My Kava Gameplan - Feedback?

[Sam]

What's up guys, 1st post here.

So I'm interested in getting into Kava for a host of reasons. I am a 22 year old guy and gave up drinking about 3 years ago. Alcohol was my worst enemy. It seemed to suppress my immune system, and if I consistently drink booze for a few days in a row I am likely to get sick the following week (cold, fever, sinus infection, overall feeling crappy/nauseous). It's almost as if I'm allergic to alcohol, but maybe this is a blessing in disguise because when I used to drink (back in high-school and freshman year of college) I would generally drink to excess and do things I would later regret.

Additionally, I have suffered from chronic back pain since I was a teenager. Without getting into too much detail, I have issues with the discs in my spine which causes me mild pain most days and can be exacerbated by playing contact sports or performing activities that put pressure on my discs. I used to to use prescription painkillers (Tramadol, Vicodin) but have for the past 6 months used K@ on an almost daily basis to help with my pain. The pain isn't so bad that I need to take K@ everyday to survive, but it definitely helps me feel more comfortable doing whatever I'm doing in a given day. I have heard that Kava can help with pain and I'm eager to see if it helps me at all.

I do not plan on stopping taking K@ permanently, although my goal is to alternate my use of K@ with that of Kava. For instance, when I'd like a tolerance break from K@, I could use Kava for a few weeks. Additionally, I would like to use Kava as an alcohol-subsitute when going out to clubs and bars. I still go out on the weekends with my friends, but if I'm being completely honest, going out drunk is a lot more fun than going out sober. Of course there are other substances that can be used as alcohol replacements, both legal and illicit, but I would prefer to use Kava as an alcohol replacement as I am under the assumption that it A) isn't particularly bad for you/doesn't create a hangover, and B) provides a buzz that makes being in bars/clubs more enjoyable (and perhaps provides a feeling similar to alcohol)

I have dabbled in Kava before but never really felt anything. Not surprisingly, I had no idea about the reverse-tolerance which I just recently read about on this forum.

So here is my new plan to begin implementing Kava in my life:

1. I just ordered Gaia Herbs Kava Kava Root Liquid Phyto-capsules and plan on taking 2 in the morning on an empty stomach, and 2 in the evening on an empty stomach (4 per day) for 15 days - hopefully by the end of these 2 weeks the reverse-tolerance will start kicking in and I will hopefully begin feeling Kava effects.
2. After I finish the Gaia capsules, I will begin drinking 'Kalm With Kava' concentrate drinks. I purchased a 10 oz serving of their concentrate, which is apparently good for 10 servings. I plan to consume 2 servings a day for 5 days (I've read pretty good reviews about this drink so hopefully I will really begin to feel the Kava effects by now).
3. Then I plan to either purchase GHK Instant Kava or jump straight into traditionally kneading Kava. I'm thinking about purchasing a sampler from GHK, Bula Kava House, or KWK.

I am a newbie and have only been researching Kava just recently. If you have any tips for me or adjustments to my 'game-plan,' feel free to help steer me in the right direction. Also, if your story is in anyway similar to mine, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks in advance!

 

[Deleted User01]

I like your game plan. I also started off with Gaia Herbs capsules. Here is a trick, snip off the top and pour the contents under your tongue and let it sit awhile. Heh, heh, heh. They don't taste bad at all. When I used to hit the bars, I always got Bronchitis and shit. I think it is both the immune system but also the glasses not being sterilized properly. Right now, I do kava about 4/5 days a week and I drink some alcohol (in moderation) on the other days. I never mix the two. Once you get the kava going in your system, you will not crave as much alcohol but you can still have a beer "with the boys" or a glass of wine at a restaurant. If they ask why you are only having a few, just remind them that you are on "pain medicine" for your back. Wish I could address the back thing. I do Yoga whenever possible and it helps get things limber but all my aches are muscle and joint related.

And your posting is the number one reason that I don't put down K@ users. I tried it for a brief period but many of the users were fighting a lot of pain and it was very helpful to them. It can be addictive so that is where we draw the line between that drug and Kava. Kava is not as powerful a pain medication but gives other benefits like peace of mind and good sleep. So each to his own but we believe that Kava is much safer. Perhaps you can put together some kind of regiment with Kava, certain exercises, and good diet to attack the back thing and keep it in check.

 

[Blippy5]

It sounds good. I've mostly given up drinking, except rarely, due to kava. I much prefere kava to alcohol.

Enjoying kava while out can be difficult. Kalm concentrate, kava candies, and extracts might be easiest.
Your plan seems good. I've never used the Gia caps, but people say they are good. I might mix your steps 2 and 3. I love the concentrate, but it doesn't effect me like old fashioned root.

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

I've had back problems since my early 20's, Kava only slightly helps with pain relief compared to kr@tom/opiates/opioids. The kavas that have the most pain relief are also the same ones that make you not want to go clubbing or bar hopping the most. Kava is not known for being complimentary to bars/clubs, in fact, the lights, loudness and added activity are known to make kava almost ineffective or make you feel more irritable and nauseous. A chill-out lounge or something could be nice...

If you were out socially and anxious about not having anything to change your headspace, a 'heady' would be your best bet, but heady kavas offer the least pain-relief.
Heady kavas effects can be a bit more 'social' but can also be a bit more difficult to 'feel', in my opinion. They are less nauseating, which is a perk if you're trying to use it while bouncing around town.

Different people respond differently to kava, perhaps you'll be one who feels mostly positive effects no matter what situation you are in. You will only know by sticking with it and experimenting with different varieties. In general, I'd say kava isn't that great of a substitute for the social/party aspects of alcohol and it won't be as good of an analgesic as your [email protected] it will have a slightly familiar hint of both, with the added bonus of being a safer, more peaceful, relaxing, sleep improving thing all unto it's own.

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[Deleted User01]

@Blippy5, I have always like the caps for Newbies. They are easy to take and can get you over Reverse Tolerance. They should also help with sleep. I think people get frustrated having to do all that prep, deal with the taste, and with no results. The caps help them ease into it without the prep and tasted issue. Once they start feeling results, then of course we are willing to do whatever it takes to get more and better results.

 

[Sam]

Thanks for the replies. It's too bad that Kava may not work as well as an alcohol replacement as I hope it does, but I guess it's pretty hard to find something that is similar to alcohol and is both safe and legal.

Regarding the Kr@tom, I understand it won't help as much with the pain, but it's a MUST that I take time off from Kr@tom and deal with the pain. My doctor also prescribes me Hydrocodone which surprisingly provides a large tolerance reduction (and of course helps with pain)...meaning if I stop Kr@tom and take my prescribed medication for a week, when I return to using Kr@tom my tolerance is basically zero. Regardless, it's important to give the body breaks from all substances and so I plan to use Kava as a substitute and then also enjoy some periods of time without the use of anything.

I also should acknowledge that being a young guy trying to figure his path out in life can be stressful, and often times we reach for substances or chemicals to put our minds at ease. I'm guessing not everyone here uses Kava just to improve sleep, and that some use it simply to kick back, chill, and feel a little inebriated. I hope that Kava can help me catch that 'buzz' in times when I need to stop thinking and just become present and completely relaxed.

 

[Deleted User01]

@Sam, but Kava has more benefits than alcohol. I have fitful sleep with alcohol, not with kava. And you know fitful sleep can aggravate any ache and pain. Also, I pass out on the couch with alcohol. With Kava, I'm totally mellow and able to listen to my audiobook and I don't miss a beat. The only reason that I keep with alcohol is that I'm a Home Brewer and I love red wine. Once every 2 weeks, I truly enjoy sipping on some single malt scotch. But I always miss kava sleep on my alcohol days.

 

[Sam]

@Sam, but Kava has more benefits than alcohol. I have fitful sleep with alcohol, not with kava. And you know fitful sleep can aggravate any ache and pain. Also, I pass out on the couch with alcohol. With Kava, I'm totally mellow and able to listen to my audiobook and I don't miss a beat. The only reason that I keep with alcohol is that I'm a Home Brewer and I love red wine. Once every 2 weeks, I truly enjoy sipping on some single malt scotch. But I always miss kava sleep on my alcohol days.

@Deleted User01, that is good to hear. From what I've read on this board about Kava helping with sleep, I was afraid it was the type of drink that would just put your @ss to sleep once you lay down while under its effects. I remember years ago when I used to drink somewhat heavily on the weekends, waking up in the morning on my living room couch and having my parents look at me curiously wondering why I passed out on the couch instead of my bed. If Kava provides the type of buzz that keeps you relaxed but not zonked out, then I am even more hopeful in trying it.

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

Yeah kava will never do that to ya lmao. I mean if you drink tons of heavy kava you may find the doors of sleeping opening before your eyes but nothing forcefully in my experience