If you’ve been inside a convenience store recently, you’ve probably noticed all the mood-altering options at the counter. There is no shortage of options, including supplements, Delta-8, and nicotine vaping products. These products line the register and shelves. You can see this in chain locations and privately owned stores.
Kratom products are now in the mix. Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, contains leaves with mind-altering compounds. Individuals use it to minimize muscle pain, anxiety, and depression and to cope with substance use disorders (SUD). However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found any medicinal purposes for it.
Even though research is limited, we’ve done our due diligence. We want to educate you on using kratom and alcohol and the results of this dangerous combination.
What Happens When You Mix Kratom and Alcohol?
As with all drug abuse, the effects of kratom can vary depending on the individual. We each respond to drugs and alcohol differently. There’s no textbook response to the impact of mixing kratom and alcohol. Not only that, but the amount a person takes, other substances they are taking, and other conditions a person has all play a significant role.
Effects of Kratom
It is important to be cautious when using kratom. Always consult a healthcare provider about risks. They can assess any underlying or preexisting medical conditions you might have and possible reactions you will experience.
The following are some of the commonly reported effects of kratom.
- Pain relief: Chronic pain can be a hindrance. The compounds in kratom leaves can provide pain relief. Individuals who take high doses often feel effects similar to taking opioids.
- Euphoria and relaxation: Individuals who are tense or don’t perform well in high-pressure situations appreciate the relaxing sensation that low doses of kratom produce. Too high an amount and drowsiness can set in.
- Energy levels and alertness: Sometimes, it feels like if we could focus at work or school a little better, we would be more successful. For some, kratom has the effects of a stimulant. Some individuals feel more energized and ready to conquer the day.
- Decreased anxiety: When it comes to substances, they are often coupled with co-occurring disorders. Mental health and coping with substances go hand in hand for some people. Anxiety and substance use is a common co-occurring pair. Some feel a false sense of freedom from anxiety symptoms when taking kratom.
- Increased sociability: Nothing is more uncomfortable than feeling like you don’t fit into a social setting with your friends. For some, Kratom lowers that discomfort.
Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol can have a range of effects on the body and mind. The severity depends on the amount of alcohol abuse and individual tolerance.
The following are some of the commonly noted effects of drinking alcohol:
- Relaxation: Alcohol can make you feel relaxed and, for some, sexually aroused. This leads to lowered inhibitions.
- Impaired judgment: Because an individual’s inhibitions are lower, risky behaviors and poor decision-making are likely to occur.
- Slowed reflexes: We’ve all seen it. Someone is drunk and moving either entirely too slow or can’t put one foot in front of the other. That’s a result of slowed reflexes. Some people also experience slurred speech without even hearing it themselves.
- Memory recall: Depending on the amount consumed, alcohol can lead to blackouts and trouble remembering events while intoxicated. Individuals can wake up with a hangover and forget how they made it to bed or why they crashed wherever they are.
- Dehydration: If you’ve ever been to a crowded bar, the worst is the line for the restroom. This is because alcohol increases the urge to urinate. Constant urination causes dehydration.
- Health risks: By now, most people are aware of the negative health consequences of alcohol use disorder. Liver disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer are common.
Effects of Mixing Kratom and Alcohol
When combining kratom with alcohol, they produce sedative and euphoric effects. This is because both kratom and alcohol have depressant effects. That means they can impair judgment, coordination, and motor skills. Lastly, the risk of overdose increases.
Mixing kratom and alcohol could lead to the following:
- Increased risk of accidents and falls: You stand up and think, I’ve done this a million times. Then you trip over your own feet. Mixing kratom and alcohol makes performing tasks requiring concentration and fine motor skills difficult.
- Changes in breathing rate: When the brain and other organs are deprived of oxygen, it causes respiratory depression. This impacts heart rate.
- Dehydration: Both kratom and alcohol can cause frequent urination. When the body is depleting fluids, even through urine, dehydration is inevitable.
- Dizziness: Individuals can feel unsteady or as if the room is moving or spinning.
- Headaches: The loss of too much fluid from dehydration can cause headaches and even migraines in individuals prone to getting them.
Substance abuse can increase the risk of liver damage. The liver metabolizes kratom and alcohol. Combining them increases the risk of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Additionally, there are deaths associated with kratom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 152 kratom-related deaths. Kratom doesn’t discriminate based on age, weight, background, race, or gender. While there is limited research on kratom, there is no mistaking that large doses can hinder the body’s processes to the point of death.
The Risks of Mixing Kratom and Alcohol
The safety and effectiveness of kratom are still being studied, and it can have potentially serious health risks, including addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose.
Mixing both substances can lead to the following:
- Impaired cognitive functions: Cognitive functions are mental processes. These processes are what allow us to complete daily tasks. Individuals who mix kratom and alcohol are subject to memory loss or not retaining memories, inability to make logical decisions, and can’t recall facts and information they already know.
- Impaired motor functions: Motor impairment is the inability to control body parts. Impaired motor functions typically impact the arms and legs. The result is poor stamina and lowered muscle control.
- Increased risk of accidents: If individuals mix kratom and alcohol, it is important to avoid driving, using machinery, or participating in tasks that require total concentration and coordination.
Kratom and Alcohol Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
When you combine drugs with alcohol, adverse reactions are most likely to occur. When substances compete for your body’s attention and needs, wires will likely cross.
You wouldn’t try to douse flames with gasoline to put out a fire.
So why try to numb the symptoms of a preexisting disorder by complicating your body with potential side effects that could cause other health complications? The same is true of mixing kratom with alcohol. One doesn’t solve the problems that the other brings on.
Kratom and alcohol are both substances that can be addictive. Both can cause layers of other physical, mental, and emotional impairments.
Understanding these signs of kratom and alcohol addiction can potentially save your life.
Physical Signs of Kratom Addiction
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased urination
- Sweating,
- Tremors
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures.
Behavioral Signs of Kratom Addiction
- Aggression or irritability
- Social withdrawal
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Changes in the brain’s chemistry
Physical Signs of Alcohol Addiction
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Memory loss
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Flushed skin
- Blackouts
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss or gain
Behavioral Signs of Alcohol Addiction
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Difficulty stopping or cutting down
- Avoidance of social activities
- Increased aggression
- Irritability when drinking
Withdrawal Symptoms of Kratom Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms are a common component of addiction. The same is true of a kratom addiction.
While the exact symptoms depend on the individual, there are some common changes to take note of:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Muscle aches and pains
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Sweating
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cravings for the drug
These symptoms can begin within a few hours to a few days after discontinuing kratom use and can last for several days to a few weeks.
It is important to seek medical help when experiencing withdrawal symptoms as they can be severe and potentially dangerous, especially in the case of alcohol withdrawal.
Treatment for withdrawal symptoms may include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and support groups.
Get Help Today at Southeast Detox
We specialize in assisting individuals who are struggling with kratom and alcohol addiction. Southeast Detox offers therapies that help clients develop new ways to cope with substance abuse. A supportive environment makes it easier for clients to focus on their recovery and regain control over their lives.
If you or a loved one needs support combatting this addiction, we encourage you to visit us at our location near Atlanta, 4300 Martha Berry Hwy., Rome, GA 30165, by phone at (706) 873-955 or by email at info@southeastdetoxga.com.
