Key Takeaways
- Kava is a plant-based supplement often used for stress relief and relaxation.
- While not physically addictive, regular kava use can cause psychological dependence.
- Excessive kava consumption may result in liver damage and other health issues.
- Treatment is available for those struggling with kava dependency.
Introduction
Kava, also called kava kava, is a popular drink and supplement derived from the root of the Piper methysticum plant. Known for its calming effects, kava is often used to relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation.
However, questions about kava’s safety, addiction potential, and long-term effects have sparked concerns. Can kava be addictive? Does it harm the body? This article explores kava’s effects, uses, and dangers to help you make informed decisions.
What is Kava?
Kava is a natural remedy originating from the South Pacific. Traditionally, it has been consumed during social gatherings and ceremonies to foster relaxation and connection. Today, kava is available in several forms, including teas, extracts, capsules, and drinks commonly served in kava bars.
The calming effects of kava come from its active ingredients, called kavalactones. These compounds interact with brain receptors, slowing down the central nervous system to produce relaxation without impairing mental clarity—at least in small amounts.
Effects and Uses of Kava
Kava is widely used to reduce stress, anxiety, and mild insomnia. Its calming effects make it an alternative to alcohol in social settings, particularly in kava bars where people drink kava to relax and connect.
The kavalactones in kava influence the brain’s neurotransmitters, creating a sense of peace and calmness. For people dealing with daily stress or sleepless nights, kava can feel like a natural solution. However, its effects are dose-dependent. In small doses, kava promotes relaxation. Larger doses, on the other hand, may cause drowsiness or other side effects.
Is Kava Addictive?
While kava is not considered physically addictive, it can lead to psychological dependence. People who use kava regularly to cope with stress or anxiety may feel they cannot relax without it. Over time, this reliance can interfere with daily life, making it hard to handle stress naturally.
Some signs of kava dependence include an increasing need for kava to feel calm or restless feelings when not consuming it. Users may also develop tolerance, where higher doses are required to achieve the same effects, increasing the risk of side effects.
Dangers and Health Risks of Kava
One of the most significant risks of kava use is liver damage. Kava has been linked to liver toxicity in cases of prolonged or excessive consumption. Symptoms of liver problems can include yellowing of the skin (jaundice), fatigue, and abdominal pain. Low-quality kava products or mixing kava with alcohol and medications further increases the risk.
Other side effects of kava use include drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and skin changes, known as kava dermopathy. This condition, seen in heavy kava users, causes rough, scaly skin, especially on the face and hands.
Mixing kava with substances like alcohol or sedatives can be particularly dangerous. These combinations may amplify the sedative effects of kava, leading to extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, and an increased risk of liver toxicity.
Kava Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you know struggles with kava misuse or dependence, professional treatment can provide the support needed to recover.
Counseling and therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help identify the reasons behind kava use and teach healthier coping strategies for stress and anxiety. Therapy focuses on breaking the psychological habit of using kava as a crutch.
For those who have combined kava use with other substances like alcohol, supervised detox programs ensure safe withdrawal and recovery. Holistic approaches, including meditation, exercise, and group therapy, are also effective in managing stress without relying on substances like kava.
Recovery often includes building new habits and routines. Learning to handle stress naturally and improving lifestyle choices are key to long-term success.
Conclusion
Kava can be a helpful natural remedy for relaxation when used responsibly. However, regular or excessive use can lead to dependency, tolerance, and health risks like liver damage.
If you or a loved one struggles with kava misuse, help is available. At Virtue Recovery Killeen, we provide comprehensive treatment programs to address dependency and build healthier, stress-free lives.
Call 866-843-0545 today to take the first step toward recovery.
FAQs About The Effects of Kava
What is kava used for?
Kava is commonly used for stress relief, anxiety reduction, and improving sleep.
Can kava cause addiction?
Kava is not physically addictive, but it can lead to psychological dependence with regular use.
What are the dangers of kava?
Excessive kava use can cause liver damage, drowsiness, nausea, and skin changes.
Is kava safe to use with alcohol or medications?
No. Mixing kava with alcohol or medications increases the risk of liver toxicity and sedation.
What are some common side effects of consuming kava?
Common side effects of kava consumption include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea. Some users may also experience mild skin reactions, including a rash or yellowing of the skin after heavy use.
What are the effects of the consumption of kava on the body?
Kava acts as a sedative and anxiolytic, helping to relax the body and reduce anxiety or stress. It can slow down reaction times, impair motor coordination, and cause mild euphoria, similar to alcohol but without a hangover.
Can kava give you withdrawal symptoms?
While kava is not considered physically addictive, some people may experience psychological dependence. If heavy, prolonged use is stopped abruptly, users may report symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, and mild cravings.
What are the potential risks of long-term kava use?
Long-term kava use can lead to liver damage, a condition known as hepatotoxicity, which may result in jaundice, fatigue, or severe liver failure. Additionally, excessive kava consumption has been linked to a condition called “kava dermopathy,” causing dry, scaly skin.
Are there any medicinal uses of kava?
Yes, kava is used medicinally to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is often consumed as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical sedatives and anxiolytics due to its calming effects on the nervous system.
What are the short-term effects on the body if someone takes kava?
Short-term effects of kava include feelings of calmness, reduced anxiety, and muscle relaxation. However, it may also cause drowsiness, reduced alertness, and impaired motor coordination, making tasks like driving unsafe.
How can I stop relying on kava?
Professional treatment, including therapy and stress management programs, can help break the habit and build healthier coping strategies.
Resources
https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/kava/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9315573/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/over-the-counter-drugs/kava-addiction-abuse/
- About the Author
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Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership.
In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston’s Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.
