When "Kava" Isn't Kava: Opioid-like Withdrawal Responsive to Buprenorphine: A Case Study

The authors investigate a case of severe opioid-like withdrawal symptoms in a patient after using a commercially available beverage labeled as "kava," which was found to contain opioid-active substances. They aim to highlight the risks associated with mislabeled or adulterated herbal products and emphasize the necessity for clinicians to recognize potential opioid-mediated withdrawal symptoms when evaluating patients using such supplements. This case underscores the importance of accurate product labeling and the implications for treatment strategies in cases of suspected withdrawal.