Can You Mix Kratom and Alcohol?

Using kratom by yourself can be **helpful**. Sipping alcohol alone can be **helpful**.

But what about combining them? It’s a question we get asked a LOT. And we get it, hundreds of millions of individuals partake in alcohol weekly, and with Kratom use on the rise, it’s no wonder we’re seeing some crossover.

But there’s still a lot we don’t know about combining these two substances, leading to misconceptions about whether or not it’s a good idea, what to expect, and whether or not it’s even safe to do so.

Bearing all that in mind, we aren’t doctors, and I’m certainly not licensed to provide ANY kind of medical advice whatsoever.

What I can do, is give you the facts as we know them currently, what the science says, and what my own experiences and those of other Kratom users tells us regarding mixing Kratom and alcohol together.

So let’s get to it.

Kratom and Alcohol

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a botanical herb made from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree grown throughout Southeast Asia. This substance has been used for centuries for a wide range of holistic and recreational purposes.

As far as what Kratom could be classified as, it works on the same receptors as do opioids. So while it’s not an opioid itself, it possesses many of the same qualities, and as such, could be classified as a depressant.

One unique aspect of Kratom, however, is that at lower doses it does the opposite, acting as a mild stimulant for the mind and body.

What About Alcohol?

We know that you know what alcohol is. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t give you a quick refresh on the pharmacology of your favorite libations. Alcohol is classified as a drug by the FDA. As a drug, alcohol is considered a depressant. This is important to remember as we discuss the interactions between alcohol and Kratom in this guide.

An Opioid-Esq Herb and a Depressant – What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Turns out, a lot (if you’re not careful).

Depressants are a class of drugs that slow down the functions of the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation and sedation. Some examples of depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and opioids.

Effects of Depressants on the Body

When taken in large amounts or when abused, depressants can have several negative effects on the body, including:

• Drowsiness and Sedation: Depressants cause drowsiness and sedation, making it difficult to stay awake or alert. This can also impair motor skills and reaction time, leading to accidents or other dangerous situations

• Respiratory Depression: Depressants can slow down breathing, which can lead to respiratory depression and potentially fatal overdose

• Nausea and Vomiting: Large doses of depressants can cause nausea and vomiting, which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as sweating and dizziness

• Cognitive Impairment: Depressants can impair cognitive function, leading to problems with memory, attention, and concentration

• Addiction: Depressants are highly addictive, and repeated use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if use is stopped abruptly, and may include anxiety, insomnia, and seizures

• Long-term Health Consequences: Long-term use of depressants can result in several negative health consequences, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and decreased immune function

Why You Should Never Mix Depressants

Mixing depressants can be extremely dangerous and can lead to several negative consequences, including:

• Increased risk of overdose: Depressants slow down the central nervous system, and combining them can lead to excessive depression of breathing and heart rate, increasing the risk of overdose

• Potentially fatal respiratory depression: Depressants can cause respiratory depression, which is a condition where breathing slows down to a dangerous level. When two or more depressants are combined, the risk of respiratory depression is significantly increased and can lead to death

• Increased drowsiness and sedation: Mixing depressants can increase feelings of drowsiness and sedation, making it difficult to stay awake or alert. This can impair motor skills and reaction time, leading to accidents or other dangerous situations

• Cognitive impairment: Mixing depressants can impair cognitive function, leading to problems with memory, attention, and concentration

• Increased risk of addiction: Mixing depressants can increase the risk of developing an addiction to either substance, and can also increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped

What Happens When You Mix Kratom with Alcohol

When Kratom is mixed with alcohol, the effects of both substances can be amplified. This might sound like a great thing at first, but it can also cause some serious consequences… especially if you’re already too compromised to remember how much you took or measure out the dose correctly.

Just how serious can things get?

Anywhere from uncomfortable to deadly.

Mixing Kratom and alcohol can lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. The combination of Kratom and alcohol can act to suppress the central nervous system and lead to respiratory depression, which can increase the risk of overdose.

And that’s just in the short term. Combining the two long-term could lead to increased harm to the liver and other organs. Not to mention, mixing Kratom and alcohol can result in potentially dangerous changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Can Mixing Kratom and Alcohol Lead to Addiction or Withdrawal Symptoms?

Yes, combining Kratom and alcohol can increase the risk of developing an addiction to either substance. When a person uses Kratom and alcohol together, they may increase their tolerance to both substances, making it more difficult to manage their use and potentially leading to a dependence.

If use is stopped, the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and cravings. This is why it is important to use Kratom and alcohol with caution and to seek help if needed.

Can Kratom and Alcohol Be Safely Used Together?

“Safely” is a pretty objective term, but thousands of individuals DO mix Kratom and alcohol together without issue. The key here is to listen to your body. If you’re going to experiment, do so with SMALL doses and just ONE alcoholic beverage to start.

We DON’T Advise Mixing the Two Together, but if You Must, Here are a Few Tips to Reduce Risk:

• Limit your dose of Kratom
• Only have one alcoholic drink per hour
• Make sure you are buying high-quality Kratom from a reliable source
• Ensure you partake in a safe environment with friends who know what you are using in case of any adverse reactions
• Never combine the two when alone
• Never combine the two within 4 hours of bedtime
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

What About Kratom for a Hangover?

We’ve all been there. A late night with friends and a bit too many *cheers* later and the next day we’re a wreck. Head pounding, dehydrated, stomach-churning, you name it.

But what if there was a potential hangover cure you haven’t explored? Could Kratom be the key all this time?

Well, we can’t say with any degree of certainty as to whether or not Kratom is actually ‘safe’ to take for a hangover. But, lots of people have been using it for one and reporting some degree of success. From what we can gather, the ideal range of a dose for a hangover is reported by consumers as being between 2-5grams.

But it’s not all roses and sunshine here. While some report that Kratom gives them the boost they need to get past their hangover and tackle the day ahead with a bit more pep in their step, others, however, have reported that their hangover was even worse by taking Kratom. So your mileage may vary here.

Final Thoughts on Whether or Not You Can Mix Kratom and Alcohol

The potential health risks of combining Kratom and alcohol are numerous and can have serious consequences for a person’s physical and mental well-being. When Kratom and alcohol are combined, the effects of both substances can be amplified, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.

This can increase the risk of overdose, as the combination of the two substances can suppress the central nervous system and lead to respiratory depression. In addition, long-term use of both Kratom and alcohol can cause harm to the liver and other organs, as well as potentially dangerous changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

In other words, the TLDR here is that you probably shouldn’t do it. But if you do mix the two, please do so responsibly, when you have other people around in case you’re not feeling good, and in moderation.