Misha Brown shared a concerning encounter at a Circle K gas station in Austin, Texas, where a teenage boy asked him to buy “Feel Free,” an herbal drink marketed for relaxation and productivity. Upon rejecting the request, Brown later learned from the store attendant that the product was popular and could lead to addiction. His TikTok recounting this incident garnered over 23 million views, prompting discussions from numerous young users who revealed troubling experiences with the drink.
Feel Free, launched by Botanic Tonics in 2020, contains kava and kratom—an ingredient that raises health concerns. The FDA has classified kratom as an opioid and has sought to regulate it due to its potential for addiction and severe side effects like gastrointestinal issues and liver damage. Kratom is not federally regulated, though a few states have banned it.
John, a 35-year-old from South Carolina, shared his story of relapse after trying Feel Free, despite being eight years sober from heroin and meth. His initial experience with the drink spiraled into an addiction that led to financial ruin and desperate actions to support his habit. Others have echoed similar fears, with a Reddit group dedicated to quitting Feel Free amassing over 5,000 followers.
Botanic Tonics settled a class-action lawsuit in 2023 for failing to adequately warn consumers about kratom’s risks. They claim the narrative around addiction is exaggerated, despite a significant number of adverse reports. Health experts urge caution regarding feel and similar products, emphasizing the potential dangers especially for those with a history of substance abuse. People are encouraged to seek help if struggling with addiction.
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