Health
What to Know About Kava and Kratom, Sold as a Booze-Free High
A bartenders pours Kratom tea shots. In low doses, kratom acts as an energy booster, mood enhancer and pain reliever.
Photographer: Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
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Over the last decade, the number of bars selling something called “kava” has grown. However, the non-alcoholic drink is propped up by another substance on the menu: kratom.
While kava and kratom are both plant-based drinks sold in similar places, the two substances are actually unrelated. Kratom (pronounced cray-tum) carries far greater risk for addiction.