The wellness industry has exploded in recent years with drinks marketed as natural alternatives to alcohol, and one product leading the charge is the “Feel Free” drink or “Feel Free Classic.” Promoted as a mood booster and productivity enhancer, “Feel Free” is a kava and kratom-based beverage sold online and in gas stations and supplement shops across the country.
While it may appear to be a healthy or harmless alternative to alcohol or prescription medications, “Feel Free” has sparked increasing concern among addiction specialists, mental health clinicians, and public health advocates.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s actually in “Feel Free”, how it affects the brain and body, and what risks are involved, especially for those in recovery, or who are trying to recover from addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with dependency on “Feel Free” or similar substances, Phoenix Rising Recovery is here to help.
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What Is the “Feel Free” Drink?
“Feel Free” is a commercial beverage developed by Botanic Tonics and contains a blend of kava root extract, kratom, and other natural botanicals. It is marketed as a non-alcoholic euphoric that promotes social ease, mental focus, and relaxation.
According to the manufacturer, “Feel Free” is:
- A productivity enhancer
- A natural stress-reliever
- A substitute for alcohol or stimulants
The original and enhanced versions of “Feel Free” contain active psychoactive compounds, especially from kratom and kava, that directly interact with receptors in the brain responsible for pain, mood, and reward.
What’s in “Feel Free”?
The core ingredients include:
- Kava: A root from the South Pacific traditionally used in ceremonial rituals. Kava acts on GABAreceptors in the brain and has sedative, muscle-relaxing, and euphoric properties.
- Kratom: A Southeast Asian tree with leaves that act on the brain’s opioid receptors. At low doses, kratom can act as a stimulant; at higher doses, it produces sedative and opioid-like effects.
- Botanicals and Adaptogens: Other herbal additives are often included, though they are less pharmacologically active.
While some of these ingredients are legal and natural, that doesn’t mean they are safe or risk-free, particularly for those with a history of substance use.
Why is “Feel Free” Controversial today?
Despite its polished branding and “natural” positioning, “Feel Free” has been tied to rising reports of dependency and withdrawal, especially due to kratom, which has been labeled a substance of concern by the FDA.
Risks of “Feel Free” drinks include:
- Dependency and withdrawal symptoms (especially from kratom)
- Liver toxicity (from kava, especially with long-term use) (LiverTox, 2022)
- Mood instability, anxiety, or depression when the effects wear off
- Dangerous interactions with medications or other substances
- Relapse risk for those in addiction recovery
Is “Feel Free” Addictive?
Yes. While not everyone will develop a dependence, the kratom and kava in “Feel Free” have addictive potential. Kratom acts on the same brain receptors as opioids (mu-opioid receptors), and its regular use has led to documented withdrawal syndromes, including insomnia, irritability, muscle aches, and intense cravings (Grundmann, 2017).
Kava, although milder, also poses risks with regular use, particularly to the liver and central nervous system.
For individuals in recovery or those with addictive tendencies, using “Feel Free” may open the door to relapse or lead to the development of cross-dependency.
Who Should Avoid “Feel Free”?
“Feel Free” may not be appropriate, or safe, for the following individuals:
- People in recovery from substance use disorders
- Those with a personal or family history of addiction
- Individuals taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, or benzodiazepines
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Anyone with liver disease or liver enzyme abnormalities
What to Do If You’ve Become Dependent on “Feel Free”
You’re not alone. Many people start using “Feel Free” with good intentions, seeking calm, energy, or alcohol alternatives, only to find themselves relying on it daily or experiencing withdrawal without it.
At Phoenix Rising Recovery, we offer nonjudgmental, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and dependence, including lesser-known or misunderstood substances like kratom and kava. Our team specializes in dual diagnosis care, trauma-informed therapy, and multiple pathways to recovery, including both 12-Step and SMART Recovery approaches.
At Phoenix Rising Recovery, we provide a full continuum of care to meet individuals wherever they are on their path to healing. These levels of care include:
- Medical Detox
- Residential Treatment Program
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP)
- Outpatient Program (OP)
- Sober Living
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or need ongoing support, our compassionate team ensures each level of care is personalized to promote lasting recovery.
Ready to Rise Above “Feel Free” Addiction?
If “Feel Free” has become more of a crutch than a choice, it’s time to explore real healing. Reach out to Phoenix Rising Recovery today.
Call now or verify your insurance to begin the journey back to clarity, purpose, and freedom.
FAQ’s
Is “Feel Free” the same as alcohol?
No. “Feel Free” does not contain alcohol, but it produces mood-altering effects through kratom and kava, both of which act on the brain’s neurochemical systems. These effects can be addictive or impairing.
Is “Feel Free” dangerous?
“Feel Free” may pose significant health risks, especially with frequent use. Kratom has been associated with addiction, withdrawal, and seizures, while kava can cause liver damage when consumed regularly or in large quantities (CDC, 2002).
Can I use “Feel Free” in recovery?
While it may not trigger everyone, “Feel Free” acts on the brain in ways like other addictive substances do. In low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, while in higher doses, kratom acts as a sedative, targeting the mu-opioid receptors in the brain. Most clinical experts and recovery programs recommend avoiding it, especially during early sobriety.
Is withdrawal from “Feel Free” real?
Yes. Users have reported withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Cravings
These are consistent with kratom withdrawal (Smith et al., 2023).
Does Phoenix Rising treat kratom and kava dependence?
Yes. Phoenix Rising Recovery provides individualized care for clients struggling with emerging substances, including kratom-based drinks like “Feel Free” Classic. Our programs include detox support, therapy, and long-term relapse prevention planning.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2002). Hepatic toxicity possibly associated with kava-containing products — United States, Germany, and Switzerland, 1999–2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 51(47), 1065–1067. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5147a1.htm
- Grundmann, O. (2017). Patterns of Kratom use and health impact in the US—Results from an online survey. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 176, 63–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.03.007
- LiverTox. (2022). Kava. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548263/
- Smith, K.E., Feldman, J.D., Schriefer, D., Weiss, S.T., Grundmann, O., Dunn, K.E., et al. (2023). Diagnostic Ambiguities and Underuse of Clinical Assessment Tools: A Systematic Review of Case Reports on Kratom Addiction and Physical Dependence. Current Addiction Reports, 10(2), 282–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-023-00474-7
- FDA on kratom warnings and risks: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
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