Kratom and Alcohol

Alcohol and kratom do not mix well.

Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have both stimulant and sedative properties. Alcohol, by contrast, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

While there is limited research on mixing alcohol and kratom, it is strongly inadvisable to combine these substances. This guide highlights the potential dangers of mixing kratom with alcohol.

Mixing Kratom and Alcohol

Mixing kratom with alcohol can pose serious health risks. Alcohol depresses the CNS, slowing communication between the brain and nerve receptors. This can impair perception, movement, and cognitive functions.

Kratom acts as both a stimulant and a sedative. Low doses typically produce stimulant effects, while larger doses (10–25 g of dried leaves) can cause sedative effects lasting up to six hours. Smaller doses (<5 g) tend to produce fewer adverse effects.

Combining alcohol and kratom mixes a CNS depressant with a substance that can produce both stimulant and sedative effects. This combination can intensify negative effects and is potentially dangerous.

Can You Mix Kratom and Alcohol?

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Mixing kratom with alcohol can amplify sedative effects, increasing the risk of respiratory depression, impaired coordination, and overdose. To prevent health risks and adverse reactions, it is best to avoid combining these substances.

Effects of Kratom

Lower doses of kratom can produce the following effects:

• Decreased pain
• Increased focus
• Boosted energy
• Elevated mood
• Relaxation

Higher doses or misuse of kratom may produce less desirable effects, including:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Sedation

Research shows that the majority of adverse effects, hospitalizations, and overdoses related to kratom involve other substances of abuse as well.

Severe adverse effects associated with kratom may include:

• Irritability
• Agitation
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• High blood pressure
• Tachycardia
• Central nervous system depression
• Seizure

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol affects the body in many ways, with effects varying depending on the level of intoxication.

While small amounts of alcohol are rarely dangerous, consuming larger amounts increases the risk of serious adverse effects.

Small quantities of alcohol can cause immediate physical effects such as:

• Impaired coordination
• Slowed reflexes
• Delayed reaction times

Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol typically intensifies these physical effects, potentially leading to greater impairment of motor skills, judgment, and cognitive functions.

• Vision problems
• Slurred speech
• Flushed skin
• Skin reactions
• Increased urination
• Sleepiness

Consuming large amounts of alcohol triggers the most intense and potentially dangerous physical side effects, including:

• Problems with bowel control
• Vomiting
• Irregular breathing
• Losing consciousness
• Alcohol poisoning
• Coma
• Death

When mixing alcohol and kratom, these effects are even more hazardous. So why is mixing alcohol and kratom dangerous?

What are the Dangers of Combining Kratom and Alcohol?

Mixing alcohol and kratom is not a good idea. These are the primary risks to consider when combining kratom with alcohol:

• Addiction
• Heightened risk of overdose
• Contamination

Addiction

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) reports that kratom may trigger physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing use. Sustained use of this substance may cause kratom addiction to develop.

All addictions (substance use disorders) are classified as chronic and relapsing brain conditions characterized by ongoing and compulsive substance use despite obviously negative outcomes. While there is no cure for substance use disorder, evidence-based treatment typically delivers positive outcomes.

Heightened risk of overdose

You may be at increased risk of overdose when mixing kratom and alcohol. Combining the substances can intensify the effects of each substance, leading to:

• Respiratory depression
• Respiratory arrest
• Kidney failure
• Cardiac arrest
• Coma

Seek immediate medical intervention if you or a loved one experiences the following effects after taking kratom:

• Hallucinations
• Irregular heart rate
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Clammy skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure

Contamination

Contamination is another risk with kratom. In 2019, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) issued a warning after many kratom products tested positive for heavy metals like nickel and lead.

Chronic kratom use may heighten your risk of heavy metal poisoning, leading to:

• High blood pressure
• Anemia
• Certain cancers
• Kidney damage
• Damage to the nervous system

There have also been concerns raised by the FDA about high rates of salmonella in kratom products. Bacteria from salmonella can cause:

• Severe diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Bloody stools
• Dehydration

Can you drink alcohol with kratom?

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Many people who partake in kratom wonder can you drink alcohol on kratom? While mixing kratom and alcohol is not illegal, combining these two substances can lead to trouble breathing and other serious health complications. Mixing kratom and alcohol is not advised, as kratom mixed with alcohol is more dangerous than it’s worth.

Get Kratom Rehab at Renaissance Recovery

If you’ve been mixing alcohol and kratom and find you can’t stop drinking on kratom on your own, help is available to you. Here at Renaissance Recovery Center in Huntington Beach, we can help you fight back against kratom abuse without needing to pack your bags and head to residential rehab. Choose from one of the following outpatient treatment programs at our luxury beachside rehab:

• PHPs (partial hospitalization programs)
• IOPs (intensive outpatient programs)
• Dual diagnosis treatment programs
• Virtual IOPs (remote rehab programs)

Whatever level of treatment intensity makes the best fit, all Renaissance treatment programs offer access to individualized alcohol and kratom addiction treatment that combines holistic and evidence-based interventions. These treatments for alcohol and kratom addiction may include:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Group therapy
• Individual counseling
• Psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies

Whether you step down to a less intense form of care or you transition directly into sober living in Orange County, you will leave Renaissance with a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes coping mechanisms and relapse prevention techniques, as well as access to our alumni program. Take the first vital step by reaching out to the friendly team at 866-330-9449.

Sources:

1. https://wyoleg.gov/InterimCommittee/2020/10-20201105Handoutfor6JtMHSACraig11.4.20.pdf 2. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-fda-commissioner-scott-gottlieb-md-and-fda-deputy-commissioner-foods-and-veterinary 3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3678283/