If you’re in recovery, you’ve probably been told to avoid alcohol and drugs. But kava, or “kava kava” is sold in wellness stores, served in kava bars, and marketed as a “natural” way to relax. That can make it feel like a gray area—especially for people trying to stay sober.
The truth? Kava might be natural, but it’s not risk-free. In fact, we’ve worked with clients who thought they could handle kava, only to find themselves slipping back into old patterns. At Ocean Ridge, we understand the unique challenges of staying sober in a world full of substances that blur the line between wellness and relapse. Our beautiful luxury homes in Southern California offer a safe, supportive place to heal—not just from drug or alcohol use, but from the habits and beliefs that often lead us there.
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Let’s talk honestly about kava—what it is, how it affects the body, and why it can be more dangerous than it seems.
What Is Kava?
Kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is a plant native to the South Pacific. Its roots are used to produce a drink with sedative and calming effects, traditionally consumed during ceremonies or social gatherings. Today, kava is sold worldwide in the form of kava extracts, kava kava, kava supplements, and kava-containing dietary supplements. It’s often marketed as a natural alternative for treatment of generalized anxiety or sleep issues.
Effects of Kava Use
Kava works by affecting the brain’s neurotransmitters, especially GABA, which helps regulate mood and stress. Many users report a sense of calm, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety after kava consumption—which is why kava kava extract therapy is sometimes used in complementary and integrative health practices.
But kava affects more than just mood. It can cause drowsiness, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. People who use kava alongside alcohol or other dietary supplements may experience enhanced sedative effects—something that can be particularly dangerous for those in recovery.
Is Kava Safe?
Despite its reputation as a natural herbal remedy, kava has been linked to serious health concerns. Liver damage is one of the most well-documented risks, with cases of liver toxicity and even liver failure reported after heavy or prolonged kava use. There’s also a condition called kava dermopathy—a dry, scaly skin rash that can result from long-term consumption.
Research on kava products is ongoing, but enough data exists to raise caution. The kava kava controversy has led some countries to ban or restrict its sale. And for people in recovery, kava use can trigger withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or even relapse—especially if kava becomes a replacement for drugs or alcohol.
Kava and Sobriety: A Risky Mix
Because kava is sold in health stores and bars, some people in recovery assume it’s a safe alternative to traditional substances. But at Ocean Ridge, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly kava consumption can become a slippery slope. Some clients began using kava to “take the edge off” anxiety or stress and found themselves fighting cravings, hiding their use, or eventually returning to other substances.
This is why it’s so important to have open conversations about so-called “safe” substances in recovery. If something alters your mind, numbs your feelings, or becomes a crutch—it’s worth taking a closer look.
Can I Die From Kava?
While death from kava use alone is rare, serious health risks do exist. As mentioned, kava is often a gateway to other drugs—particularly for people struggling with sobriety. Additionally, heavy or prolonged kava use has been associated with liver toxicity and liver damage in multiple studies, which can be life‑threatening if not treated. Kava hepatotoxicity is a recognized complication that can lead to liver failure. While not directly tied to many “overdose deaths” in the literature, the potential for severe liver injury means that people with preexisting conditions or those mixing substances are at higher risk—making medical oversight important.
Healing at Ocean Ridge
Recovery isn’t just about quitting drugs or alcohol. It’s about learning new ways to cope, connect, and thrive. At Ocean Ridge, our team offers comprehensive support—through therapy, peer groups, holistic care, and evidence-based treatment. Whether you’re questioning your kava use or struggling with relapse, you’ll be met with compassion, not judgment.
You deserve to feel good in your body and mind—without relying on substances that can cause more harm than healing. Ocean Ridge is here to walk that path with you.
Start Your Journey By Getting Help Today
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.
FAQs About Kava Use
What are kava extracts, and are they safe to use in recovery?
Kava extracts are concentrated forms of the kava plant, often found in capsules, tinctures, or teas. While they are marketed as natural remedies, especially for generalized anxiety disorder, they can still pose risks. For people in recovery, kava drinking can mimic the calming effects of substances they’re trying to avoid and lead to renewed cravings or kava intoxication. Always consult a doctor before taking anything that affects your mood or nervous system.
How does kava affect the brain and body?
Kava affects the central nervous system by acting as a sedative, primarily through GABA pathways. This can lead to feelings of calm and relaxation, which is why it’s used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. But like other herbal medicines, its effects can be unpredictable—especially when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Long-term kava use has also been associated with kava hepatotoxicity, or liver toxicity.
Are dietary supplements like kava safe for someone in recovery?
Not always. While dietary supplements like kava may be marketed as “natural” or “herbal,” they can still affect brain chemistry and mimic the effects of substances you’re avoiding. Taking kava regularly has been linked to liver issues and adverse reactions, especially if you have a history of substance use or liver problems. Just because something is sold in a health store doesn’t mean it’s safe for sobriety.
Can regular kava use lead to health problems?
Yes. Chronic kava use has been linked to liver damage, skin conditions like kava dermopathy, and mood or cognitive changes. Many people in the Pacific Islands use kava traditionally, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe in all forms or doses. If you’re using kava to self-soothe or manage stress, it may be time to explore safer support systems—like therapy or recovery programs.
What is kava kava, and how does it differ from other forms?
Kava kava is simply another name for the kava plant—it’s often used to refer to capsules or powders made from the plant’s roots. These products can vary widely in strength, and the german kava ban lifted in recent years only reopened the market for more kava products, not necessarily safer ones. If you’re using kava to manage anxiety or sleep, speak with a healthcare provider or recovery coach about healthier alternatives.
What is kava dermopathy, and is it reversible?
Kava dermopathy is a skin condition that can develop after long-term or heavy kava use. It causes dry, rough, and scaly skin, especially on the limbs. While it may improve once kava consumption stops, it’s a sign your body is reacting negatively to the herb. If you notice these changes, it’s worth speaking with a doctor—or reaching out to a center like Ocean Ridge for whole-person support.
Can kava help with generalised anxiety disorder?
Some people report that kava helps reduce symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder, but it’s not without risks. The kava plant can cause drowsiness, poor coordination, and in some cases, liver toxicity. And for people in recovery, the sedating effects may make it a trigger rather than a solution. Safer, more sustainable options are available through both medication and therapy.
What are the most common effects of kava?
Short-term effects of kava include relaxation, sedation, and reduced anxiety—but they can also include dizziness, upset stomach, and impaired judgment. Long-term use may lead to kava hepatotoxicity, withdrawal symptoms, and cognitive slowing. People recovering from substance use may be particularly vulnerable to using kava as a substitute, which can put their progress at risk.
Are herbal supplements like kava regulated?
Not strictly. In the U.S., herbal supplements aren’t subject to the same regulations as prescription drugs. This means potency and purity can vary from product to product. For someone in recovery, taking kava without medical guidance can lead to kava intoxication, health complications, or relapse. If you’re considering herbal medicines, it’s best to talk with a professional who understands both recovery and holistic health.
Are kava bars safe for sober people to visit?
It depends on your definition of sobriety and your triggers. Kava bars serve drinks made from the kava plant, which can produce sedative effects. Even if there’s no alcohol involved, the environment and the effects of the drink can be similar to alcohol or other CNS depressants. If you’re early in recovery or easily triggered by social drinking environments, kava bars may not be a safe choice.
Is it safe to mix kava with CNS depressants?
No. Mixing kava with CNS depressants (like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sleep medications) can increase the risk of adverse reactions, including extreme sedation, impaired breathing, or kava intoxication. People in recovery from substance abuse are especially vulnerable to these effects. If you’re feeling tempted to self-soothe with substances like kava, know that you’re not alone—and support is available.
Simon Abkarian is the Admissions Director with a focus on client care, overseeing comfort, and ensuring exceptional service. With four years of dedicated experience, Simon is committed to the success and well-being of every individual he serves. He brings a strong foundation in his own recovery journey, providing empathetic support and guidance to those seeking assistance.
Beyond his professional role, Simon is passionate about fostering a supportive environment and empowering others on their paths to recovery. His personal commitment to wellness and growth enriches his approach to admissions and client care, ensuring a compassionate and effective support system for all.
