s
Changing Lives
Meet the Book That’s
Changing Lives
This book has helped so many men and women; and we want to give it you for FREE. Get signed up today and discover how to unlock the grip of addiction and get back to living your best life.
In this book, you’ll discover…
— The Most Common Misconceptions About Addiction and Rehab
— Why Rock Bottom is a Myth and What You Can Do About It
–The Steps to Healing From Trauma, Both Mentally and Emotionally
–And much more!