Latest news with #BotanicTonics
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Supplement kratom faces safety concerns: "It's ruining people's lives"
There's growing concern about the safety of consuming a supplement known as kratom, derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia that has exploded in popularity in recent years. Used in a variety of products — including drinks, pills, powders and brewed tea leaves — kratom is marketed as an energy booster, relaxant and pain reliever. But it's increasingly blamed for addiction, seizures and in some instances deaths. Kratom is currently banned in six states and Washington, D.C., and at least 18 states have some form of regulation. "There's a common misperception that because it's plant-based ... it's safe or non-addictive, but for kratom that's absolutely not true," said Matthew Rossheim, who researches intoxicating substances. He said he thinks kratom products are too accessible and lack proper warnings on their labels. The FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom, citing risks including substance use disorder, seizures and even death, primarily when mixed with other substances like alcohol. Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans for a crackdown on one kratom compound. "It's ruining people's lives" Jasmine Adeoye, 29, tells CBS News she became hooked on a kratom beverage. While quitting alcohol, she says she became addicted to the drink Feel Free Classic, which contains kratom and is manufactured and sold by Botanic Tonics. She said she heard about it on a podcast. "You're advertised this alcohol alternative, so you feel like it's something totally safe and you start to believe there's something wrong with you when you become addicted to this," she said. Feel Free, like other kratom-based products, is readily available at many convenience stores, largely without regulation or oversight. Adeoye is now using social media to warn others. "There's a lot of people who are struggling in silence and really need help, and it's ruining people's lives for sure," she said. The American Kratom Association told CBS News that it advocates for regulations that aim to keep dangerous kratom products off the market. This includes labeling requirements and bans on kratom sales to minors. Kratom-related lawsuits There have been dozens of wrongful death lawsuits across the country related to kratom. In 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed against Botanic Tonics, alleging Feel Free was misleadingly advertised as a safe alcohol alternative. Instead, the suit claimed it was highly addictive and marketed to people struggling with sobriety. Botanic Tonics has since settled the lawsuit. They told CBS News in a statement they "deeply regret any confusion or harm past marketing may have caused" and say they now provide comprehensive information about their products, including intake limits and clear safety warnings. Global stock markets react to Trump's sweeping tariffs in effect now Sean "Diddy" Combs wants to go back to Madison Square Garden in the future, attorney says Why Trump is calling for Intel CEO's immediate resignation Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Popular supplement kratom faces scrutiny over addiction concerns: "It's ruining people's lives"
There's growing concern about the safety of consuming a supplement known as kratom, derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia that has exploded in popularity in recent years. Used in a variety of products — including drinks, pills, powders and brewed tea leaves — kratom is marketed as an energy booster, relaxant and pain reliever. But it's increasingly blamed for addiction, seizures and in some instances deaths. Kratom is currently banned in six states and Washington, D.C., and at least 18 states have some form of regulation. "There's a common misperception that because it's plant-based ... it's safe or non-addictive, but for kratom that's absolutely not true," said Matthew Rossheim, who researches intoxicating substances. He said he thinks kratom products are too accessible and lack proper warnings on their labels. The FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom, citing risks including substance use disorder, seizures and even death, primarily when mixed with other substances like alcohol. Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans for a crackdown on one kratom compound. Jasmine Adeoye, 29, tells CBS News she became hooked on a kratom beverage. While quitting alcohol, she says she became addicted to the drink Feel Free Classic, which contains kratom and is manufactured and sold by Botanic Tonics. She said she heard about it on a podcast. "You're advertised this alcohol alternative, so you feel like it's something totally safe and you start to believe there's something wrong with you when you become addicted to this," she said. Feel Free, like other kratom-based products, is readily available at many convenience stores, largely without regulation or oversight. Adeoye is now using social media to warn others. "There's a lot of people who are struggling in silence and really need help, and it's ruining people's lives for sure," she said. The American Kratom Association told CBS News that it advocates for regulations that aim to keep dangerous kratom products off the market. This includes labeling requirements and bans on kratom sales to minors. There have been dozens of wrongful death lawsuits across the country related to kratom. In 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed against Botanic Tonics, alleging Feel Free was misleadingly advertised as a safe alcohol alternative. Instead, the suit claimed it was highly addictive and marketed to people struggling with sobriety. Botanic Tonics has since settled the lawsuit. They told CBS News in a statement they "deeply regret any confusion or harm past marketing may have caused" and say they now provide comprehensive information about their products, including intake limits and clear safety warnings.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Viral TikTok Claimed That People Are Getting Unwittingly Addicted To This Herbal Tonic. It's The Tip Of The Iceberg
Warning: Discussion of drug abuse. Misha Brown, who typically shares vlog-style conversational TikToks with his 3 million followers under the handle @yourbestiemisha, recently went viral for a different topic entirely. Misha Brown / Via 'No joking in this is a warning, specifically for parents, but I guess really for anybody. Something truly disturbing just happened to me,' he begins in the TikTok, which has since been viewed over 19 million times and details how, earlier that day, he was approached by a 'child' who was 'maybe 14 years old' at a gas station. 'He comes up to me and he says, 'Hey, can you buy me some Feel Free?'' Related: Misha had no idea what Feel Free was, and after he declined the person's request, he says the aftermath was swift: 'This young kid lunged at me and tried to take my wallet out of my hand.' He also says he told the gas station attendant about the incident, who replied that some customers would purchase Feel Free 'five [or] six times a day.' 'I think that is very telling of how scary this substance is, especially when it's marketed as safe,' Misha says to BuzzFeed about the response his TikTok received. 'One positive that has come from my video is the amount of parents I've seen who said they, like me, had never heard of this product and will be talking to their children about avoiding it.' Feel Free's most well-known variant — the 'Classic' tonic made by the company Botanic Tonics, which also makes a 'Kava Maté' and capsules — is advertised as a 'feel-good tonic that features kava root and other plant ingredients known to help with relaxation, productivity and focus.' A bottle contains two servings, and the website does tell buyers to 'consume responsibly' and not take more than a bottle every 24 hours. Their ingredients label lists kava root extract, a depressant, and ground leaf kratom, a drug that can provide both stimulant and sedative effects depending on the quantity. In the FAQ section of the site, it tells consumers that 'most commonly, you'll feel more social and a calm, focused boost of energy.' If you look at the front of the bottle, you'll notice the words 'consume responsibly" near the bottom; according to the company, that advisory was added to the packaging last year along with a warning that reads, 'This product contains leaf kratom which, like caffeine and alcohol, can become habit-forming and harmful to your health if consumed irresponsibly. Consider avoiding any potentially habit-forming substances if you have a history of substance abuse. If consumed in recommended quantities, feel free CLASSIC has not been shown to cause any serious physical or social harm. Caution: This product is not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21.' Both kava and kratom are legal on a federal level, though some states have banned kratom. The FDA has 'warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD)' and the DEA has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern. It's estimated that 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021. Botanic Tonics was previously sued in 2023 due to allegations that the brand falsely advertised itself and did not warn consumers of the risks of kratom. They settled earlier this year for $8.75 million, with the company saying in a press release, 'Botanic Tonics acknowledges that its early marketing practices fell short of the high standards of transparency and consumer education that the company now champions. While these practices did not violate any laws, the company recognized the concerns raised by consumers and took significant steps to address them.' In response to Misha's TikTok, a spokesperson for Botanic Tonics said, 'We reached out to @yourbestiemisha about the experience he shared across his social platforms with detailed info about Botanic Tonics' commitment to the safety and responsible use, which includes our products being specifically formulated, marketed, and labeled for adults 21 and over only. We take any reports involving minors extremely seriously and are committed to working with retailers to ensure proper age verification and responsible sales practices.' Misha isn't the only person who's gone viral for their anecdotes about Feel Free. Jasmine Adeoye, a 30-year-old based in Austin, has had numerous TikToks about her experiences with the tonic pass the million-view mark. She first bought Feel Free in 2022, after hearing it advertised on numerous major podcasts as a safe alternative to alcohol. She told BuzzFeed that she initially used the product occasionally for around a year, until she found herself in an incredibly stressful job. 'At the most, it was 12 [bottles] a day. That was like just taking them to feel normal in any way, shape, or form,' she said. 'It was like, 'Oh, I can't physically get out of bed unless I take this.' Related: At the height of what she says was her addiction, Jasmine claimed that she had 'super, super dry and flaky skin,' adding, 'It was like alligator skin, I would take my clothes off, and flakes of skin would fall off of my body.' She further said that 'chunks of [her] teeth were falling out' as a result of throwing up so often. After telling her mother and now-husband the extent of her use in 2024, Jasmine was able to find sobriety. She began making TikToks shortly afterwards. 'When I got sober, I knew that I wanted to talk about it publicly. I was, like, 'I cannot be the only person going through this,'' she said. 'I expected some people to resonate with it, but not on the level that it actually did, which makes me sad.' So, what does Feel Free have to say about the users' claimed experiences? When asked for comment on these users' alleged experience, Botanic Tonics directed BuzzFeed to a statement that said, 'Botanic Tonics is leading the industry in our commitment to providing consumer education and transparency and we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers above all else." "Highlights of our efforts include voluntarily implementing substantial improvements to our product labeling. Additionally, we voluntarily raised the minimum purchase age for all products to 21+ and added visible serving size indicators, clearer ingredient information, and comprehensive warnings." Related: 'Our website features a comprehensive 'Learn' section with detailed resources about our ingredients, including dedicated information about kratom. We believe informed consumers make better choices, and we're committed to providing clear, accurate information. All Botanic Tonics products are manufactured in our FDA-registered, cGMP-certified Oklahoma facility, ensuring uncompromising quality and potency,' they continued. It's not just TikTok where users are claiming negative experiences. There are 5k members in the subreddit R/Quittingfeelfree, where users talk about their sobriety experiences. Amongst those who spoke to BuzzFeed, some were previous opioid users who found themselves caught up in what they claim was the cycle of addiction again. Justin, a 43-year-old who was previously sober for six years, said he saw a Feel Free ad offering 'energy and calm' in a gas station before work. He quickly bought two, despite having read about kratom addiction previously. 'It did what it said it would do,' he claimed. 'Meth wasn't this hard to quit. This stuff is a special kind of bad.' But some say they had no problems with substance abuse whatsoever. Lisa, a 63-year-old mother of three from South Jersey, said that a friend suggested Feel Free just over three years ago as an alternative to a cocktail. 'I don't have an alcohol problem. I just thought it would be fun to have something else that was natural,' she said, opting to order the drink online after watching a podcast interview with the company's creator. 'It was marketed as being safe and healthy, and that you would get a natural euphoric feeling from it. I was using it sporadically, and I was using it safely.' Things changed when two things happened in quick succession: Lisa broke her shoulder and one of her daughters became estranged from her. Amid the stress and pain, her Feel Free intake rose to five a day, purchased from her local 7-Eleven. Realizing she had a problem around a year ago, she's now consulting with drug addiction professionals to find the best way forward. 'Your skin gets so dry and itchy. If you don't take it and you are trying to sleep, you get restless legs. It wakes you up,' she claimed. 'But when you try to take it, sometimes you vomit. It's horrific, and for somebody like me, who was a professional and a mom, I can't believe this has happened to me.' Related: Similarly, 30-year-old Detroit resident Anthony said he previously used kratom and kava 'in moderation.' He tried Feel Free after seeing it advertised in a gas station. 'It tasted horrible, but within a matter of minutes, I felt a rush that I've never felt before using regular kratom,' he said. After a few months, he said his use escalated to 10–12 bottles a day. 'Roughly $120 a day addiction. Before I knew it, I was spending my entire paycheck on these blue devils.' But it wasn't just Feel Free that was available to him. 7-hydroxymitragynine, 'a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant' also known as 7-OH, can bind itself to opioid receptors in the brain. It's been found to be more potent than morphine in treating pain. It was during his time on Feel Free that Anthony said he started using 7-OH tablets as well, using cash advance apps and a $2,000 loan to fund his addiction. 'I'm currently in the process of tapering both the 7-OHs and the Feel Free. I'm in a better place mentally and financially, but have a mountain to climb,' he said. 'The withdrawals are unfathomable.' Kevin, a previous opioid user from North Carolina, found himself in a similar situation after many years of sobriety from opioids. He said he had 'no idea' what kratom was when he saw the bottles. 'I initially saw it at the register along with the 5-hour energy drinks. I liked kombuchas and stuff like that,' he said. 'Slowly over time, I began taking more — and made the switch to other 'gas station dope.'' He credits Suboxone, a drug used for opioid addiction, as a 'lifesaver.' When asked for comment, HHS pointed BuzzFeed to recent news that the FDA is now taking steps to limit the availability of 7-OH. But a product like Feel Free, which claims not to artificially inflate its 7-OH levels, doesn't fall under these proposed regulations. "Our products contain trace amounts of 7-OH that occur naturally during the traditional drying process — levels that are dramatically different from the concentrated synthetic products now under FDA scrutiny,' Botanic Tonics said in a statement after the FDA announced its new plans on 7-OH. "Leaf kratom is different than concentrated 7-OH, a kratom synthetic that the FDA announced that they are moving to ban. Botanic Tonics should not be included when referring to 7-OH products," they further said in a statement to BuzzFeed. Recovery from kratom products can be a challenging road. Mike, a 37-year-old based near Sacramento, found himself in a financial 'disaster' after at times using over 12 bottles a day. 'I've maxed out four credit cards and taken out loans totaling over $50,000. I had to enroll in a debt relief program last year because I couldn't make my minimum payments,' he said. In recent days, he says that he's been trying to quit Feel Free, but relapsed before a big work day after only getting a handful of hours of sleep the previous few nights. He's found that some people in 12-step programs don't take kratom addiction seriously and has had difficulties abusing Suboxone and Feel Free simultaneously. He's considered rehab, but he works for a 'cutthroat' major company that he says can look down on taking leave. As he put it, 'I'm not sure if I'm at the point yet where I'm willing to lose my job because I don't want to screw things up for my kid.' If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and find more resources here. Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds:
Fox News
3 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Supplement sold at gas stations sparks health fears as people report addiction symptoms
An herbal supplement billed as a "feel-good tonic" is sparking concerns about potentially dangerous health effects. Some users claim that Feel Free, a plant-based product made by Botanic Tonics in Oklahoma, is highly addictive. The tonic, which is also available in capsule form, is sold at many gas stations and retailers across the U.S. Its ingredients include kava extract, which the company says promotes relaxation and lifts mood, and kratom leaf, which is said to enhance energy and focus. Users on Reddit have warned of Feel Free's addictive properties, also sharing experiences that include skin infections, seizures, suicidal ideations, hospitalizations and intense withdrawal symptoms. Chris Oflyng, 28, from Madison, Wisconsin, shared his experience with the tonic's alleged health effects. He first began taking kratom as an alternative to his Adderall prescription, thinking it would be a healthier choice. "I find this plant, and it's legal, and I buy it, and it's kind of an in-between of everything," he told Fox News Digital. "I feel good in my body. I've heard this with other people too — they find kratom and it's the last frontier of their addiction because it's just a mix of a little bit of everything, the feeling behind it." "The first time anyone tries it, they're going to have a great time — and unless you're a really sensitive person, you probably won't feel any side effects until you've been taking them for a little while," he added. "You probably won't feel any side effects until you've been taking them for a little while." Oflyng noted that kratom as a whole isn't "the worst thing," as it can actually help people who struggle with chronic pain. The potential risk comes with unregulated kratom, especially when it's mixed with kava, he claimed. "The mental addiction to the opioid part of it becomes unbearable." Oflyng said he spent several years, on and off, addicted to Feel Free. He was consuming five to 10 per day, which he claimed caused nausea, excess sweating and an elevated heart rate. "It's been a real struggle for me," he told Fox News Digital. He also experienced issues with his skin, which he suspects is linked to the kratom and kava. "My skin would start to become reptilian-like," he told Fox News Digital. "The kava makes your liver really sensitive, and then the kratom dries out your skin." As a result, Oflyng found that the skin on his face began peeling off. "It's caused damage to my face, changed the way I look," he said. Every time he tried to stop drinking the Feel Free, Oflyng suffered from withdrawal symptoms. "They're very different from traditional opioid withdrawals," he said. "It's very much like an antidepressant withdrawal — more of just constant cravings that are really hard to beat." In one of Oflyng's addiction support groups, he said one person reported that he experienced a seizure after consuming the product. "My skin would start to become reptilian-like." "I've never had anything like that happen, but I've had experiences where the stimulant properties of the kratom become very intense," Oflyng said. "And I have had tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and skipped heartbeats. I've been very concerned about my heart because of that product." Oflyng called for the company to disclose the potential side effects to make people aware of the risk, noting, "There's no warnings on any of these products at all." Jasmine Adeoye, 30, started using the product in 2022 after quitting alcohol. "I thought it could help me overcome the social anxiety of not drinking alcohol anymore, and at first it felt good," the Texas woman shared with Fox News Digital. "I had no idea it was addictive at the time." In 2023, Adeoye said she had become dependent on Feel Free. "After starting with one a day, it gradually went up to two or three, then five or six, then up to 12," she said, sharing that at the height of her addiction she was spending up to $3,000 monthly. Adeoye purchased the product from multiple gas stations in an attempt to hide how much she was consuming, she admitted. "I was in a deep depression, tired all the time and had high anxiety." "I was in a deep depression, tired all the time and had high anxiety," she told Fox News Digital. "Some days I struggled to even get out of bed." The kratom also caused vomiting, she said, and the kava dried out her skin — "it was like alligator skin, coming off in flakes." In March 2024, Adeoye gave up Feel Free cold turkey, she said. After four days of what she described as "miserable withdrawal symptoms" and two weeks of "strong cravings," things started to improve. It was six months before Adeoye finally felt back to herself and free of the dependence on the product. To those considering using the product, Adeoye urged caution. "Be aware of any products that are marketed as 'safe' alcohol alternatives," she said. "Please do your research. I'm grateful to help continue to spread the word about how harmful products like Feel Free can be." The danger of the tonic lies in the combination of kratom and kava, according to Lauri Wright, Ph.D., director of nutrition programs and associate professor at University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health. "Kratom acts on mu‑opioid receptors, similar to opioids. Frequent use leads to tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms that resemble those from morphine or heroin," she told Fox News Digital. Reported side effects of kratom include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and liver damage, according to the doctor. "In fact, poison control reports have linked kratom to hundreds of adverse health events and a small number of deaths – typically in combination with other substances," she added. While kava extracts are traditionally consumed as a water-based drink, they have been associated with acute liver injury or even liver failure, Wright warned. "Heavy, chronic use can lead to dry, peeling skin on palms, soles and other areas, as users are reporting with Feel Free," she said. "Long‑term use may also contribute to malnutrition, weight loss, infections and mood disturbances." Pharmacists warn that combining the depressant effects of kava with the stimulant or euphoric effects of kratom creates an "overstimulating mix" that increases risk of addiction, Wright noted. "Users consuming dozens of doses per day, as high as 12 bottles a day and costing up to $3,000 per month, are reporting physical degeneration and psychological decline, including depression, lethargy, severe dependency and withdrawal crises," she said. "Given the evidence, consumers should avoid Feel Free and similar unregulated botanical drinks combining kratom and kava, especially if they have a history of substance use, liver conditions or mental health concerns," Wright advised. Botanic Tonics, the Oklahoma-based maker of Feel Free, told Fox News Digital it is "committed to providing consumer education and transparency" and that it "will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers above all else." The company noted that Feel Free's leaf kratom ingredient is "distinctly different" from concentrated 7-OH, a kratom synthetic that the FDA recently announced it plans to ban. "Feel Free contains natural kratom leaf, which is harvested from the Southeast Asian tropical tree known as Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom has inherent consumer trust through centuries of safe use, commonly consumed in forms such as capsules, powders, teas and liquid dietary supplements," the company said. "Feel Free also contains the kava plant, also known as kava kava or piper methysticum, and is native to the South Pacific. The root of the plant is used as an herbal solution with various effects. Traditionally, the kava root was ground into a paste and added to liquid for consumption as a kava drink." Botanic Tonics also added that Feel Free is only available to people 21 and older "and should be consumed responsibly." The company has also added a warning that no more than two servings should be consumed in a 24-hour period. "If anyone has the slightest hesitation, we respect your decision and support that you don't try it." "Over 1/3 of our website is dedicated to consumer education about the ingredients, the manufacturing process, and third-party studies plus FDA data," the statement continued. "Consumers should decide for themselves if they are comfortable consuming the product. If anyone has the slightest hesitation, we respect your decision and support that you don't try it." For more Health articles, visit "We also urge anyone with a history of substance use disorder, or any concerns about kratom or its effects, to speak with a healthcare professional before using Feel Free. Our goal has always been to offer a natural alternative that respects the tradition of these botanicals while supporting responsible, informed use."
New York Post
4 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Addictive natural drink Feel Free is hooking young people with horrible consequences: ‘literal flakes of skin flying off'
Feel Free appears as innocuous as a trendy new Kombucha, and it's billed as a natural way to get a little boost. Manufacturer Botanic Tonics advertises the drink as filled with 'plant ingredients' and perfect for 'whenever you want a mood lift, a caffeine-free energy boost, or a little extra focus.' But some hapless customers who picked up a little blue bottle at a convenience store or gas station learned the hard way the drinks — which contain kava and kratom extracts — can be severely addictive. Advertisement Jasmine Adeoye cut out alcohol in 2022 for a 'lifestyle change,' and heard about Feel Free on the Skinny Confidential podcast, where it was billed as a good alternative to social drinking. 9 Jasmine Adeoye started using Feel Free as an alternative to alcohol. Courtesy of Jasmine Adeoye 'The two hosts were actually taking a hiatus from alcohol and they were talking about Feel Free and how it was a really great alcohol alternative for sober people, and I was looking for something like that,' Adeoye, 30, of Austin, Texas, said. Advertisement When she heard about it yet again on Joe Rogan's show, she decided to try it. 'I wanted to overcome the social anxiety of not having alcohol anymore, and it made me feel really good, but from then on, it was just a slow progression,' she recalled. 'I had no idea, going into it, that it was addictive.' She was able to use it moderately for a year when in social drinking situations, but then a stressful job as an account manager pushed her into addiction in 2023. 9 Adeoye was using as much as twelve bottles of Feel Free a day at the peak of her addiction. Courtesy of Jasmine Adeoye Advertisement 'It started to progress to, one a day slowly, and then two to three a day, and then upwards of five or six, and at the absolute worst, like twelve bottles a day,' she admitted. 'I was spending easily $3,000 a month.' Pharmacist Ethan Melillo warns the combination of kava and kratom, both of which are legal ingredients in the US, is highly addictive. 'This combination is something you don't want to be mixing together,' he told The Post. 'I definitely think it should be banned. They're both regularly available supplements, but what concerns me is the combination of the two of them.' Kava is a depressant, while Kratom is a stimulant — which means they have opposite effects on the body. Advertisement Melillo, who is based in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, explained that kratom and kava each bind to different receptors in the brain, and can be extremely overstimulating in combination. 9 Pharmacist Ethan Melillo warns that the combination of kava and kratom makes Feel Free especially addictive. Courtesy of Ethan Melillo Kava, which is used to reduce stress and anxiety, binds to the same receptors as benzodiazepine drugs, like Xanax and Valium. Kratom interacts with the same receptors as opioids, which poses a risk of addiction and withdrawal. 'What I'm seeing is people [consuming] like two, three, four [drinks] a day, because once you build that tolerance, your body will want more of it,' he explained. 'I'm not surprised that people are getting addicted to this, and that's what's so concerning about supplements. Usually they will only get pulled after people are having side effects.' Adeoye went to great lengths to hide her dependence: 'I would hop around from gas station to gas station because I was so embarrassed about the amount that I was buying. I would even get them on UberEats sometimes so I didn't have to face anyone.' She says her addiction took a toll physically and emotionally. 9 Jasmine Adeoye was able to quit Feel Free cold turkey but went through withdrawal. Courtesy of Jasmine Adeoye Advertisement 'I was lethargic, depressed, anxious, barely able to get out of bed,' she said. 'I was throwing up from the kratom, and the kava can make your skin dry, like alligator skin, literal flakes of skin just like flying off.' But she finally fessed up to her fiancé and her mom in March of 2024 and cut herself off cold turkey. She went through four days of miserable withdrawal, followed by two weeks of strong cravings, and finally felt fully back to herself after six months. Although FeelFree is a 21+ age restricted item, kids have been figuring out how to get their hands on them. Instagram creator Michael Brown posted a video to his followers warning about the drink after he says he was approached by 'a child' who was 'maybe fourteen years old' at a gas station begging him to purchase a Feel Free for him. Advertisement 9 Feel Free is marketed as a natural, plant-based way to get a quick boost. Feel Free Tonics 9 Feel Free is available for purchase at gas stations, convenience stores, and CBD shops. Feel Free Tonics 'He comes up to me and he says, 'Hey can you buy me some Feel Free,'' Brown alleged. When he informed the attendant, he was told she has some customers coming in five to six times a day to purchase it and that 'people act like… they have heroin addictions over this little drink.' Some users of Feel Free start using the product because they think it's a healthy alternative to other drugs. Advertisement Chris Oflyng first started using kratom powder at age 19, as a natural way to ween off of prescribed Adderall. 'I was like, 'Oh, [the Adderall] is not a positive thing in my life, it's something I should stay away from,' he told The Post. Five years later, in 2021, Feel Free hit the market — and Oflyng found himself hooked on its combination of kava and kratom. 9 Chris Oflyng has struggled with an on and off addiction to Feel Free for years. Courtesy of Chris Oflyng 'Products like Feel Free are really, really awful,' the 28-year-old from Madison, Wisconsin, said. 'I developed a codependency of using kava and kratom, due to the introduction of that product, and I don't think I knew it was as addictive as it could be in that combination.' Advertisement He describes the sensation as 'something like relaxation, but also stimulation.' 'At first it worked really, really well and gave me what I perceived to be an enhanced focus,' Oflyng, who works in donor development, said. 'I was able to accomplish more. But then the effect started to fade, and once you're addicted to it, it's just chasing the relief after cravings.' Oflyng has struggled with addictions to Feel Free 'on and off for the past couple years' and has been in and out of treatment for his addiction. 9 Oflyng says Feel Free products made him feel depressed. Courtesy of Chris Oflyng 9 Oflyng claims he has spent at least $40,000 on Feel Free and kratom products throughout the years. Courtesy of Chris Oflyng 'I would buy Feel Frees every time I would relapse,' he explained. 'You could just get them from a smoke shop or a gas station. It's just so readily accessible.' Oflyng says Feel Free derailed his life. 'The biggest downside was the depression that came with it for me,' he recalled. 'I've made a lot of progress, but, looking back and talking about it now, it's just like, why haven't I seized a lot of opportunities in my life? And I can point it all back to kratom and kava.' Oflyng estimates he's spent 'at least $40,000 over the years' between kratom powder and Feel Free drinks. 'A lot of people might be like, 'Oh, it's a plant, it's natural,' but it will catch up with you,' he warned.
