A viral TikTok video by Misha Brown, a 37-year-old man from Texas, has raised concerns about the addictive properties of an herbal drink called Feel Free. The product, launched in 2020, contains kava root and kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its stimulant and opioid-like effects.
Experts warn that kratom can be habit-forming, with some users experiencing withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioids. Dr. Robert Levy, an addiction medicine expert, described kratom as “concerning” due to its potential for addiction and said that he has treated cases of kratom addiction multiple times.
One man, John from South Carolina, shared his own struggles with Feel Free on TikTok. After trying the product in early 2024, he became hooked and spent around $30,000 in total on the drink. He also resorted to stealing to fuel his addiction and was hospitalized due to severe withdrawal symptoms.
The FDA has declared kratom an opioid and has taken steps to crack down on products related to it. Five states have banned kratom, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. However, the company behind Feel Free, Botanic Tonics, claims that its product is safe and that the negative reports are “sensationalized” social media anecdotes.
The controversy surrounding Feel Free has led to calls for stricter regulations on kratom products. The American Kratom Association has stated that they support tough regulations and are aware of reports about addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit findtreatment.gov for help.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/tiktok-warnings-spread-herbal-tonic-feel-free-rcna223179