Kava: An Earthy Alcohol Alternative
Remember the last time you attended a party.
Was there music? Games? Food?
My guess is there were also drinks, either with or without alcohol.
Parties and other social gatherings bring people together and the act of consuming food or drink at these functions further unites us.
Take for example when someone makes a toast with a drink and says a few words about something significant for the group. Or perhaps someone or an entire group recites a prayer before enjoying a meal.
There’s a camaraderie that comes from these instances and the shared consumption.
In America and other Western countries, it’s common that the drinks we toast with or consume contain substances that alter our consciousness.
Beverages like coffee, tea and alcohol are common at parties and ceremonies as they increase peoples’ sense of sociability in one way or another.
Caffeine in coffee and tea can elevate our sense of energy and encourage us to engage in conversation.
Alcohol can alleviate feelings of anxiety and help us feel more connected with others.
And yet, more and more people are trying to cut back or eliminate drinking alcohol.
Some people don’t like how it makes them feel or what they do when they drink, for example acting foolishly. Others might want to avoid the effects afterwards, like a bad hangover with headaches and body aches.
Luckily, there’s a great alternative beverage to alcohol called “kava”.
People find that kava has many benefits, like an increased sense of sociability, with few, if any negative consequences. [1]
As people look for alcohol alternatives, kava stands out as an excellent social lubricant replacement.
We write this guide to help you learn about kava and determine whether or not it’s something you want to try.
What Is Kava?
Kava is a plant that grows in many Pacific Islands, like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Hawaii. [2]
Indigenous communities use kava at social events and ceremonial functions, typically to increase a sense of connection among people. [3]
The beverage is made from the kava plant, known scientifically as piper methysticum, which translates to “intoxicating pepper”.
The word “kava” in indigenous Tongan means “bitter”.
And true enough, most people find the taste quite sharp. A kava-tender (similar to a bartender, just one who serves kava) once described the taste as “wet rock”.
Kava is made when its roots are ground up into a powder, mixed with water and “kneaded” with manual pressure. This turns the water to a light-brown color. You then filter the brown water a few times before consumption.
Many people choose to add juice or sweeteners to modify the taste.
Individuals often drink it in social settings where they’re looking to feel relaxed, less anxious, and more engaged.
Kava Legality and Regulation
Kava is legal everywhere in the US at the time of posting this article. It’s marketed as a dietary supplement. [4]
In 2002, kava hit a wall of prohibition. However, nearly every country has since overturned these restrictions.
Prior to the ban, research showed kava to be safe with short-term use and effective for nervous anxiety, tension and restlessness. [5]
The EU imposed a ban on kava-based pharmaceuticals in 2002, though Switzerland, France, and Netherlands continued to permit and regulate it.
They overturned the EU ban in 2014 due to international trade benefits and insufficient evidence for banning the plant in the first place.
Kava remains illegal in the UK. Canada also issued an order prohibiting Kava in 2002, but overturned this in 2012.
Kava has always been legal in the US. There was a consumer advisory issued in 2002, but you can find it in nearly every state and can order it online with ease.
Kava vs Alcohol
While kava is often compared to alcohol for its pro-social effects, it has some unique qualities that make it an attractive beverage..
For one, there is no data to support that it is habit-forming or addictive. [3]
Individuals looking to cut back on drinking or go sober entirely might find that kava provides some desirable pro-social and anxiety-relieving effects without feelings of reliance and dependence. [4]
Additionally, people can maintain high levels of cognitive performance and attention when consuming kava. Some individuals may find this is not the case with alcohol.
Finally, adverse effects are rare and mild with kava. Repeated, heavy use may be toxic for the liver, but there is nothing comparable to the adverse physiological and behavioral effects of alcohol. [6]
Negative side effects can come from kava use, such as an upset stomach or a headache in the short term. There is some suggestion that long term use leads to liver issues (e.g., hepatotoxicity), but there is little validity to support this and further research is needed to show whether or not this is the case. [7]
Any unwanted side effect of kava use can be traced to one of the following factors: [8]
Over-consumption
Prolonged use over time
Consuming poor quality kava
As you can see, these adverse effects are avoidable with mindful and appropriate consumption, taking breaks in consumption, and sourcing only high quality product.
Another good tip for kava (and really any substance) is to start at a low dosage and go slow in increasing dosage. The simple mantra boils down to “start low, go slow”.
Also, you should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery when consuming kava and especially as a first time user. [1]
Until you know how a substance affects you, it’s critical to avoid medium– and high-risk activities.
Kava Effects and Benefits
As a social lubricant and natural anxiety-reliever, kava is sought and consumed in a variety of settings.
Here are some common effects people report from Kava: [1, 3, 6]
Relaxation - Increased sense of calmness, while reduced anxiety symptoms
Euphoria - Uplifted mood, contentment, and sense of happiness
Sociability - Heightened sense of connection, friendliness, and openness to people and conversations
Greater Connection - Used in social gatherings and ceremonies to promote bonding and unity
Physical Relaxation - Eased muscle tension and can help with mild to moderate pain
Stress Reduction - Calming effects reduce stress levels
Improved Sleep - Relaxing effects can be mildly sedating and promote sleep
Enhanced Cognitive Performance - Increased mental clarity and concentration
Appetite Suppression - Temporarily suppressed appetite
Mild Numbing Sensation - Temporarily numbed mouth, tongue, or throat when consuming the beverage
Please note that you may only experience some, one, or none of these effects, particularly if you’re a first time consumer, due to the “reverse-tolerance” facet of the substance - see next section.
As with any psychoactive substance, it’s important to consider the “set” and “setting” within which the individual consumes the drug.
Your mindset (“set”) will vastly alter how you subjectively experience the substance effects. Similarly, your environment (“setting”) will impact what it’s like.
In order to ensure your substance experience is maximally beneficial and minimally risky, it’s important to know your dosage, have high quality product, consume safely, and ensure you've met all of your human/adult responsibilities before imbibing.
Kava Drink and Reverse Tolerance
Again, most people pursue Kava for its prosocial, relaxing and calming effects, but some people won’t feel the effects when they first try it.
Kava has a “reverse-tolerance” effect, which means that the effects actually become prominent with repeated use. First timers may not feel much or may need a higher dosage to experience effects.
This phenomenon is the inverse of traditional substance tolerance, where the effects are often profound at lower dosages for first timers. For example, consider someone who is new to alcohol; they may only need a drink or two to feel its effects, whereas someone who regularly consumes alcohol will likely require more to reach the same level of effects.
For newcomers to kava, it’s advised to start at a low dosage and wait some time before consuming again.
One serving of kava is often called a “shell”, named after the traditional serving container: a halved coconut shell. It can vary slightly, but a typical serving is half a cup or around 120ML.
Responsible consumption will help you stay attuned to how your brain and body experience kava.
Over time, you’ll discover what’s effective and safe for you, which is almost everyone’s desired outcome!
What It’s Like To Drink Kava
When I first tried kava I tried four shells over two hours. I felt a steady sense of relaxation and had a feeling of content, like everything was okay.
Over time, I learned that three to four shells is the right amount for me. If I drink more than four, I just feel sleepy and dehydrated. I’ve seen others drink six or more shells and have a great, safe time, so long as they drank plenty of water along the way. Everyone is different so don’t be surprised if it takes a few attempts to find the ideal amount for you.
Like anything, you can “over-do-it” with kava, but you’re likely to just feel tired or a bit nauseous. It’s rare that someone feels a debilitating intoxication or hangover from kava alone.
Combining kava with alcohol is not safe for the liver and it’s important to stay hydrated when you drink kava. [1]
Dehydration can lead to a headache-style hangover, though most people find the side effects are usually much more manageable than alcohol.
How To Buy Kava
You can purchase kava in person or online.
Ordering kava is simple and you can get it delivered to your door within a week or less.
There are major vendors located in the US, who source the kava plant from a variety of Pacific Islands.
There are four main options for purchasing Kava: kava bars, pre-made tonics, instant and traditional kava.
Kava Bars - Just as they sound, kava bars are lounge style venues (similar to typical bars) that serve kava beverages ready for consumption. The bars will typically offer unique blends of kava with sweeteners, or combine kava with other drinks like cacao, coffee, or kratom. Kava bars are popular in some areas of the country, like South Florida, though some cities and states don’t have any. It’s worth searching “kava bar” to see if there’s anything near you.
Pre-Made Tonics - These are pre-packaged kava drinks that you can buy online or at some local herbal stores. The tonics are often bottled or canned, so you can drink them and “blend in” with other people drinking other beverages. Always check for other ingredients, as some include caffeine, kratom, or kavalactone extract, which you may not necessarily want to include if you’re looking to try kava on its own.
Instant Kava - The easiest way to make your own kava is to purchase instant kava powder and mix it with water. It’s really that simple. This is a great option for anyone new to kava, as it’s typically more affordable than buying it at kava bars or ordering the pre-made tonics. Also, be sure you’ve purchased instant kava and not ground-up kava root, which must be prepared using the traditional method.
Traditional Kava - You can purchase ground-up kava root and prepare it the traditional kava way. This method requires a bit more energy and effort, but many people find it is their favorite way to prep and consume it. Put simply, it involves kneading the kava in a strainer bag with warm water for several minutes and filtering it a few times. The reason why you must knead or message the kava is that the active ingredients - called kavalactones - are not water soluble. Mixing traditional kava with water alone won’t activate the kavalactones. Instead, one needs to physically strip the root particles by either kneading kava in water by hand or using a blender. Most kava bars serve kava that’s made via the traditional method, and with some practice you can prep your own kava, including multiple servings, in just 10 minutes with this method.
Be mindful that there are several kava derivative products (kavalactone/kava extract drinks) that are not actual kava and may be less safe for consumption. [2]
Tips For Getting Started
Starting something new like kava can feel intimidating, even if it is legal and safe.
Educating yourself is a great first step which you’re actively doing by reading this article!
We encourage you to continue exploring and gathering information and we provide the following tips for getting started with kava:
Try to find something local - There are kava bars popping up all over the US. They’re oftentimes very similar to traditional bars: music, seating, kava-tenders, and good vibes. If you can’t find a bar specifically, you might be able to find a local vendor of kava tonics or powder. Sometimes it’s nice to go somewhere in-person, meet someone who knows about kava and ask them questions directly.
Try instant kava - Of all the kava options: tonics, instant, traditional, we find instant to be the most doable for people. It’s relatively affordable and easy to make. Many people find the act of “making” kava in this fashion to be enjoyable and you can add your own sweeteners or teas to find what you most enjoy. From there, you can decide if you want to try tonics or the traditional method, etc.
Try with a friend - Kava is prosocial, so it’s a delight to share with someone else! It’s also nice to bring a friend to a kava bar, so you both can experience the environment together. Even if you’re preparing your own kava and planning to consume it at home, consider doing it with a friend or family member so that you can reflect with each other on the effects and how you feel. Share this idea with a friend, perhaps someone looking to cut back on drinking alcohol, and enjoy!
Try on your own - Even though kava can increase sociability, many individuals enjoy consuming it on their own. Kava can both lower our sense of worry and anxiety and simultaneously increase our sense of awareness. This uptick in mental clarity leads many people to use it intentionally with activities like meditation and journaling. People find that they feel more relaxed and centered, and you may very well enjoy some alone time to recharge or unwind with kava.
Prioritize safety - As with any substance, be sure that this is safe for you to consume. This is especially important if you are thinking about tapering any medications or looking to quit drinking after developing a dependence on alcohol.
Get support - There are thousands of people in America alone who have made the jump to kava as an alcohol alternative. And there are many people who still drink alcohol, but enjoy kava too! If you’re feeling intimidated to get started, know that there are many people out there willing to share their knowledge about kava. One great place to turn is Reddit, where there are hundreds of active kava threads and discussions.
You can also reach out to us at Pivot. We provide free consultations and on-going coaching for folks looking to quit drinking, start kava, explore psychedelics or otherwise live healthier lives.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: While the body of research around psychedelic treatment for drug addiction is growing, many substances remain federally illegal in the United States. None of the information presented in this article is an endorsement of illicit drug use. No content, including this blog past, from Pivot Psychedelics is medical advice nor an adequate substitute for it. Please consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing substance use issues.
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