Does Kava Kava Make you High? User Experiences for Recreational Effects

Kava extract comes from the roots of the kava kava plant, also known as Piper methysticum. This plant, which grows in areas of the western Pacific, has been used in this region for a number of centuries for recreational purposes.

It is also used recreationally in Europe and other parts of the world. In Fiji, official ceremonies still feature kava kava beverages as a welcoming gesture. It is consumed as a social beverage, similar to the cultural role that wine plays in the West.

Kava is used in beverages or in other forms to produce feelings of increased calmness. When enough is taken, it can produce an effect that is described as a kava kava high. This high is thought to be similar to the effects of alcohol, but there are important differences between the two.

Those who are considering taking kava in order to produce a high should note that there are risks involved. These risks have prompted the U.S., Australia and other countries to warn consumers about its use. It is also important to understand how kava works and what kinds of effects it can have on the body.

Kava

Herbal Supplement

Anxiety

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
• Improves feeling of wellbeing
• Shown to improve sleep & insomnia

Dosage:

Between 100 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Medicinal and Recreational Uses of Kava

Kava is commonly used to reduce stress and anxiety and promote quality sleep. It is said to promote a relaxing sensation that relieves muscle tension and numbs sensitivity to pain.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, it has also been used for reducing convulsions in those with epilepsy or managing the symptoms of several conditions, including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

Other uses include relieving pain during menstruation and managing symptoms of urinary tract infections and uterine inflammation. Most of these uses are based on traditional medicine. The herb has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any medical conditions.

Kava is also used for recreational purposes, such as experiencing a high or producing a “buzzed” feeling. The chemicals found in kava, called kavalactones, are known to cause calming effects, according to the National Institutes of Health. [1]

Does Kava Make you High?

The recreational use of kava extract might produce a high that resembles alcohol intoxication. This effect might be more noticeable in those with a lower body mass index.

A 2003 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found an association between kava intoxication and lower body mass index. [2] Taking a high dose of kava, particularly in beverages, might also cause a numb sensation in the tongue.

What does using kava feel like? Those who take kava for recreational use report experiencing a buzz that feels similar to a milder form of intoxication than drinking alcohol.

Users also report a general feeling of calmness and relaxation. Some users note a euphoriant effect and say that consuming this supplement makes them more sociable. However, kava and alcohol have different effects on the body.

A 2011 paper published in Pacific Health Dialog explains the differences between alcohol intoxication and a kava high.

For example, the initial stages of alcohol intoxication typically produce heightened emotions and activity, while the effects of a kava high include increased feelings of relaxation and calmness, which can take awhile to be felt. [3]

Taking Kava for Recreational Use

How much kava is needed to produce this high effect and is it dangerous to use a high dose of this herbal extract? The amount that produces a high varies from person to person based on factors such as body mass index and the presence of medical conditions.

Due to the risks involved with taking kava, there is no general recommended dosage that is considered safe. Kava products that are sold online usually have varying dosages that range from 250 MG to 500 MG.

Consumers should note that taking large amounts of kava extract, especially over an extended period of time, can have serious negative effects on the body. Many users report a hangover feeling or grogginess the day after taking a high dose of kava pills or powder.

Those who plan to use kava kava extract should talk to a healthcare provider before doing so. A healthcare provider can recommend a safe dosage after taking overall health, age and other factors into consideration.

Kava is not safe to use recreationally or for any other purposes in those with liver conditions, women who are breastfeeding and women who are pregnant.

Consumers who use kava for recreational purposes should not drive or use heavy machinery after taking these supplements. Kava extract causes side effects, such as drowsiness, that make it dangerous to operate a vehicle or machinery until the effects wear off.

Risks of Kava Kava Recreational Use

Taking this herbal extract in order to experience a kava kava high can increase the risk of serious and potentially dangerous liver damage.

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that there have been over 30 cases of liver damage in Europe in those who have used kava, although whether this is from kava use or from kava and other medications combined is not known. [4]

According to a research team based in Australia, certain water-based extracts of aged kava roots are safer to take and pose less of a risk to liver health. However, more studies are needed to validate this claim.

Using kava at high doses can also cause a number of other side effects that are typically mild and temporary. These side effects include drowsiness, nausea, dizziness and skin problems.

Those who use kava for recreational purposes should be aware that large amounts of these supplements can raise the risk of more serious side effects, such as appetite loss, hair loss and partial hearing loss.

Some kinds of medications have the potential to interact with kava supplements. Those who take these medications and plan on using kava should only do so under the guidance of their doctor to reduce the risk of effects of these interactions.

A few of the medications that can interact with kava kava include drugs that affect the liver, anti-anxiety medications, diuretics and anticonvulsants.

It is not recommended to combine kava with other drugs or intoxicating substances, like alcohol. Combined use can increase the risk of side effects and may produce an unpleasant experience for the user.

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