Kratom and Alcohol: Effects & Risks of Mixing Them

Key Takeaways

• Kratom Overview: A plant-derived substance with stimulant and opioid-like effects, increasing in use across the U.S.
• Effects: Low doses act as stimulants, while higher doses produce opioid-like effects, leading to potential abuse and addiction.
• Overdose Risks: Kratom was found in overdose deaths, sometimes alongside alcohol, though causation is not definitive.
• Mixing Risks: Combining kratom with alcohol can lead to excessive sedation, impaired coordination, and increased risk of severe health complications.
• Health Dangers: Potential outcomes include respiratory depression, seizures, stroke, high blood pressure, and death.
• Addiction Concerns: Mixing substances complicates alcohol use disorders and increases the risk of developing addiction.
• Professional Help: The Recovery Village Salem offers comprehensive treatment programs to address substance abuse and support long-term recovery.

Kratom is a substance derived from the leaves of the tropical plant Mitragyna speciosa. Currently legal in the United States, kratom is readily available online, leading some individuals to use it for its stimulating and euphoric effects.

The usage of kratom is on the rise across the United States. Kratom produces effects akin to both opioids and stimulant medications, which can lead to abuse and addiction, particularly when taken in large doses or over extended periods. Typically, low doses of kratom yield stimulant-like effects, while higher doses produce opioid-like effects.

According to a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kratom was found in the systems of 152 individuals who died from drug overdoses. Among these cases, 19 individuals also had alcohol in their systems. Although it is not definitively proven that the combination of kratom and alcohol directly causes death, the potential risks cannot be dismissed.

Is Mixing Kratom and Alcohol Safe?

Combining kratom with alcohol is generally considered unsafe and is not recommended. Although research on this specific combination is limited, mixing these substances poses significant risks. Kratom possesses both stimulant and depressant properties, especially at higher doses where its depressant effects become more pronounced. Alcohol, being a depressant, can exacerbate these effects, potentially leading to excessive sedation, impaired coordination, coma, or even death.

Mixing stimulants with alcohol is inherently risky. Alcohol’s depressant effects can negate the stimulant properties of kratom, potentially prompting users to consume more kratom to achieve the desired effects. Elevated doses of kratom can dominate with depressant effects, creating a hazardous situation. Additionally, combining stimulants and depressants heightens the risk of seizures, stroke, and elevated blood pressure.

Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Kratom

Using alcohol and kratom together should be avoided due to the compounded risks. The dual effects of kratom’s stimulant and opioid-like properties can be intensified by alcohol, leading to potentially dangerous outcomes. Some possible effects of this combination include:

• Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness or lethargy.
• Rapid Heart Rate: Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure levels.
• Anxiety: Heightened feelings of anxiety or agitation.
• Dizziness: Loss of balance or vertigo.
• Loss of Coordination: Impaired motor skills and muscle control.
• Tremors: Uncontrollable shaking or trembling.
• Altered Perception: Changes in sensory perception.
• Increased Addiction Risk: Higher likelihood of developing alcohol addiction, especially with excessive use.

Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to severe health issues such as liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and fatal overdoses. Additionally, combining alcohol with other substances complicates alcohol use disorders, making treatment more challenging. It is best to avoid using alcohol alongside any other drugs, including kratom. Individuals struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction may benefit significantly from professional treatment.

Seeking Help for Alcohol and Kratom Use

If you or someone you know is struggling with the use of alcohol, kratom, or both, The Recovery Village Salem is here to help. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to address the complexities of substance abuse and addiction. We offer personalized treatment plans and a safe, supportive environment to guide you through recovery.

The Recovery Village Salem provides a range of services, including medical detoxification, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and ongoing support to ensure long-term sobriety. Our experienced professionals work closely with each individual to develop effective coping strategies and address the underlying issues contributing to substance use.