The best advice I would give right now would be to not give up on Kava based on your first root experience. If you do fall into the reverse tolerance zone, yes, you may get some effects eventually, however subtle, from it but it is nothing compared to when you break through the RT on some good root. It took me probably a few months to start to become familiar enough with the strains to know which kind worked best for me (I prefer the mental relaxtion, anti-anxiety kind vs. the body/muscle relaxation). Also, it took time to figure out which vendor and variety was most effective as far as price/quantity/experience goes.
It may seem overwhelming at first but trust me, once you become familiar with kava you will find yourself living better and learning more so things like this aren't as overwhelming. Also, no hangovers! If anything, you may feel the beneficiary effects of kava the next day or so.
Hang in there
@Hyperion if you are patient and respect the Kava the Kava will return the favor 10-fold. And welcome!