The Dangers of “Feel Free”: A Natural Drink Hooking Youth with Devastating Consequences
In a world where wellness trends and “natural” alternatives dominate social media and store shelves, one drink has emerged as a seemingly harmless option for stress relief and focus: Feel Free. Marketed as a plant-based tonic and alcohol substitute, it’s sold in sleek blue bottles and promises relaxation, productivity, and mood enhancement. But behind the branding lies a disturbing truth—this drink is addictive, harmful, and increasingly popular among young people.
What Is “Feel Free”?
Feel Free is produced by Botanic Tonics and contains two primary active ingredients:
Kava root extract: Traditionally used in the South Pacific for its calming effects. It acts as a depressant on the central nervous system.
Kratom leaf: A Southeast Asian plant with stimulant and opioid-like properties. It interacts with brain receptors similarly to morphine.
While both ingredients are legal in many states, their combination is especially potent—and dangerous. Kava and kratom bind to different receptors in the brain, creating a cocktail that can overstimulate the body and lead to dependency.
The Side Effects and Consequences
Despite its “natural” label, Feel Free has been linked to serious health risks:
Addiction: Kratom is known to be habit-forming. Users report needing increasing amounts to feel the same effects.
Skin damage: Some users have experienced extreme dryness and flaking skin—“literal flakes of skin flying off”.
Liver toxicity: Both kava and kratom have been associated with liver damage, especially when consumed frequently.
Mental health deterioration: Users describe mood swings, anxiety, and depression after prolonged use.
Withdrawal symptoms: These include insomnia, restlessness, nausea, and intense cravings.
A Real-Life Story: Jasmine’s Struggle
Jasmine Adeoye, a 30-year-old from Austin, Texas, began using Feel Free in 2022 as a substitute for alcohol. Influenced by wellness podcasts and social media, she believed it was a safe alternative. But what started as occasional use spiraled into full-blown addiction.
By 2023, Jasmine was consuming up to twelve bottles a day, spending nearly $3,000 a month. She described the toll it took on her body and mind: “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 so I didn’t have to face anyone”.
Her story is not unique. TikTok and Reddit are flooded with similar accounts—people who tried Feel Free for a boost and ended up battling withdrawal, isolation, and physical deterioration.
Why Youth Are at Risk
Young people are especially vulnerable to products like Feel Free:
Easy access: Sold at gas stations, vape shops, and online with minimal age restrictions.
Social media influence: TikTok and Instagram glamorize their effects, masking the risks.
Lack of awareness: Many teens and young adults don’t understand the addictive nature of kratom and kava.
In one viral TikTok video, a 14-year-old boy approached a man at a gas station, asking him to buy Feel Free. When refused, the boy tried to grab the man’s wallet, highlighting the desperation and dependency this drink can create.
What We Can Do
To protect youth and families, we must:
Educate communities about the real risks behind “natural” wellness drinks.
Advocate for regulation, including age restrictions and clearer labeling.
Create prevention campaigns that speak directly to teens and parents.
Empower youth with tools for emotional resilience and healthy coping strategies.
Feel Free may be marketed as a wellness tonic, but its impact tells a different story. It’s time to pull back the curtain and protect our communities, especially our youth, from the hidden dangers of addiction disguised as health.
For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676
Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.
