Wondering if kratom kava drinks can be addictive? They can. Companies mix kratom and kava, two herbal substances that have different effects and risks. Marketing Kava and Kratom can lead an unassuming person wanting a wellness drink, to an addiction. Kava and kratom are both botanical substances used traditionally for centuries in the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia but have become a new source of addiction. Learn how the so-called benefits can become dangers of these drinks.
Key Takeaways
- Kratom and kava originate from different cultural backgrounds and serve unique purposes, but both are subject to misleading marketing practices that can jeopardize consumer health.
- Combining kratom and kava can result in serious health risks, including addiction and cognitive impairments, necessitating increased consumer awareness.
- Consulting healthcare professionals is essential for safely navigating the use of kratom and kava, as well as recognizing addiction symptoms and exploring safer alternatives.
Understanding Kratom and Kava
Kratom and kava products hail from distinctly different origins and cultures. Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, has been a staple in Southeast Asia for its stimulating and pain-relieving properties. Kava is derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant. It is highly regarded in Polynesian cultures and is commonly consumed during ceremonies and social gatherings for its relaxing and mildly euphoric effects.
Today, both kratom and kava are integrated into modern health practices, reflecting their traditional uses in innovative formats. Kratom users often chew the leaves, brew them into tea, or take them in pill form, while kava is prepared by grinding the roots into a powder and mix it with water.
While these traditional and modern preparations have broadened the accessibility of kratom and kava, they come with inherent risks. Kratom users often develop an increased tolerance, leading them to consume larger doses over time, which can exacerbate these risks.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Kratom’s roots run deep in Southeast Asia, where it is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a member of the coffee family. Traditionally, kratom has been used in various cultures throughout Southeast Asia for its stimulating effects and as a natural remedy for pain relief. Its impact on mood and energy levels has made it a popular choice among rural workers who seek to endure long hours of labor.
In Polynesian cultures, kava holds a place of ceremonial importance. Derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, kava is consumed for its relaxing effects and is often used in formal ceremonies, symbolizing peace and community. Kavalactones are the active compounds in kava that contribute to its effects.
Both kratom and kava play significant roles in the cultural practices and social settings of their respective country regions, highlighting their importance beyond mere consumption.
The Dangers of Kratom Disguised as Kava
The rising popularity of kava and kratom has led to a troubling trend: the marketing of kratom as kava. To feel free is often touted as a result of any number of brands that sell a drink that contains both kava and kratom, and it is marketed as a health elixir, but the combination of these substances can pose significant health risks.
This deceptive practice can have dangerous consequences, as most individuals consuming kava bars and drinks are simply unaware of the intended inherent risks associated and can quickly find themselves with a substance abuse problem. Rare caution is advised when drinking kava.
Combining kava and kratom can lead to:
- Increased sedation
- Dizziness
- Impaired cognitive function
- Significant health risks
While kava and kratom safety concerns are frequently discussed, the main issue is their marketing practices. Misleading marketing practices can lead consumers to assume that these products are safe, ultimately jeopardizing their health and well-being.
Misleading Marketing Practices
Reports indicate that kava and kratom products may be contaminated with harmful substances like salmonella, making it difficult for buyers to determine what else may be included. Kratom is often sold mixed with other substances, further complicating the safety of these products.
Consumers often assume kratom is as safe as other legal herbal supplements. This assumption can have dire consequences, as the actual content and safety of these products are often not clearly communicated.
Health Risks and Side Effects
Kratom has been linked to serious health risks, including liver damage, seizures, and the potential for addiction. Some users may experience liver toxicity and withdrawal symptoms similar to those produced by opioids. Long-term kratom use may lead to symptoms akin to those experienced with opioid dependency, making it a risky choice for those seeking relaxation.
The side effects of kratom can be severe, including weight loss, liver damage, drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea, and respiratory depression. Awareness of addiction symptoms, such as cravings or withdrawal, is vital for individuals using kava and kratom to seek timely help.
Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
Real-life examples highlight the dangers of kava and kratom being marketed as brand named kava drinks. It is not a replacement for alcohol or prescription medications. La Hacienda Treatment Center has experienced an increase in individuals seeking help to detox and overcome addiction to drinks marketed as safe but harmful. Many patients mistakenly believe these drinks are safe and become addicted to the “wellness drink” and find themselves in a situation where they do not have an ability to stop.
The strength of these drinks is comparable to opiates, making detoxification very difficult. La Hacienda has been assisting individuals in recovering from drug addiction for many years and is observing a significant increase in kratom kava-related cases.
Public Health Concerns and FDA Warnings
Public health concerns about kratom use highlight potential health risks and the lack of extensive regulations. Consulting doctors prior to using or drinking these wellness drinks can help individuals understand the potential risks associated with kava and kratom use.
Engaging with healthcare providers is so important for assessing the interest in the responsibility of these substances and avoiding harmful interactions.
FDA Warnings and Safety Alerts
The FDA has not approved any kratom products due to insufficient evidence of their safety and efficacy. In November 2017, the FDA warned consumers not to use kratom, citing concerns about deaths connected to its use. The FDA continues to monitor and warn about kratom products that may be contaminated with harmful substances.
Some states have restricted or banned kratom sales due to health concerns. Legislative efforts like the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act aim to protect access to kratom while requiring the FDA to assess its health impacts.
Status of Kava and Kratom in Texas
In the state of Texas, kava remains legal and is not subject to any state-level regulation. This means it can be freely sold and consumed without oversight regarding its sale, labeling, or use.
Kratom, while also legal in Texas, is regulated. State laws impose specific restrictions designed to ensure consumer safety. These include prohibitions against selling kratom to minors, requirements to prevent adulteration, and clear labeling standards for products.
Legislative Actions on Kratom Regulation in Texas
In response to growing concerns about synthetic and highly concentrated kratom products, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 497 (88th Regular Session) in 2023. This bill set forth regulatory guidelines aimed at curbing unsafe practices in the manufacturing and sale of kratom products, including quality control and labeling requirements.
However, a new proposal—Senate Bill 1868—is currently under consideration. This bill seeks to tighten existing laws by banning all kratom products that are not in their raw, natural form.
Proposed Restrictions Under Senate Bill 1868
Senate Bill 1868 would allow only the following kratom forms to remain legal in Texas:
- Raw or dried kratom leaves
- Ground kratom leaf material
- Kratom leaf powder
- Capsules that contain only kratom leaf powder
This legislation would effectively ban kratom extracts, liquid shots, and other processed kratom beverages. Additionally, it proposes a cap on 7-hydroxymitragynine content—a primary alkaloid in kratom—restricting it to no more than 0.1% of the total alkaloid content. This is a significant reduction compared to the typical 2% limit seen in other regulatory frameworks and could even impact the legality of some traditional plain leaf products if they exceed this threshold naturally.
Community Impact and Awareness Efforts
Community initiatives are emerging to educate the public about the risks of kava and kratom use. Using either can lead to worsening mental health issues, including increased anxiety and depression in some users. Long-term ingestion can lead to significant liver issues and severe withdrawal symptoms.
There is significant concern about kratom’s increasing availability through vape shops and convenience stores, often with inadequate consumer knowledge. Community awareness efforts focus on educating individuals about the potential dangers and encouraging safer practices.
Seeking Help for Kava and Kratom Addiction at La Hacienda Treatment Center
Understanding the risks of kava and kratom use is essential, especially as more individuals turn to these substances for stress relief or mood enhancement. While often marketed as natural remedies, both can lead to dependency and harmful health effects if not used responsibly. At La Hacienda Treatment Center, individuals struggling with addiction to substances like kava and kratom can receive compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment.
Consulting healthcare professionals before beginning any supplement or substance regimen is a critical step toward safety. Medical experts help identify potential health risks, including interactions with medications or pre-existing conditions. For those already facing addiction symptoms—such as cravings, irritability, or withdrawal—La Hacienda provides immediate access to medical evaluation, detox support, and individualized treatment planning. Early intervention is key to preventing the progression of substance misuse and promoting long-term recovery.
At La Hacienda, our addiction medicine doctors understand the complex ways that substances like kratom and kava can affect the body and mind. Their approach to treatment includes comprehensive medical oversight, behavioral therapy, and holistic healing practices designed to help clients recover from dependency and rebuild healthier habits. Whether someone began using kava or kratom for anxiety, sleep issues, or to enhance focus, La Hacienda equips them with safer, lasting alternatives to meet those same needs—without the harmful consequences of addiction.
Recovery at La Hacienda also includes a focus on natural and sustainable wellness strategies. Through counseling, fitness, nutritional support, and mindfulness training, clients are introduced to powerful tools for stress relief and emotional regulation. Alternatives like L-theanine, magnesium, and calming practices such as yoga or guided meditation are explored under professional supervision, helping each person replace harmful behaviors with life-affirming choices. La Hacienda Treatment Center is not just a place to heal—it’s a place to learn how to thrive.
Recognizing Symptoms of Addiction
Recognizing addiction symptoms helps for taking proactive steps towards recovery. Kratom addiction symptoms may include euphoria, sedation, and ultimately, dependence. Withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, anxiety, and depression can indicate a growing problem that requires professional intervention.
Individuals should consult healthcare professionals for guidance and support if they suspect addiction. Early recognition and the idea to treat can significantly improve outcomes and help individuals reclaim their health and well-being day.
Summary
The hidden problem of kava and kratom is being marketed as wellness drinks poses significant health risks and highlights the importance of consumer awareness. While kava has been traditionally used for its relaxing effects, kratom’s interaction with opioid receptors presents dangers similar to those of opioids. Misleading marketing practices and the lack of regulation further exacerbate these risks.
Understanding the origins, traditional uses, and modern consumption of kratom and kava is crucial to making informed decisions. Public health concerns and FDA warnings underscore the necessity of consulting healthcare professionals and recognizing addiction symptoms. By exploring safer alternatives and lifestyle changes, individuals can achieve relaxation and well-being without compromising their health. Stay informed, stay cautious, and prioritize your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What warning did the FDA issue regarding kratom?
The FDA warned consumers in November 2017 against using kratom due to its lack of approved uses and concerns related to associated deaths. It’s crucial to heed these warnings for your safety.
Is kratom considered safe?
Kratom is not considered safe due to the potential for serious negative outcomes associated with its use. It’s essential to approach it with caution and be aware of the risks involved.
How does kratom affect the brain?
Kratom affects the brain by binding to opioid receptors, influencing mood, pain relief, and various bodily functions. This interaction highlights its potential benefits and risks associated with its use.
What are some known side effects of kratom?
Kratom can cause various side effects such as struggling weight loss, fatigue, vomiting,dry mouth, dizziness, and even hallucinations. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential risks when considering its use.
Can kratom lead to addiction?
Yes, excessive kratom use can lead to addiction, resembling the dependency patterns of other drugs. It’s essential to use it cautiously and be aware of the risks involved.
Sources:
Texas.gov: Chapter 491. Hallucinogenic Substances
CBS News: This kratom drink was marketed as an alcohol alternative to be sold over the counter.
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Optimized Plant Mediated Solutions
LA County.gov: FDA Warns Consumers Not to Puchase or use Tianeptine and Kratom Products
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