The Dangers of Mixing Kratom and Alcohol: Risks & Side Effects
Kratom and alcohol are federally legal substances in the United States. These are primarily classified as depressants (aka downers) and are known to calm nerves and relieve anxiety. However, when combined, the effect of these substances can lead to substantial and sometimes fatal damage.
Kratom originates from Southeast Asia, and its leaves are harnessed to produce both stimulating and calming effects on an individual. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a psychoactive substance that slows down the nervous system and impairs cognitive function. Combining and abusing the two is known to cause dangerous side effects, including strokes, kidney failure, coma, and death.
So, is it worth taking a risk? That’s precisely what this comprehensive guide will unveil. Today, we will discuss alcohol and kratom side effects, the consequences of mixing these two drugs, and the possible addiction risks. Before we dive into it, let’s first understand the science behind combining the two drugs.
What Happens When You Mix Kratom and Alcohol
Consuming kratom alone is one thing, but combining it with alcohol to double its effects is an entirely different thing that can lead to fatal consequences. While there is a lack of extensive research on the effects of this combo, here is what happens when both substances are consumed simultaneously.
With kratom exhibiting both stimulant and opioid-like depressant effects and alcohol having depressing effects on the nervous system, their interaction amplifies sedation levels. This, in return, slows down your body’s nervous system.
Plus, let’s not forget to mention that combining the two increases the risk of overdose. This, in return, can escalate to a predominance of Kratom adverse effects effects, leading to addiction or other serious health problems like high blood pressure, seizures, or even worse, stroke.
The Effects of Kratom
Before we proceed to the side effects, you may wonder where this natural drug comes from. The drugs are harnessed from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, which is mainly found in Southeast Asia. There are many ways of consuming this herbal drug after the leaves are plucked from the tree. The locals, as well as the surrounding regions, including Thailand and Malaysia, typically chew the leaves. Others may brew it with tea to increase its effectiveness.
In the Western world, however, individuals enjoy use kratom in capsules, in powder form, where they mix either kava and kratom or with alcohol. Others may consume it as liquids or shots, so they are typically multiple doses in a single bottle. Gummies or edibles are also a common way of consumption.
That said, let’s now have a look at kratom’s side effects:
In low doses, kratom produces a stimulant effect, increasing the energy, alertness, mood, and sociability of individuals. In simple terms, it’s like the opioid receptors of the brain.
Higher doses of kratom, on the other hand, produce adverse effects. Instead of stimulating the brain, it leads to depressant effects like euphoria and pain relief. The aftermath after consuming kratom in high doses includes feeling sleepy and lethargic. These effects can last from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the dosage taken.
Once you refrain from using the drug, here are some of the side effects you are likely to have.
- Unexplainable pain within the body
- Increased depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased anxiety levels
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
The Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol is not a new term, as it is widely used globally. When consumed, it acts as a depressant to the nervous system, offering relaxation and feelings of connectedness. Now, if you cannot go a day without drinking alcohol or you can’t manage to cut down the amount you take without developing stress, high chances are you have an addiction.
On average, it takes about 30 minutes to feel the effects of alcohol after drinking, and it takes about an hour per drink for the body to fully metabolize the alcohol. However, alcohol can stay in the brain for up to 24 hours after the last drink was consumed. During this time, the brain may still be impaired, leading to decreased coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times.
Alcohol intoxication results from the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream increasing. The side effects can be mild or severe based on your drinking patterns. If you drink a lot, you will likely have severe effects similar to those of kava and kratom combination.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Sea and vomiting
- Increased anxiety levels
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia.
The body eliminates alcohol through urination, sweating, and breathing. When you consume too much alcohol, your liver is unable to process it all at once. This leads to a buildup of toxins in the body, causing these unpleasant side effects.
Moreover, long-term heavy drinking can lead to more serious health problems such as liver damage or even cancer. It also increases the risk of developing mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
If you are experiencing any of these side effects or have concerns about your alcohol consumption, it is important to seek help from a medical professional. They can provide support and resources for managing addiction and reducing its harmful effects on your body and mind.
Dangers & Risks of Combining Kratom and Alcohol Together
kratom-and-alcohol
Mixing kratom and alcohol is known to result in fatal death, especially when both drugs are consumed in higher amounts. In a 2019 study aimed at assessing the side effects of Kratom in Western countries, the results showed that the mortality deaths registered were as a result of overdosing on kratom. Most victims used the drug for recreation, relaxation, bodybuilding, and avoiding positive drug tests.
While the findings in these cases prove that kratom can lead to death, its profile remains only partially understood. Quantifying what amount causes fatal damages can go a long way in saving victims.
Aside from fatal death, there are other risks associated with the dangers of mixing kratom and alcohol.
Worsen the Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
If you have a history of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, mixing kratom and alcohol can worsen these mental health conditions. While people assume that taking kratom will treat existing mental health disorders and improve their mood, this is not the case. First, research supporting kratom’s effectiveness in treating mental health disorders is weak. Second, kratom is used to replace drugs like opioids, meaning it has more depressing effects.
Alcohol is also known to worsen mental health conditions. With its depressing effects on the central nervous symptoms, the side effects of mental health disorders can drastically increase. Mix kratom with alcohol intensifies the feelings of despair, hopelessness, and thoughts of self-harm, which can be harmful to people with mental health disorders.
Higher Chances of Overdose
Kratom is typically a stimulant; however, when mixed with other drugs, including alcohol and kava, it produces depressant effects. Imagine what would happen if you double the depressing effects on the central nervous system. The brain wouldn’t function properly due to an overdose, right? Well, that’s precisely what happens when you mix alcohol and kratom.
Alcohol by itself is a depressant drug; topping it with kratom is more like taking opioids, which double the depressant effects. So, how do you know a person has overdosed after taking kratom? Below are the symptoms:
- Increased difficulty in breathing
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe abdominal pain and cramping
- Pale or clammy skin
- Increased nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Confusion and loss of consciousness
Potential Liver Damage
Prolonged and high-dose use of kratom and alcohol has been linked to causing significant damage to the liver. Your liver is more like a tireless worker cleaning up toxins, including the combination of kratom and alcohol, to ensure your body runs smoothly. Taking such substances every other day can overwhelm the liver, which can potentially lead to damage. Don’t get us wrong, we don’t only mean that liver damage occurs when taking higher amounts; even a small dosage will end up harming your liver over time.
According to research, prolonged use of kratom in both high doses and small doses has been associated with significant harm to the liver and kidneys. That said, if you have been using both alcohol and kratom for as long as you can remember, it is essential that you go for a liver checkup and refrain from using the drugs. If you need to stop, we recommend doing it at a rehab facility, as the withdrawal symptoms can be fatal.
Contamination
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Kratom products were found to contain heavy metals like lead and nickel. Mixing the drug with alcohol can worsen the effects of contamination, which can potentially lead to nervous system damage, high blood pressure, a certain type of cancer, kidney damage, or even anemia.
Impaired Judgement and Coordination
As mentioned earlier, kratom and alcohol slowly weaken the central nervous system through its depressing effects. When the nervous system is not functioning well, it diminishes coordination, reaction capabilities, and judgment. When this is the case, the risks of accidents and injuries, especially when operating vehicles, are increasingly high.
Increased Addiction
When consumed in moderation, both kratom and alcohol are known to have positive effects, such as relaxation and mood enhancement. The desire to have such effects can slowly turn into a habit, which can increase the chances of addiction. The continuous use makes it hard to stop, plus the negative withdrawal symptoms are hard to bear without professional help.
Withdrawal Side Effects, Symptoms for Kratom and Alcohol
Withdrawal from both kratom and alcohol can be a challenging process. The side effects and symptoms experienced during this time vary depending on the individual’s level of consumption, but they have some similarities. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia.
Some other side effects may include:
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms:
– Tremors
– Hallucinations
– Delirium tremens (DTs)
– Seizures
Kratom withdrawal symptoms:
– Muscle aches
– Runny nose or eyes
– Irritability
– Aggression
The timeline for alcohol withdrawal usually peaks within 24-72 hours after the last drink and gradually subsides over the following days to weeks.
The Treatment for Kratom and Alcohol Abuse
When it comes to treating alcohol and Kratom abuse, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is essential to consider the individual’s unique needs and circumstances when creating a treatment plan.
- Detoxification: The first and foremost step in the treatment process It involves safely removing alcohol from the body. Depending on the severity of addiction, detoxification can be carried out in an inpatient setting under medical supervision or via outpatient detox programs.
- Therapy and Counseling: After detox, therapy and counseling become key players in the recovery process. This might encompass individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, and behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational enhancement therapy (MET).
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Not a mandatory step but can be significantly beneficial to some individuals. This involves using FDA-approved medications to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT can be particularly beneficial for those battling severe addiction or co-existing mental health disorders.
- Support from Personal Network and Support Groups: Support from family, friends and participation in groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, play a vital role in the recovery process. Such settings allow individuals to connect with others who are going through similar struggles, thus providing valuable support and accountability.
- Personalized Recovery Plan: It’s important to remember that recovery from addiction isn’t a universal process. Everyone responds differently to treatments, therefore it’s critical to craft a personalized plan that aligns best with individual needs.
It’s essential to note that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each individual may respond differently to various treatments, and it’s crucial to find a plan that works best for them.
Opportunity of Addiction Recovery With Still Water Wellness Group
Drug addiction doesn’t always mean that all hope is lost. While it is normal for the victim to feel hopeless, especially after mixing kratom and alcohol, those are just withdrawal symptoms. Indulging in professional help and a serene environment can help you self-reflect and move towards a happy, sober life.
At Still Water Wellness Group, we are more than just a rehab facility; we deeply understand the dangers of alcohol and kratom. Thus, we are committed to providing our patients with the best care possible. Our friendly team of professionals will help you every step of the way, from detoxing medication treatment to the counseling process.
Moreover, we understand the environment can significantly affect a person’s recovery process. That’s why our facility is designed to the highest mark. We offer spacious, luxurious accommodations with beautiful views of California’s pristine beaches and coastlines. Our world-class amenities also enhance the experience, allowing patients to fully embrace a sobriety life. With us, you don’t have to feel as though you are locked up in a prison.
Ready to get rid of the alcohol and kratom in your system? If so, contact us today to schedule a treatment session. We hope to see you soon!