Kratom and Alcohol

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?

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