At gas stations, gyms, and yoga studios across the country, a new class of herbal “wellness” drinks is gaining traction, particularly among young adults, athletes, and people in recovery. One of the most well-known is “Feel Free Classic”, a shot-sized beverage that markets itself as a kava and kratom-based “plant tonic” for energy, focus, and relaxation.
But as the drink grows in popularity, so does concern among healthcare professionals, especially those working in addiction treatment. At Brooks Healing Center, we believe it’s important to stay informed and empowered, especially when it comes to substances that may seem harmless but have real impacts on the body and brain.
We’re going to break down what’s inside “Feel Free”, what makes the “Feel Free” drink controversial, and what friends and families in recovery should know before picking up a bottle.
What Is “Feel Free”?
“Feel Free” is a small blue drink sold as a “functional tonic” containing a proprietary blend of:
- Kava root: a plant from the South Pacific known for its sedative and anxiety-reducing effects.
- Kratom: a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, with active alkaloids that act on the brain’s opioid receptors [1].
- Other ingredients
Marketed as a mood booster, productivity enhancer, and social lubricant, “Feel Free” is often advertised as a natural alternative to alcohol, and implied as an alternative to other products & medications for focus & mood Stabilization, including ads targeting people in recovery, despite growing medical concern about its safety and dependence risk [2][6].
Why Is “Feel Free” Kratom Controversial?
Kratom acts on mu-opioid receptors in the brain—the same ones targeted by drugs like morphine, oxycodone, and heroin [3]. At lower doses, it can act as a stimulant. At higher doses, it has sedative and euphoric effects like opioids.
While some people claim kratom helps with pain relief or opioid withdrawal, its use is highly controversial:
- Addiction potential: Regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms that mimic opioid withdrawal [3][4].
- Side effects: Nausea, sweating, constipation, irritability, tremors, liver toxicity, and seizures have been reported [4].
- Lack of regulation: Kratom is sold as a supplement, not a medication, so it’s not regulated by the FDA, and product quality varies significantly.
- Overdose reports: Kratom has been linked to deaths, especially when mixed with other substances [5].
Because of these risks, kratom is banned in several U.S. states and countries worldwide. However, in places like Tennessee, it remains legal for adults, making products like “Feel Free” easily accessible.
The Challenge of “Feel Free” in Addiction Recovery
For people in early recovery, products like Feel Free may seem like a safe substitute, a way to manage stress, anxiety, or cravings without “using.” But the reality is more complicated:
- Cross-dependence risk Kratom acts on similar neurological pathways as opioids. Even if someone isn’t using illicit drugs, kratom use may reinforce addictive patterns or even reactivate cravings.
- False sense of safety Because it’s marketed as a wellness drink and sold legally, many assume kratom-based drinks are harmless. But “natural” does not mean “risk-free.”[8]
- Relapse potential For some, using kratom can be a gateway to relapse, particularly if their primary addiction was opioid-based. It can also compromise medication-assisted treatments like Suboxone or Vivitrol.
What We See with “Feel Free” at Brooks Healing Center
As a trauma-informed treatment center focused on substance use and dual diagnosis recovery, we occasionally encounter clients who have used kratom or Feel Free in the lead-up to treatment.
In some cases, kratom has been used as a substitute for benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol. In others, it’s been used during taper attempts or to manage anxiety without professional oversight. While the motivations are understandable, the risks are real, especially for those with addictive disorders.
At Brooks we emphasize three core components to treat “Feel Free” addiction & depenency and other drugs:
- Evidence-based care: Including medical detox, residential treatment, CBT/DBT, and trauma therapy.
- Holistic wellness: Mindfulness, nutrition, movement, and experiential therapies, without reliance on psychoactive substances.
- Education and empowerment: Clients learn to understand what they’re putting in their bodies, and why it matters.
Final Thoughts About “Feel Free” and Other Kratom Drinks
Kratom products like “Feel Free” are marketed as natural solutions for modern stress. But for people with a history of addiction, their use deserves careful consideration.
If you or someone you love is seeking recovery, it’s important to understand that not all “alternatives” are safe. Healing is possible, but it requires honesty, structure, and guidance rooted in both compassion and science. Call today and we can help you start on a path to true freedom from substances
FAQ’s
Can “Feel Free” cause addiction?
Yes. Kratom, one of its main ingredients, can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms with regular use [3][4][7].
Is kava safe?
Kava has sedative properties and may interact with medications or liver function. It should be used with caution and avoided in recovery unless prescribed in a monitored setting.
Does Brooks Healing Center allow the use of Feel Free or kratom?
No. Brooks Healing Center maintains a drug and alcohol-free environment, including herbal or plant-based substances with psychoactive effects. Clients are encouraged to explore safe, supported alternatives for stress and anxiety.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Kratom DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom
- Feel Free Company. (2024). Our Mission & Ingredients. Retrieved from https://botanictonics.com
- Prozialeck, W. C., Jivan, J. K., & Andurkar, S. V. (2012). Pharmacology of kratom: An emerging botanical agent with stimulant, analgesic and opioid-like effects. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 112(12), 792–799. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2012.112.12.792
- Olsen, E. O., O’Donnell, J., Mattson, C. L., Schier, J. G., & Wilson, N. (2019). Notes from the field: unintentional drug overdose deaths with kratom detected — 27 states, July 2016–December 2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(14), 326–327. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6814a2
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA and Kratom: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
- Top Class Actions. (2023, April 7). Class action alleges Feel Free falsely advertised as non-addictive kratom drink. Retrieved from https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/beverages/botanic-tonics-class-action-claims-feel-free-drink-falsely-advertised-as-non-addictive/
- CBS News. (2024, November 2). Kratom drink Feel Free Classic leads to dependency. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kratom-drink-feel-free-botanic-tonic-addiction/
- Guardian (Wellness). (2024, August 30). The wellness drink for sober people some say they can’t stop drinking. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/article/2024/aug/30/feel-free-sober-drinking-dependency-kratom
