Kava and kratom have become increasingly popular as plant-based products used for relaxation, stress relief, mood enhancement, and overall wellness. While they are sometimes mentioned together, and even combined in the same products, they are still fundamentally different substances. Understanding how they work, their potential risks, and whether they can lead to dependence is critical for anyone considering their use.
In this blog article, we'll compare kava and kratom, discuss their addiction potential, and examine the growing popularity of products that combine the two.
What Is Kava?
Kava is derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which has been used for centuries throughout the South Pacific. It's traditionally consumed during social gatherings and ceremonies; kava is known for producing feelings of relaxation, calmness, and reduced anxiety.The active compounds in kava are called kavalactones, which interact with neurotransmitter systems involved in mood and relaxation.
People most commonly use kava to:
- Reduce stress
- Promote relaxation
- Support sleep
- Ease social anxiety
- Replace alcohol
Is Kava Addictive?
Kava is generally considered to have a relatively low risk of addiction.While some people may develop a habit of using kava regularly or become psychologically attached to its calming effects, kava does not typically produce the same pattern of tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal associated with opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or kratom.
Most people who stop using kava do not experience significant withdrawal symptoms. However, like any substance that affects your mood, excessive or prolonged use can still become problematic for some individuals.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a plant native to Southeast Asia.Unlike kava, kratom contains alkaloids that interact directly with opioid receptors in the brain. The two primary active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), can produce stimulant-like effects at lower doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses.
People most commonly use kratom for:
- Pain relief
- Increased energy
- Improved mood
- Anxiety relief
- Self-medicating opioid withdrawal
Is Kratom Addictive?
Yes, kratom can be addictive, says the American Psychiatric Association.Because kratom acts on opioid receptors, repeated use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. Over time, many individuals find themselves needing larger amounts to achieve the same effects or using kratom simply to avoid feeling withdrawal symptoms.
Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Cravings
What Happens When Kava and Kratom Are Combined?
In recent years, manufacturers have introduced products that combine kava and kratom into a single beverage or supplement.These products are often marketed as wellness tonics, alternatives to alcohol, social beverages, or mood-enhancing drinks. While consumers may be attracted to the calming effects of kava, the inclusion of kratom significantly increases the risk of dependence.
This can create confusion for users who may not realize which ingredient is responsible for the effects they experience or the withdrawal symptoms they develop when attempting to stop.
Why Have Kava Products Like Feel Free Generated Controversy?
One of the most widely recognized examples of a product combining kava and kratom is Feel Free.The beverage gained popularity as a botanical wellness tonic. Still, it later became the subject of growing concern among consumers who reported developing dependence, spending significant amounts of money to maintain daily use, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
While products like Feel Free contain both kava and kratom, addiction specialists generally point to the kratom component as the primary factor associated with dependence and withdrawal.
The controversy surrounding these products serves as a reminder that natural ingredients do not equate to being risk-free. Consumers need to understand exactly what they are taking before assuming a product is harmless. One of the common things we hear from patients struggling with kratom use is ‘I didn’t know it was addictive’.
Kava vs. Kratom: Which Is More Addictive?
When comparing the two directly, kratom carries a significantly greater risk of addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal. Kava is generally considered to have a low risk of dependence.Kava may become part of a person's routine and can be habit-forming for some users, but it generally does not produce the same cycle of escalating tolerance and withdrawal symptoms associated with kratom.
When Should You Seek Help?
You may benefit from medically detoxing off of kratom if:- You use kratom daily
- Your dose continues to increase
- You've tried to quit unsuccessfully
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- Kratom use is affecting your health, finances, work, or relationships
Outpatient Kratom Detox at The Coleman Institute
The Coleman Institute has helped thousands of patients from around the United States and beyond safely detox from opioids, kratom, and other substances through our medical detox programs.Our kratom detox program is designed to help patients safely stop using kratom without hospitalization or inpatient treatment. Most patients complete treatment in just five days, allowing them to return to their normal routines with minimal disruption to work, family life, and other responsibilities.
Since 2018, we've helped patients overcome dependence on all different types of kratom products. Our program has a 95% completion rate and provides fast intake with no waitlists.
Unlike many other treatment providers, we do not use addictive medications or opioid-based medications such as Suboxone. Instead, we provide an abstinence-based approach with compassionate medical support throughout the entire detoxification.
For patients who want additional protection against relapse, naltrexone therapy may be available after detox; this includes long-acting Vivitrol injections, which can help prevent relapse, reduce cravings, and support lasting recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom dependence, contact The Coleman Institute today to learn more about our safe, fast, outpatient kratom detox program.
