A couple in Jupiter is suing a local Kava bar, claiming that their herbal drink was almost as addictive as heroin.
Erica and Michael Siegal said they frequented the Purple Lotus Kava Bar in West Palm Beach, thinking they were taking a coffee-like herbal tea.
After months of consuming the drink, they claim they became addicted and had to spend thousands of dollars on rehab and therapy to kick the beverage.
Their attorney, Gary Russo, impressed by their attempts to quit the drink which put them through withdrawal, insomnia and headaches, stated that all the couple wanted was to inform people so that nobody else goes through what they went through.
There are thousands of people who visit Kava bars across South Florida every year.
This drink is often served in a coconut can to relax muscles and ease pain. Kava is a traditional beverage from Southeast Asia, and Locals in Fiji use it for medicinal purposes.
The owner of Purple Lotus, the bar, James Scianno, responded to the lawsuit expressing his shock and puzzlement at the Siegels’ claim.
He stated that his bar had been in operation for more than ten years with thousands of customers and that they have never had any such occurrences.
He defended the beverage, saying that Kava’s track record speaks for itself.
Addiction specialists, like Dr. Robert Moran, said Kava’s main ingredient – Kratom – is the real issue.
An opiate, Kratom has been termed addictive by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Moran said he has seen patients coming in with intense withdrawal symptoms.
“If they stop abruptly, they experience a full withdrawal, much like heroin withdrawal,” said Moran, who gives his addicted patients the same prescription drug used to treat heroin addiction.
“It’s not a surprise that the treatments for (Kratom) withdrawal are going to be the same.”
Reach Out Now
At United Recovery Project, we offer intensive and unique programs for patients dealing with Kava addiction. We offer various luxury treatment services to our patients including: drug detox, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs & sober living and alumni program.
Throughout your stay at the facility, you will be monitored by a team of specialists to ensure you have a comfortable and safe recovery process.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a Kava addiction, do not hesitate to call us on: 855-580-4810 to start your drug addiction treatment.