Kava (Piper methysticum) consumption patterns and conceptualizations: results from an online survey.
Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy May 5, 2026 Katherine Hill, Cianna Piercey, Hollis C Karoly et al.
Kava, a psychoactive plant from the Pacific Islands, is used for its anxiolytic and sedating effects. In a 2024 online survey of 368 adults who had used kratom, kava, tianeptine, or akuamma seed, 48.9% had used kava in their lifetime. Lifetime kava users were younger, more racially diverse, and more likely to be employed or in school. Kava was purchased online (40.6%) or in tea bars (31.7%). Users reported infrequent consumption (average 4.4 months per year, 9.1 days per month). Perceived effects included reduced general anxiety (33.7%), improved mood (32.9%), reduced social anxiety (25.5%), and sedation (23.4%). Only 11.7% viewed kava as habit-forming, and 51.7% saw it as an alcohol replacement. Kava use practices are diverse, and clinicians should be aware of its role in harm-reduction.