There is no evidence that kava is addictive. However, some people may develop a dependence on kava, which can lead to negative consequences.
Why do some people develop a dependence on kava?
People who develop a dependence on kava may do so because they use the herb to self-medicate for anxiety or other mental health conditions. Additionally, kava may be used as a way to cope with stress or other negative emotions. Over time, people who use kava to cope with these issues may develop a dependence on the herb.
What are the consequences of kava dependence?
People who develop a dependence on kava may experience negative consequences such as liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, and impaired cognitive function. Additionally, people who are dependent on kava may have difficulty stopping their use of the herb, which can lead to further negative consequences.
Why is it bad to self-medicate for stress and anxiety?
Self-medicating for stress and anxiety can lead to negative consequences, such as dependence on an external compound, which could have negative health effects. Additionally, people who self-medicate may be less likely to seek professional help for their stress and anxiety, which can lead to further negative consequences.
Is therapy better than self-medication when you have anxiety?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, therapy may be more effective than self-medication in the long-term.
What can you do to avoid becoming dependent on kava?
Moderate your usage, and avoid using it to cope. If you are using kava to cope with stress or anxiety, it is important to be aware of the risks of kava dependence. Additionally, it is important to seek professional help if you are struggling to cope with stress or anxiety.
Is it possible to overdose on kava?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on kava. Symptoms of a kava overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and coma. If you or someone you know has overdosed on kava, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Read more about the potential negative side effects of kava here.
Are there negative long-term effects from overdosing on kava?
There is limited information on the long-term effects of kava overdose. However, it is possible that people who overdose on kava may experience liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, and impaired cognitive function.
Kava can cause liver damage if you consume too much, and this damage may be more severe when kava is used in large amounts or when it is used for long periods of time. People who overdose on kava may be at risk for developing liver failure.
How much kava is too much?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, it is generally recommended that people limit their kava intake to no more than 3 grams per day.
Interested in going deeper on kava? Read our in-depth articles about it.
- What is kava? Everything you need to know before trying it.
- Instant kava is the easiest way to take kava — especially for beginners. Read our reviews of the best instant kava here.
- Want to know what to expect from your first time trying kava? Read our exploration of what it feels like to do kava here.
- Educate yourself thoroughly on kava side effects.
- How exactly does kava work? We explain.
- Read our review of the best kava of all different formats.
