Kratom and Alcohol: Dangers, Effects & Treatment

Written by The Recovery Village

& Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kevin Wandler, MD

Medically Reviewed

Last updated: 01/26/2025

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Last Updated - 01/26/2025

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Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity in the United States as an herbal supplement. People use kratom for various reasons, including pain relief, relaxation and, in some cases, to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, kratom’s effects and safety profile remain controversial and under-researched. When substances like alcohol and kratom are combined, the risks and potential complications increase. Understanding the dangers of mixing alcohol with kratom is crucial, especially for those who struggle with substance use disorders or are worried about their substance use patterns.

Below, we explore the potential consequences of consuming alcohol while using kratom, why people might choose to mix these substances and how to seek help if you or a loved one is dealing with kratom misuse.


What Are the Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Kratom?

Mixing alcohol with kratom can lead to several serious risks and health concerns. Both substances can have sedating properties, meaning they can slow down the body’s systems, especially in larger amounts. When taken together, kratom and alcohol have the potential to compound each other’s effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Some common dangers of mixing alcohol and kratom include:

  • Increased sedation: Both substances can cause drowsiness, which is magnified when used together. This might lead to compromised motor skills, poor coordination and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness.
  • Risk of respiratory depression: Although kratom does not typically cause severe respiratory depression on its own, combining it with alcohol can place additional strain on the respiratory system, making it more difficult to breathe.
  • Liver strain: Heavy alcohol use already stresses the liver. Early studies suggest that frequent kratom use may also affect the liver in some individuals. Taking them simultaneously could heighten the strain on this organ.
  • Unpredictable side effects: Because kratom is not heavily regulated in many regions, its potency can vary widely. Mixing an unknown potency of kratom with alcohol can lead to unpredictable interactions, magnifying the risk of side effects.

Can You Drink on Kratom?

While some people may take a moderate amount of kratom and have a drink later without immediate severe consequences, it is generally considered unsafe to mix the two. The potential for adverse reactions, such as dizziness, increased intoxication and drowsiness, can lead to dangerous situations, particularly if you drive or operate machinery.

It’s important to remember that every individual’s body chemistry is unique. What might seem “safe” to one person can be extremely dangerous to another. The variability of kratom’s strains and potencies further complicates matters. In short, there are no definitive guidelines stating a “safe” amount of alcohol to consume with kratom; professionals usually advise avoiding the combination altogether.


How Long After Taking Kratom Can You Drink Alcohol?

There is no universal timeframe that guarantees safety, but a waiting period can reduce the likelihood of overlapping effects. The duration for which kratom remains active in your system can vary depending on factors such as dose, individual metabolism, body weight and the specific strain of kratom. Generally, kratom’s effects may last anywhere from two to six hours, with some residual effects lingering longer.

If you are determined to have a drink, it’s wise to wait at least several hours after the effects of kratom have subsided. However, this does not guarantee that dangerous interactions won’t occur, as kratom’s metabolites can remain in the body for longer than the noticeable effects. If you’re concerned about the safety of mixing kratom and alcohol, it’s best to avoid drinking until you are completely certain that the kratom is no longer in your system.


Why Is It Dangerous to Mix Kratom with Alcohol?

Both kratom and alcohol affect the brain and body in ways that can be unpredictable when combined. Kratom can act as both a stimulant and a sedative, depending on the dosage and strain. Alcohol, meanwhile, is a central nervous system depressant. When you mix the two, the main dangers arise from:

  • Enhanced Sedation
    Combining two sedating substances can lead to more profound drowsiness, impaired judgment and slowed reflexes. This condition significantly increases risks like falls, accidents and potential harm to others while driving or operating machinery.
  • Potential Overdose Risks
    While the term “overdose” is commonly associated with opioids or alcohol, mixing any two substances heightens the likelihood of harmful side effects. In worst-case scenarios, a person might lose consciousness or suffer significant respiratory depression.
  • Unpredictable Potency
    Kratom products lack FDA regulation, leading to uncertainty about the amount of active compounds in each dose. The variability in kratom’s strength means that the intensity of its effects can be unpredictable, especially when paired with alcohol.

Overall, mixing kratom and alcohol can produce amplified, unpredictable side effects that place unnecessary stress on both your body and mind.


What Can Happen if You Drink on Kratom?

The consequences of drinking on kratom can range from mild discomfort to serious health emergencies. Some individuals might experience heightened drowsiness, headache or nausea, while others could suffer from severe side effects such as:

  • Loss of coordination: The combined depressant effects can impact balance, making it easier to fall or injure yourself.
  • Confusion or disorientation: Mental clarity can be impaired, leading to poor decision-making and risky behaviors.
  • Increased heart rate or blood pressure: While both substances often have a sedative effect, some kratom strains may raise heart rate, leading to cardiovascular stress when combined with alcohol.
  • Gastrointestinal distress: Both alcohol and kratom can cause nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, which can become severe when combined.

In some cases, mixing these substances repeatedly or in high amounts may lead to more serious outcomes, including potential liver damage, persistent cognitive impairment and addiction or dependence on one or both substances.


Why Do People Mix Alcohol With Kratom?

Despite the risks, some people still choose to mix alcohol and kratom. A few possible reasons include:

  • Seeking Enhanced Euphoria
    Some individuals report that combining kratom with alcohol intensifies the euphoric effects. However, any short-term “high” is often overshadowed by the health risks and negative consequences that follow.
  • Lack of Awareness
    Many individuals are unaware of kratom’s potential side effects. Since it is sold in forms like capsules, powders and teas, some people assume it’s harmless or purely “natural,” thus safe to mix with other substances.
  • Self-Medication
    People struggling with stress, pain or mental health issues may experiment with different substances to find relief. Sometimes, they end up combining multiple substances in an attempt to self-medicate, inadvertently amplifying risks.
  • Underestimation of Risk
    Kratom is not subject to the same regulations as prescription medications or alcohol. This can lead people to believe it’s less potent or dangerous, encouraging the risky behavior of mixing substances.

What Are the Symptoms From Drinking Alcohol with Kratom?

If you mix alcohol and kratom, be on the lookout for symptoms that may indicate a dangerous reaction or overdose-like condition. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Excessive drowsiness or dizziness: Feeling unusually sleepy, lightheaded or struggling to stay alert can be warning signs that your central nervous system is overly depressed.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Persistent or severe nausea and vomiting is a sign that your body is rejecting the toxic combination.
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing: This is a serious symptom that could point to an over-sedated respiratory system or added stress on the cardiovascular system.
  • Confusion or severe disorientation: If you or someone else is unable to think clearly or is displaying erratic behavior, seek medical attention promptly.
  • Rapid heart rate or palpitations: Some strains of kratom can act as stimulants, which may conflict with alcohol’s depressive effects on the central nervous system and cause irregular heart rhythms.

If you experience any of these symptoms after mixing kratom and alcohol, it is essential to contact a healthcare professional right away.


How to Get Help For a Kratom Addiction

Whether used alone or in combination with alcohol, kratom can be habit-forming. If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom or polydrug misuse, professional treatment can help. Rehabilitation programs often involve:

  • Medical Detox: In some cases, medical professionals might recommend supervised detox to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
  • Therapy and Counseling: Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you understand the underlying causes of substance use and develop healthier coping strategies.
  • Support Groups: Groups like 12-step programs, SMART Recovery or local community meetings offer peer support that can reinforce recovery goals.
  • Aftercare Planning: Long-term success in recovery often requires an ongoing plan that includes therapy, medication management (if necessary) and continued support.

At The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, our team of addiction experts understands the complexities and challenges of kratom and alcohol misuse. We can work with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. By seeking professional help, you reduce the risks of complications and set yourself up for a healthier, substance-free future.


If you suspect that you or someone you love is misusing kratom, alcohol or any other substance, remember that you do not have to face this struggle alone. Professional treatment programs offer comprehensive support and guidance to help you achieve and maintain recovery. Taking the first step may feel daunting, but it can significantly improve your health, relationships and overall quality of life.

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