Kava while testing for affinity

Keke2123 said:

Hi,

I was wondering of anyone had drank Kava while testing. It's something I really enjoy but figured it wasn't worth the risk so I quit when I began testing. 
I've wondered if there was a way to go about asking but many don't really know anything about kava. 
Anyone have any experience?

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Did you ask your CM? 

I didn't, I really didn't even consider it. I figured they would refer me to affinity. I never get a real response from them. It always seems like a pre typed message 

Keke2123 said:

I didn't, I really didn't even consider it. I figured they would refer me to affinity. I never get a real response from them. It always seems like a pre typed message 

Do you meet with an addiction specialist? We are forced to every 3 months.  Here our CM has to return our call in 24 hours. Your CM likely has no clue but if you don't meet with an addiction specialist I'd hope they would find out for you. Can I ask what state you are in?

Healer555 said:

Do you meet with an addiction specialist? We are forced to every 3 months.  Here our CM has to return our call in 24 hours. Your CM likely has no clue but if you don't meet with an addiction specialist I'd hope they would find out for you. Can I ask what state you are in?

No, I don't meet with one through the board but I do on my own. Im in Alabama 

Your addiction specialist should know.  You're lucky part of your deal isn't meeting with their providers.  

Forget it. They will tell you no, and you will trigger more suspicion on their  part. 

There are no tests for it, but it is a mood altering substance and no program will tell you its OK to use. My advice is to not ask or bring it up.

Kava, as in that powder you can buy online and mix it in water for a relaxing drink or tea?  They advertise on facebook a lot also.

I've drank a kava drink on a Sunday and had to test urine etg on a Monday.  I've done it twice and no issues.  I don't think any current drug tests specifically tests for it.  (I have a etg cutoff of 100ng and checks for ETS also, which prollly everybody here has).

but definitely do not ask anyone in your program staff about it.   Like other said, it just raises suspicion that you are "trying to get around the rules" even though it's not a drug or illegal substance.  Just do the program without positive tests and get outta there! 

Universe93B said:

Kava, as in that powder you can buy online and mix it in water for a relaxing drink or tea?  They advertise on facebook a lot also.

I've drank a kava drink on a Sunday and had to test urine etg on a Monday.  I've done it twice and no issues.  I don't think any current drug tests specifically tests for it.  (I have a etg cutoff of 100ng and checks for ETS also, which prollly everybody here has).

but definitely do not ask anyone in your program staff about it.   Like other said, it just raises suspicion that you are "trying to get around the rules" even though it's not a drug or illegal substance.  Just do the program without positive tests and get outta there! 

Yep thats what I was referring to! I get nervous about popping a false positive for mdma but just like my boyfriend says you cant really pop positive on lab tests which I think the majority are. 
Kava is an ingredient and so many things like yogi tea for example.

thanks for the response!

Just sharing my experience.  I definitely drank the Yogi tea with Kava in it during my time in monitoring, but I was always careful about when I did it because like you, I was terrified of any false positive.  So, I would drink a cup on a Friday night because by Monday, any chance of a substance causing a false positive would probably be out of my system.  
 

I second the recommendations to not ask your CM.  The less you deal with them, the better.  Unless you feel like you have a good rapport with your CM.  If you're new to monitoring, forget it.  If you're a few years in and have proven your commitment and have a strong record of negative tests, then maybe.  But as a general rule, the less you interact with them, the better.  Stay under the radar.  

I have no experience whatsoever with affinity or drug testing. This is mostly a related rant. I have drank tea with kava in it before, I found it mildly calming much like other herbal TEAS. That being said I do know a sick young man whose very sick (mentally) mother overdosed him with kava concentrate on a nightly basis causing irreversible liver damage. I find it strange that some would classify it as a hallucinogenic or hypnotic...it is a sedative with mild euphoric effects. That's from the DEA website. Any other addictive substance or behavior can also have euphoric effects. 

lilu678 said:

I have no experience whatsoever with affinity or drug testing. This is mostly a related rant. I have drank tea with kava in it before, I found it mildly calming much like other herbal TEAS. That being said I do know a sick young man whose very sick (mentally) mother overdosed him with kava concentrate on a nightly basis causing irreversible liver damage. I find it strange that some would classify it as a hallucinogenic or hypnotic...it is a sedative with mild euphoric effects. That's from the DEA website. Any other addictive substance or behavior can also have euphoric effects. 

I know it is supposed to be calming and act similar to xanax, but as the OP said there is a risk of liver damage taking it.  So proceed with caution.  I don't think they know why it causes liver damage in some people whether it's taking too much or mixing with alcohol or just a genetic predisposition.