Kratom and alcohol are two legal substances in the United States that might seem harmless on their own. But did you know that mixing them can be a dangerous game?
Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant, and alcohol, a common beverage, are both classified as depressants (aka. downers). That means they slow down your body and mind. While they might seem relaxing individually, combining them can have serious consequences.
We’re talking about dangerous side effects like strokes, kidney problems, comas, and even death.
So, is it worth the risk? Let’s dive into the science behind why mixing kratom and alcohol is dangerous substance abuse. We’ll also discuss the potential for addiction and explore the real consequences of this combination. Call for a confidential consultation.
Top 7 Dangers of Mixing Kratom and Alcohol Together
A study from 2019 looked into the dangers of kratom in Western countries. They found that most people who died from kratom overdose were using it for fun, to relax, or to get stronger. Some even used kratom to manage physical tests and avoid positive drug results.
Let’s dive into the most common dangers associated with kratom and alcohol abuse.
1. Mixing Alcohol and Kratom Can Worsen Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
If you struggle with depression or anxiety, mixing kratom and alcohol is a bad idea. It can make your mental health problems even worse.
Some people think kratom can help with mental health issues, but that’s not really true.
- First, there’s not much good research to back that up.
- Second, kratom is often used instead of things like opioids, which can make you feel even more down.
Alcohol is also bad for mental health. It can make you feel worse and increase the risk of harmful thoughts. When you mix kratom with it, these feelings can get even stronger, which is really dangerous for people with mental health problems.
2. Kratom with Alcohol Leads to Higher Chances of Overdose
Kratom usually makes you feel more energetic, but when you mix it with other things like alcohol or kava, it can slow you down.
It’s like taking two things that make you feel sleepy at the same time. Your brain won’t work right, as the effects on the central nervous system could lead to an overdose.
Alcohol is already a depressant, and adding kratom is like taking opioids, which double the depressant effects. So, how can you tell if someone has overdosed after taking kratom? Here are some signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bad stomach pain
- Pale or sweaty skin
- Lots of nausea and vomiting
- Seeing things that aren’t there
- Confusion and passing out
3. Kratom and Alcohol Addiction Can Lead to Permanent Liver Damage
Your liver is like a hardworking cleaner, trying to get rid of all the toxins in your body, including the combination of kratom and beer. If you keep giving your liver too much work, it can get damaged.
It’s not just about taking a lot. Even a little bit can hurt your liver over time. Studies have shown that kratom addiction can damage your liver and kidneys.
If you’ve been combining kratom and alcohol for a long time, you should get your liver checked.
And it’s important to stop using these drugs. You might need help from a rehab center because quitting can be dangerous.
4. Alcohol and Kratom Addiction Can Lead to Severe Contamination
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Kratom products were found to contain heavy metals like lead and nickel.
Kratom mixed with alcohol can exacerbate the effects of contamination, potentially leading to:
- nervous system damage
- high blood pressure
- cancer
- kidney damage
- anemia
Alcohol can also amplify the negative effects of Kratom, making it even more dangerous when combined.
5. Impaired Judgement and Coordination
Your brain is in charge of everything from how you move to how you think.
When you use Kratom and alcohol together, it’s like slowly turning down the power to that control center. This can make you feel a bit off-kilter, slow your reactions, and even cloud your judgment.
Think about driving. You need your nervous system to be sharp to react quickly to traffic, pedestrians, and other unexpected situations. When it’s weakened by Kratom and alcohol, you’re putting yourself and others at risk. It’s like trying to drive a car with a foggy windshield. You can’t see as clearly, and you’re more likely to make mistakes.
6. Increased risk of blood clotting disorders
Imagine your blood as a river flowing through your body.
Sometimes, things can get stuck in that river, like debris or a log. A blood clot is kind of like that log. It’s a clump of blood cells and platelets that forms when the blood gets too thick or sticky.
When Kratom and alcohol are combined, the risk of blood clotting disorders is significantly elevated. This can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Stroke: A blood clot that travels to the brain can cause a stroke, leading to paralysis, speech difficulties, and even death.
- Heart attack: A blood clot that forms in the heart can block blood flow and cause a heart attack.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot that travels to the lungs can cause a pulmonary embolism, leading to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even death.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, is called a DVT. This can lead to pain, swelling, and even a pulmonary embolism.
7. Increased Addiction Through Withdrawal symptom
Kratom and alcohol may seem like good friends to you, but keep a close eye on your relationship with them. A little bit of each can make you feel relaxed and happy. But just like any friendship, if you spend too much time with them, things can get out of hand.
You might start feeling like you need them to feel good, and it can be hard to imagine life without them. And when you try to step away, you might feel really bad, like you’re missing something. That’s kratom and alcohol withdrawal kicking in.
It’s kind of like trying to quit a bad habit. It’s tough, and it can be hard to do on your own. That’s why it’s important to get help from professionals if you think you might have a problem. Call for a confidential consultation.
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.
What Happens When Combining 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. Call for a confidential consultation.
The Effects of Kratom
Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. It’s typically consumed as chewed leaves, tea, or powder. In Western countries, it’s often found in capsules, extracts, or edibles.
Effects Vary with Dosage
- Low doses: Stimulant (energy, alertness, mood)
- High doses: Depressant (euphoria, pain relief, lethargy)
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Unexplained pain
Important Note: Kratom can interact with other medications, so it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
The Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol, a widely used depressant, can lead to addiction if consumed excessively. Symptoms include difficulty cutting down or going without alcohol.
Effects and Risks
- Immediate effects: Relaxation, impaired judgment, decreased coordination, slower reaction times
- Long-term risks: Liver damage, cancer, mental health issues
- Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, anxiety, diarrhea, insomnia
Excessive alcohol consumption can overwhelm the liver, leading to a buildup of toxins and unpleasant symptoms.
If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, seek help from a medical professional. They can provide support and resources to manage your addiction and improve your overall health.
Get Help 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. Call for a confidential consultation.
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! Call for a confidential consultation.