Have you seen TikTok videos being passed around warning about a Kratom drink that causes addiction? “Feel Free” is a drink that has opioid-like effects and is sold at gas stations and convenience stores across the US.

What Is “Feel Free” and Why Is Kratom in It?

“Feel Free” is a drink sold in stores and online, advertised as a natural way to feel more relaxed, focused, or energized. It’s recently gone viral on multiple platforms due to users becoming addicted.

This drink’s primary ingredient is kratom, a plant that grows naturally in Southeast Asia. People in that region once chewed kratom leaves or made them into tea to ease pain or fight fatigue. The tree itself is banned in many locations due to its addictive properties. However, America has not outlawed it and allows it to be sold as a supplement.

Today, kratom is processed into pills, powders, and drinks like “Feel Free,” which may hold much higher doses than traditional use. People use it for everything from chronic pain or anxiety to helping stave off withdrawal symptoms for opioids.

Kratom has two main chemicals: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These substances act on the brain’s opioid receptors and cause similar effects. This is one reason some people use it for pain or anxiety. It’s also why kratom can be addictive.

What Does “Kratom Extract” Really Mean?

Products like “Feel Free” often use kratom extract instead of just ground-up leaves. When kratom is extracted, the active chemicals are much stronger. Extracts can be 10 to 20 times more powerful than raw leaf powder. This makes the effects come on faster and last longer but also increases the risk of unwanted side effects.

The strength of these products is not always clearly labeled. That can lead people to take more than they meant to, especially if they don’t realize they are drinking a high-dose extract. Combining kratom with alcohol, medications, or other stimulants makes the risks even greater.

The Mechanics of Kratom Addiction

Addiction happens when the body and brain start depending on a substance. Kratom can lead to addiction because its active chemicals attach to the same brain receptors as opioids. They behave similarly to opioids like heroin. Over time, the brain may begin to expect kratom just to feel normal. This can lead to tolerance, where a person needs more to feel the same effect.

If someone who uses kratom regularly stops suddenly, they may go through withdrawal. Common symptoms include muscle aches, insomnia, sweating, anxiety, and irritability.

These signs show that kratom can create physical and emotional dependence. Products like “Feel Free,” which use concentrated kratom extract, may make addiction more likely.

What We Know and Don’t Know About Kratom

The FDA does not approve kratom for any medical use and has warned about serious safety concerns. Because it is sold as a supplement, there are no official laws about testing, dosage, or labeling. Some products have been found to have heavy metals, bacteria, or stronger levels of kratom than claimed.

Scientific research is still ongoing. Until more is known, using kratom carries a health risk, especially for young people or those with other medical conditions.

Getting Help for Kratom or “Feel Free” Addiction

While kratom is often marketed as a natural, legal substance, it can still be dangerous. Products like “Feel Free” may have high doses of kratom extract that increase the chance of addiction or overdose. If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom use, help is available.

You can call 800-626-4014 to speak with someone who can assist you in finding detox or treatment options. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to go through it alone.