A kratom-based drink promoted as a “healthy alcohol alternative” in the US has raised serious concerns about addiction and health risks. The beverage, “Feel Free Classic,” produced by Botanic Tonics, has come under fire for deceptive marketing practices and inadequate consumer warnings about its potential dangers.

Jasmine Adeoye, a 29-year-old from Austin, Texas, shared how her attempt to quit drinking led to dependence on the drink. Promoted on podcasts as a sobriety aid and productivity booster, Feel Free Classic attracted Adeoye, who was unaware it contained kratom. Derived from a Southeast Asian plant, kratom has stimulant and sedative effects but is linked to addiction, withdrawal, liver damage, and, in some cases, death. Within months, Adeoye reported drinking up to ten bottles a day, spending over $100 daily, and suffering symptoms akin to opioid withdrawal.

A class-action lawsuit filed in California alleges that Botanic Tonics misled consumers by marketing the drink as a safe alcohol alternative, specifically targeting individuals in recovery. Advertisements on platforms like social media lacked transparency about the inclusion of kratom and its potential risks, leaving many consumers uninformed.

Kratom remains controversial due to its unregulated status in the US. While millions of Americans use kratom, health authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warn that it can lead to dependency, seizures, and other serious issues. Wrongful death lawsuits involving kratom have added pressure for stricter oversight.

Botanic Tonics has since revised its labelling, added age restrictions, and invested in consumer education, acknowledging past shortcomings in transparency. However, for individuals like Adeoye, who endured a gruelling recovery process supported by her family, these changes came too late.

This case underscores the need for stricter regulations and greater awareness around kratom’s risks. While marketed as a safe and natural alcohol substitute, products like Feel Free Classic reveal the dangers of unregulated substances targeting health-conscious and vulnerable consumers in the US.

Drinks like that reveal the dangers of unregulated products being sold as health alternatives. Stronger rules and clear warnings are needed to keep people safe from serious health risks.

Source: CBS News