Is kava as bad as alcohol?

Could you please elaborate on the comparison between kava and alcohol? Is kava truly comparable to alcohol in terms of its negative effects? Could you provide some scientific evidence or research studies to support this comparison? Additionally, how does kava consumption affect the body and brain differently from alcohol? Is there a specific dosage or frequency of kava consumption that is considered safe? Furthermore, are there any specific health conditions or individual characteristics that might make kava consumption more risky? Finally, what are the potential long-term consequences of regular kava use? Thank you for addressing these points.