Kava is an herbal substance that is made from the ground roots of the Piper methysticum plant.  This plant, which is native to the South Pacific, is a member of the pepper family.  Kava is legally available in the United States and is sold as a dietary supplement as a sleep aid and muscle relaxant.  This herb has also been used to treat anxiety, chronic stress, insomnia, and other mental health conditions.  Unlike other medicines used to treat these conditions, including Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, kava is less addictive overall.  This makes this herb an excellent option for those suffering with anxiety and other mental health disorders that also have a history of substance abuse.

How Kava is Consumed and Its Effects on the Mind

One of the most common ways to consume kava is in its powder form, mixing it with tea, water, or another beverage.  Alternatively, you can purchase this herb in a capsule or dietary supplement that can be taken orally.  Kava can also be purchased as a liquid tincture, using an eye dropper to mix the dose with a liquid for consumption or putting it directly on your tongue. 

The most common effects experienced when taking kava include an overall feeling of calmness.  You may experience feelings of euphoria that go hand in hand with a reduction in stress levels.  Others report being more sociable when ingesting kava.  You should not operate a vehicle when using kava, as it can cause drowsiness and other sedative-like effects. 

Finding the Right Dosage of Kava for You

Typical dosage of kava is between 60 and 250 milligrams.  It is recommended that those new to kava start with the lowest dose, evaluating its effect and how this alleviates their symptoms, and gradually increase over time as necessary.  The effect of kava and the dosage needed can be affected by many factors such as your weight, gender, tolerance, and the quality of the product.

Kava Can Provide Relief for Addicts in Recovery

Addicts in recovery often struggle with finding options for treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and other conditions, as they struggle to avoid medications that can be addictive. Kava does not produce the same high as other drugs like alcohol and opioids, while offering relief for those suffering from a number of conditions.  This can be an excellent option for those who are in recovery or who have a predisposition to substance abuse.  The best option is to begin taking kava at a low dose, gradually increasing the dosage as necessary to manage your symptoms.

Kava is a good option for those who have struggled with addiction but are still looking for options to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health illnesses.  While it is available over the counter, you should let your doctor or mental health professional know if you decide to take kava, as they can help to determine if this is the right fit for your situation.