Search
Close this search box.

Kratom and Alcohol

picture of Joe Gilmore
Medically Reviewed By: Diana Vo, LMFT

March 18, 2024

Table of Contents

Alcohol and kratom do not mix well.

heart icon that is 2 hands holding

Need help getting addiction treatment?

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

While there is not currently much hard data available on mixing alcohol and kratom, it is inadvisable to combine these classes of drugs. This guide highlights the potential dangers of mixing kratom and alcohol.

So can you drink alcohol with kratom?

Mixing Kratom and Alcohol

Mixing kratom with alcohol can be a hazard to your health and is not advised.

Alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system. As such, the substance inhibits the functioning of the CNS, at the same time as blocking messages traveling between the brain and nerve receptors. As a result, alcohol impacts your senses, movements, and perceptions.

Kratom has both stimulant and sedative qualities. In low doses, kratom delivers stimulant effects. Ingesting larger doses of kratom – from 10g to 25g of dried leaves – can trigger sedative effects that last for six hours. Doses of less than 5g of kratom leaves are associated with fewer adverse effects than doses of more than 8g.

Drinking on kratom combines a CNS depressant with a substance capable of delivering both stimulant (like mixing kratom with alcohol) and sedative effects is not recommended and is potentially dangerous.

Just ingesting kratom in isolation can produce positive and negative effects which are dose-dependent, and mixing alcohol and kratom can intensify these adverse effects.

Can You Mix Kratom and Alcohol?


Mixing kratom with alcohol can be dangerous as both substances can depress the central nervous system. Combining them may amplify the sedative effects, leading to increased risk of respiratory depression, impaired coordination, and overdose. It's best to avoid mixing kratom with alcohol to prevent potential health risks and adverse reactions.

Source

image of man thinking representing mixing alcohol and kratom

Effects of Kratom

Lower doses of kratom can induce the following positive effects:

      • Decreased pain

      • Increased focus

      • Boosted energy

      • Elevated mood

      • Relaxation

    Other less desirable effects include:

        • Constipation

        • Nausea

        • Vomiting

        • Itching

        • Dizziness

        • Drowsiness

        • Sedation

      Research shows that the majority of adverse effects, hospitalizations, and overdoses related to kratom also involve other addiction substances.

      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

        There are many immediate effects of alcohol on the body. These effects differ in presentation and intensity depending on the degree of alcohol intoxication.

        The side effects of consuming small amounts of alcohol are rarely dangerous, but as you consume more alcohol, so the risk of serious and adverse side effects increases.

        Small quantities of alcohol can cause the following immediate physical effects:

            • Impaired coordination

            • Slowed reflexes

            • Delayed reaction times

          Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol typically intensifies the physical effects, causing:

              • Vision problems

              • Slurred speech

              • Flushed skin

              • Skin reaction

              • 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, then?

              woman looking out a window representing kratom with alcohol.

              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. The 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?


                        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 that it's worth. 

                        Source
                        group of friends representing kratom addiction treatment.

                        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.

                        SHARE THIS POST

                        THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

                        At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.

                        Search
                        Close this search box.

                        Joseph Gilmore has been in the addiction industry for three years with experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

                        Text a Recovery Expert

                        Text our team to get the help you need ASAP.

                        Use Our 24 Hour text line. You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more. 

                        [footercontactform]