Kava moreish?

[EmeraldKava3690]

Hey guys.

So I know some people are going to be extremely aggravated that I am suggesting this. Yes, Kava is definitely way less addictive than almost all substances and substantially safer. This may be just a personal personality thing. However, does anyone feel Kava has a moreish quality to it? Not to the point of end-all-addiction, but sort of where you feel a need to keep redosing to get that initial Kava rush after taking a shell, almost going through your Kava stash too quick for something that is supposed to be completely non-addictive. This may just be a personality trait on my part, loll. It's also the way Kava effects me. I know it's supposed to mainly act on the GABA receptors, but it does have a very dopaminergic feel as well, almost, slightly, reminiscent of some good old C' when it first hits. Just something with the excitement, happiness, contentment, little bit of flutter in the stomach - definitely a dopamine push. This may be just a part of its effects that I emphasize and identify with due to my history. Once out, I am able to stop for weeks at a time, so I am not saying this is a crazy addictive drug. But, in the short-term, I do find it to have a moreish quality similar of other dopamine agents. Anyone share this feeling? If so, why do you think this occurs?

 

[Jacob Bula]

Your brain can produce a dopamine rush for anything you enjoy. We are also habitual animals and get great joy from doing things we like and provide us relief, especially if we do it on a routine. I'm the same way, I drink kava on a 2 week on , 2 week off schedule and I do feel like I need it during those 2 weeks. The first day off sucks. After that I'm fine though, so I don't think I its kavalactones that cause the habit but more of just human psychology. Especially in those of us with previous addictions. Luckily dry eyes, dry skin, and lethargy keep me from taking it 24/7.

 

[krunkgod]

I think it's due to it being so short lived as far as the mood lift duration goes. That said, after a while of drinking you'll learn to appreciate every bit of it. I also notice when I drink it solo I tend to hyper-focus on the euphoria, to an obsessive degree. Kava should really be a social activity.

 

[Orz[EST]]

Kava + coffee or kava + damiana helps you to not deplete your root powder too quickly when you want more "daytime" effect. Especially true with coffee.

 

[Halibut_Acid]

I definitely drive back the shells but honestly I love it and it doesn't have a negative impact on my life so I don't care.

 

[Kavacus]

Yes, I can relate regarding things that make me feel good-yet kava seems to have a built in "Yer Done" signal when the session has ended. Kinda like antidepressants where you're not going to binge on it, but taking it definitely provides support to my overanxious monkey driven brain.

 

[AlexisReal]

Hey guys.

So I know some people are going to be extremely aggravated that I am suggesting this. Yes, Kava is definitely way less addictive than almost all substances and substantially safer. This may be just a personal personality thing. However, does anyone feel Kava has a moreish quality to it? Not to the point of end-all-addiction, but sort of where you feel a need to keep redosing to get that initial Kava rush after taking a shell, almost going through your Kava stash too quick for something that is supposed to be completely non-addictive. This may just be a personality trait on my part, loll. It's also the way Kava effects me. I know it's supposed to mainly act on the GABA receptors, but it does have a very dopaminergic feel as well, almost, slightly, reminiscent of some good old C' when it first hits. Just something with the excitement, happiness, contentment, little bit of flutter in the stomach - definitely a dopamine push. This may be just a part of its effects that I emphasize and identify with due to my history. Once out, I am able to stop for weeks at a time, so I am not saying this is a crazy addictive drug. But, in the short-term, I do find it to have a moreish quality similar of other dopamine agents. Anyone share this feeling? If so, why do you think this occurs?

Maye, welcome here first. I relate exactly what you describe, and in my view is the actual difficulty working Kava into our invdividual routines, flexible and adaptive manners.

I am really curious to know which kava you are using! They vary so much. The heavier ones,,for example Koro Ilsalnds, Kadavu- two, strong heady fijians, plus Borogoru frommthe KSNZ store I heard repeatled, are examples of vey high potent kava,,but crucially with a different Chemotype.

Some kavalactones are really great at first but short lived however and others are more gradual and long-lasting and slightly different in nature usually the heavier so-called cultivars.

So if you have only been using one single kava for example and it is off a very heady nature it is possible that you have reached the ceiling effect and simply cannot pass it unless you switch to an alternative cultivar.

Also be conscious of reverse tolerance which some people generally do experience upon kava initially and it can take 3 weeks of daily consumption of at least 30 to 50 g per day in my estimate, before bingo! Kava's beauty is suddenlt revealed.

Do keep us posted mate I will tick- watch now for any updates.

 

[AlexisReal]

Kava + coffee or kava + damiana helps you to not deplete your root powder too quickly when you want more "daytime" effect. Especially true with coffee.

Have you combined kava with Yerba Mate? I not tried Yerba myself, only because of allergies, but I do actually find coffee,, typically one small strong black here when energy calls....can really improve my kava session.

I am suddenly curious about the possibility that Yerba Mate may compliment the kava experience nicely and contemplatively.

I think I will certainly try this out, Zac from @Artofkava has a fantastic herbal teastore.

If I want me some Yerba Mate to try, that is the place I would go to, especially if I can tolerate the yerba Mate and make regular thing.

Anyway, on that- Artofkavas Koro Islands seems back in stock. Amazing high quality kava, a rare privilege too.

Plus the truest openest man behind it . I am still impressed how he suddenly appeared here, with two such high quality,,clean, organic heavy Fijian Kavas.

Savusavu to the lineup, hooefull on the same par, would be a fantastic, complimentary assition IMO. If on par with say, Kavatime Gourmet Savusavu....wow makes my lips water lol!

The Koro is really special Kava. Not tried the Kadavu yet but very excited to do very soon.


P.s. Artofkavas tea site sell some fantastic, quality specialist, reallly smart tidy tea tins.

I am really loving using my kava from this beautiful tin, vs any jar,,bag etc.

High quality tins, quite air tight, smart round asthetic dull (light) green.

My mum...instantly wanted to paint the kitchen that colour lol!

 

[Orz[EST]]

Hmm... You have *appetite* for kava? Fascinating.

However, to the point. Intuitively, mate* sounds good. Healthy, vitamins, and does not irritate stomach like black coffee.

Please let us know how mate and kava worked together.

* as yerba mate , not zoological or Australian meaning.

 

[BobBriggs]

I definitely find it more-ish. I think that has a lot to do with the sbort duration of the kavain euphoria. It's psychological though, not physiological.

I like Yerba Mate, but I don't find it earth shattering. It's got a nice enough flavour and gives a bit of caffeine hit. But then again, I drink coffee whilst taking l-theanine, so I don't get jitters anyway. Tbh caffeine is great for the first few days, but the tolerance builds very quickly and then you don't really notice it. If I didn't love coffee and (especially) tea, I would probably cycle it - 1 week of caffeine and a month or two off.