Mixing Alcohol and Kratom: Is it Safe?

Jemi Fischbach

• March 1, 2021

As more information becomes publicized regarding Kratom, more questions are being asked. One of the most common questions asked by Kratom researchers and enthusiasts is whether or not it can be mixed with alcohol.

If you are one of these people wondering if it’s safe to combine Kratom with alcoholic beverages, it is best to behave responsibly. Since there is not enough information regarding the combination of these two substances, it’s best to them completely separate.

An Under-Researched Combo

There is tons of information out there that sheds light on the effects of alcohol. For years, countries around the world have conducted many studies on alcohol use in tandem with other substances. Even though there is ample information on alcohol use, there is not much on the combination of alcohol and Kratom.

Alcohol can seriously affect other medications and controlled substances, so it is essential to know how a product reacts with alcohol before using it. When looking at Kratom and alcohol’s combination, there is not enough research to make a conclusive evaluation. The research that has been done focuses on using Kratom to help with alcohol withdrawal. For people who suffer from alcohol addiction, there have been some cases where Kratom has been an effective tool to mitigate symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Currently, in the United States, there are bans on the publication of information regarding Kratom. The FDA has put in strict measures that inhibit suppliers and vendors from speaking about or releasing information regarding the substance. As these limitations are in place, it makes it much more difficult to conduct accurate research. These limitations need to be lifted so that more widespread studies can be done on Kratom use with other substances.

An Inconclusive Study

At Purdue University in 2019, a study was done that looked at Kratom’s potential to ease symptoms of someone with alcohol addiction throughout their withdrawal. This study concluded that even though it could help them wean them off alcohol, it was not the safest technique. This study did not help researchers discover more about the possible dangers of combining these two substances. It didn’t look at enough relevant factors, making it an inconclusive, poorly rounded study.

The only way universities will be able to conduct more research is if the FDA lifts the bans imposed on the spread of Kratom information.

The Known Risks of Alcohol Use

There are significant health risks associated with long-term and binge alcohol use. These include cancer, immune system dysfunction, osteoporosis, heart disease, pancreatitis, and liver disease.

Claims from Kratom Users

Even though scientific research has not been conducted on alcohol and Kratom use, there is still lots of reviews/opinions online. Forums are often filled with many different levels of Kratom enthusiasts. You have Kratom enthusiasts and those who are just starting to purchase the powders. Throughout this online community, some patterns have evolved regarding Kratom and alcohol use.

Some users have suggested using Kratom with alcohol increases the usual effects of drinking. Rather than feeling like you’ve had one drink, it may feel like you’ve had three. As alcohol’s effects can be dangerous when over-consumed, using a substance that can potentiate these effects is not the best idea.

There have been users who claim to enjoy the combination. They believe that they can have one drink and use Kratom and feel the effects of a few drinks. This combo then saves money in the long term as they don’t need to drink as much to feel the same effects.

On the dire side of things, there have been reports about Kratom and alcohol use causing long-term side effects when used at a high dose together. Some of the symptoms that arise when having too much alcohol and Kratom in tandem are diarrhea, more intense hangovers, nausea, headaches, sweating, dehydration, and gastrointestinal pain.

As the side effects can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, it is best to steer clear of using Kratom with alcohol. If you do end up using it, make sure you have very little alcohol.

What’s the Verdict?

As there is not enough information about this combo, it’s best to avoid it. After more research is conducted, a more concrete conclusion will arise. Even though some online users claim that Kratom with a small amount of alcohol can be enjoyable, the line between too little and too much is easily clouded.

If you are a Kratom enthusiast, try and stay away from others. Ensure that you’re buying your Kratom from a reputable source so that it is high-quality and free from chemical additives. With a high-quality product, you can expect your experience to be safe, especially if you aren’t using alcohol.