A seemingly innocent botanical drink markets itself as a natural mood enhancer. However, it causes widespread Feel Free addiction amongst young adults. The devastating physical and psychological consequences deeply concern health experts.

Botanic Tonics manufactures the beverage. They sell it widely across convenience stores and petrol stations. It appears as harmless as kombucha. Yet the combination of kava and kratom extracts leaves countless users battling severe dependency. Many spend thousands monthly and experience alarming withdrawal symptoms.

From Social Alternative to Daily Necessity

Jasmine Adeoye, 30, from Austin, Texas, first heard about the drink on a popular podcast in 2022. She had recently stopped drinking alcohol for health reasons. She searched for alternatives to help with social situations.

“The hosts were taking a break from alcohol,” Adeoye recalled. “They discussed how it was a brilliant alternative for sober people. I wanted to overcome the social anxiety of not having alcohol anymore. Initially it made me feel really good.”

Occasional use quickly spiralled into Feel Free addiction. Within a year, stress from her account management role pushed her consumption upwards. She went from one bottle daily to twelve at its peak.

“I was spending easily $3,000 a month,” she admitted. “I would hop from petrol station to petrol station. The quantity I was purchasing embarrassed me deeply.”

The Dangerous Chemical Combination

Pharmacist Ethan Melillo warns about severe Feel Free dependency risks. He bases his concerns on the kava-kratom combination.

“You don’t want to mix this combination together,” Melillo told reporters. “I definitely think authorities should ban it. The combination of the two substances concerns me most.”

Kava acts as a depressant. It binds to the same brain receptors as benzodiazepines like diazepam. Kratom works differently as a stimulant. It interacts with opioid receptors, creating addiction and withdrawal risks.

“Your body will demand more once you build that tolerance,” Melillo explained. “People developing Feel Free addiction doesn’t surprise me. That’s what’s so concerning about supplements. Authorities usually only pull them after people experience serious side effects.”

Horrifying Physical Symptoms

Feel Free dependency proved severe for Adeoye physically. “I felt lethargic, depressed, anxious,” she described. “Getting out of bed became nearly impossible. The kratom caused constant vomiting. The kava made my skin dry, like alligator skin. Literal flakes of skin just flew off.”

She finally confessed to her fiancé and mother in March 2024. Quitting cold turkey meant four days of miserable withdrawal. Two weeks of intense cravings followed. She only felt fully recovered after six months.

Reaching Younger Users

The product restricts sales to those over 21. Despite this, children access it. Social media creator Michael Brown posted a warning video. A teenager had allegedly approached him at a petrol station. The youth begged him to purchase Feel Free.

The shop attendant reportedly told Brown she sees customers coming in five to six times daily. They act “like they have heroin addictions over this little drink.”

Years of Struggle and Financial Ruin

Chris Oflyng, 28, from Wisconsin, has battled Feel Free addiction for years. The struggle continues on and off. He initially used kratom powder at 19. He saw it as a natural alternative to prescribed Adderall. When Feel Free launched in 2021, he became dependent on it.

“Products like Feel Free are really awful,” Oflyng stated. “I developed a codependency using kava and kratom due to that product. I didn’t know it was as addictive in that combination.”

Feel Free dependency derailed his life significantly. “The biggest downside was the depression that came with it,” he reflected. “Looking back, I can point all the missed opportunities in my life back to kratom and kava.”

Oflyng estimates spending at least $40,000 over the years. This covers both kratom powder and Feel Free drinks. He has cycled in and out of treatment.

“I would purchase Feel Frees every time I relapsed,” he explained. “You could just get them from a smoke shop or petrol station. They’re just so readily accessible.”

A Stark Warning

Both former users emphasise the misleading nature of “natural” marketing.

“A lot of people might think it’s a plant, it’s natural,” Oflyng warned. “But it will catch up with you.”

Feel Free addiction cases continue rising. Health professionals now call for greater regulation of the kava-kratom combination. They want clearer warnings about dependency risks on botanical supplements. These products market themselves as safe alternatives to alcohol and prescription medications.

The ease of access creates problems. Combined with effective marketing to health-conscious young adults, this has created what experts describe as a growing public health concern. The situation requires urgent attention.

Source: NY Post