So...I'm here.

[UpNorth]

Hi.

Don't really know how to start this. I'm a 32 y/o male. I have been the 'anxious' type forever, but diagnosed with anxiety since I was around 15. I managed to survive high school (however awkwardly), and started taking Paxil for anxiety shortly before entering university. I made my way through university, met my fiancé, and found that I soon had to stop taking Paxil as it made it difficult for me to feel any sort of emotion at all (basically I had all the issues associated with Paxil). I came down off of Paxil fine, but then eventually found myself really enjoying alcohol over the next 5-8 years. Today I am 'fine' in that I don't have an 'issue', but certainly find myself enjoying the weekends and indulging heavily in booze. Strong rum is my favourite. I am able to not drink during the week, but I feel as though I look forward to the weekend so that I can indulge in booze and actually relax. I am stressed throughout the week. I recently hurt myself and was prescribed a significant amount (probably too much) of T3s and Tramadol. I gave up the T3s quickly (I could not mentally focus at work) but found myself thoroughly enjoying Tramadol . I found myself taking up to approx 8 Tramadol a day, regardless of whether I was in pain or not, because it simply made me feel more alive. It made me feel like I could talk, smile, and converse with people in a way that I couldn't if I wasn't taking it (or booze). I can still get more Tramadol if I want, but I'm worried that it, combined with my fondness of alcohol, might become a MUCH larger issue if left unchecked.

I recently heard a story on CBC (i'm in Canada) about Kava. I am a straight-up Canadian guy that does not drink tea or anything else of the sort. That said, I realize that I am facing a significant issue and it is something that I need to stay in front of. Currently, I have had a number of drinks in advance of this post. I don't enjoy being drunk, I hate being hung-over, and really all that I seek is to have that mental relief that taking booze or tramadol currently affords me. I hate that I have to do this, but I literally have no ability to relax with anything short of it. Over the past week I was researching Kava and found this forum. I have a couple different Kava items in my Amazon basket but have not checked out yet (Amazon product). I am in Canada. Should I try looking at an 'instant' type Kava or should I stick with a 'medium' type that I need to prepare myself?

I totally understand that Kava may not be an answer, but, for me, it may present as a step in the right direction. Any tips?

My basic question is: should I try Kava as a potential improvement to my issues? If so, what type (in Canada and I don't have a lot of money), and where should I purchase it?

Thanks!

 

[Kalm with Kava]

Welcome UpNorth! Great to hear about you wanting to take control before any problems of abuse surface. I think you'll find alot of us here with similar stories and how kava helped alot. I'd definitely give it a try. Personally for myself, I no longer have any desire to drink alcohol. I much prefer a afternoon/nightcap of some shells of kava.

Starting out, you may or may not experience a short period of reverse tolerance where it takes a week or a couple to fully feel the effects. Also the natural taste is something to consider when choosing which product to start off with which is an issue for some people. Overall, Medium grind traditionally prepared kava is usually the best bang for your buck.

Many of the vendors on here offer great sample packs to start off with including us.

Good luck with trying out kava! You'll find a ton of great info and some really great people on here.

 

[24601]

Hello, fellow Canadian.
I have found kava to be extremely helpful in dealing with anxiety as well as getting me off benzodiazepines. The cost is a little prohibitive - I've not found a Canadian vendor that sells quality kava, but I've ordered from two of the vendors on this forum who are based in the US... 1/2 a pound of medium grind costs me about $40-$50 CAD once shipping and the exchange rate is factored in, and shipping takes about 10 days. The good stuff is definitely worth it, and different strains produce different effects, so the fun part is trying different strains to see which one does what you want it to.

 

[Vekta]

Welcome to the tribe.

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

For me kava helped me ease off of a K@ habit, I quit CT first but kava helped me sleep immensly when I was in the insomnia part and also fills in VERY nicely for the socializing aspect. Which opioids usually help with alot at first. Its a much better alternative. Ecpsiecally the non addictiveness lol. I almost never drink Alcohol so I can't speak on that matter . But it helps me cut down on all my vices

 

[Blippy5]

Kava might be great for you. Many of us ended up here because we needed help with daily lives, and realized alcohol isn't that great. Kava can get pricey. Check out some of the forum vendors.

 

[kavadude]

I second everything that @Kalm with Kava said. Welcome aboard!

I think getting some kava is a good idea for you, given what you've described. I can tell you from experience and reading everyones experiences on here, that alcohol/tramadol is not a sustainable way of dealing with anxiety. Over time, alcohol use downregulates your GABA receptors making you more susceptible to anxiety. It reduces the quality of your sleep, which leads to anxiety. It's a feedback loop, basically, where you get relief in the short term but greater anxiety overall. As for tramadol, you should definitely not fill that script.

 

[UpNorth]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll get an order in ASAP!

 

[Edward]

I think a lot of people here can understand where you are coming from. I am 42 and used to drink heavily more or less every day until a month or two ago. Since I've been drinking kava I have a much more healthy relationship with alcohol, basically I don't drink it unless I go to see my wife every other weekend. I don't miss alcohol at all in the meantime.

 

[Edward]

Oh, and I have heard that KWK Boroguru is a low price for an awesome kava. I'm waiting for my order to arrive so can't tell you how good it is yet but I have it from a reliable source that it's good

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

Dude get your self some hiwa from Ghk

 

[Steve Mariotti]

My basic question is: should I try Kava as a potential improvement to my issues? If so, what type (in Canada and I don't have a lot of money), and where should I purchase it?
Thanks!

Well you definitely came to the right place.

You can't go wrong with any of the KWK products. I did part of my reverse tolerance on Mike's Kalm concentrate, and it was tasty to boot. I love that stuff, and some day will have it on tap in my fridge. ;-)

Paxil flattened me out too. I had to stop taking it. Plus it was cockerel kryptonite.

I find kava a lot more relaxing/unwinding than alcohol. I was never a huge drinker but I now prefer it (unless I'm LOOKING to have a night of poor judgment.) You'll definitely sleep better. Just keep drinking it until your breakthrough with it. It'll be obvious (and it may be immediate) and then you can evaluate. For some like me there's a two week period of drinking muddy water that yields only mild tiredness.