The Dangers of Feel Free

By Staff

There is a product available at many gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores, and online. It is called Feel Free. It is touted as an alternative to alcohol, but it has kava and/or kratom in it which has been found to be addictive. Kratom is a plant that carries opioid-like effects and is largely unregulated. Kava is also a plant-based depressant, not an opioid, but sometimes travels with drugs like opioids or alcohol. Kava is a depressant, while Kratom is a stimulant — which means they have opposite effects on the body. Health experts are raising concerns about its use. Users have shared experiences that include skin infections, seizures, and stints in rehab.

Pyramid Healthcare reports that although it’s labeled as a “natural” or “wellness” product, kratom in particular is chemically addictive. It binds to the same brain receptors as opioids, and repeated use can lead to:

• Tolerance (needing more to feel the same effects)
• Physical dependence
• Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, nausea and insomnia

Kava is not considered physically addictive, but long-term use has been linked to liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.

Many users of Feel Free report needing multiple bottles per day to avoid feeling tired or irritable. This cycle of increasing use and dependency copies the patterns seen in more traditional substance use disorders.

It has been reported that kids are so addicted that when they can’t get their “fix” they have resorted to crime to obtain it. Adults have reported being approached by kids outside convenience stores asking them to buy it because it’s age-restricted. That doesn’t seem to keep them from getting it, like any other substance.

Another concern is that it comes in a 2 ounce bottle, but the serving size is half that. The label says that people should not drink more than 2 ounces within 24 hours, but those addicted are drinking multiple bottles a day.

Have a conversation with youth about the dangers of this product.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol, drug or other substance abuse problem, call the free and confidential helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357), or visit findtreatment.gov.