Kratom Drink Promoted as Alcohol Substitute Sparks Addiction Concerns

In search of a healthier option to quit alcohol, Jasmine Adeoye, a professional residing in Austin, Texas, discovered a kratom-based beverage touted as a substitute. However, within a year and a half, Adeoye recounts becoming hooked on 'Feel Free Classic,' pointing fingers at what she considers misleading promotional tactics by the company.

Adeoye, 29, followed recommendations from popular podcasters who hailed the drink, produced by Botanic Tonics, as an incredible aid for those attempting to leave addiction behind and find sobriety. Given her previous battles with heavy drinking, the potential benefits intrigued her.

Unbeknownst to her, the drink contained kratom, a plant found in Southeast Asia known for its stimulating and calming effects as well as pain relief. It does, however, carry addiction risks, potential seizure risks, and rarely, is linked to death. The lack of regulation in the U.S. means some kratom products may include dangerous contaminants, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Eventually, her reliance grew to consuming up to 10 small bottles per day, costing her approximately $100 daily. Botanic Tonics advises only one bottle daily, but as her dependency deepened, Adeoye found herself ensuring she had a supply wherever she went.

The withdrawal symptoms hit hard, drawing parallels online to opioid withdrawals.

"When I woke, I'd feel incredibly ill until I could purchase Feel Free at a nearby store," recounted Adeoye, describing the urgency.

Facing severe withdrawal symptoms this past March, she sought medical aid near her Austin home. Without disclosing her kratom use, doctors dismissed her symptoms as viral.

Her journey to maintain sobriety from alcohol inadvertently led her into a new cycle of addiction.

Many others have shared similar experiences. Online platforms, social media sites, and podcasts gather communities of individuals discussing kratom addiction and methods to quit.

In 2023, Botanic Tonics faced a legal challenge in California. Plaintiffs argued that the company's social media marketing strategies targeted people battling addiction. Over a thousand Instagram posts included the hashtag #alcoholalternative without mentioning kratom's possible side effects.

Another consumer detailed to CBS News how Feel Free Classic's allure as an alcohol substitute led to their addiction, along with eventual withdrawal symptoms.

In response, Botanic Tonics acknowledged shortcomings in transparency and promised steps towards improvement concerning consumer education.

The company claims to have revised its labeling, increased the age limit to 21 years and older, and ventured into more rigorous clinical research and production practices at certified facilities.

Botanic Tonics' founder, JW Ross, shared his personal battles with alcohol on numerous podcasts, noting how Feel Free Classic served as an alternative for him.

Botanic Tonics emphasized the importance of informing those with addiction issues that this product might not be suitable for them.

Following a legal case settlement, Botanic Tonics committed to clear warnings and labels, but advertisements during Adeoye's initial usage period failed to highlight the risks, instead promoting increased productivity and as a healthy alternative to alcohol.

Kratom's use spread among 2 to 15 million Americans, raising alarms at the FDA and DEA about its potential for addiction and other health risks.

While even distributors like Botanic Tonics downplay kratom's addictive nature, comparisons with other substances maintain a defense.

Overdose incidents involving kratom often feature additional substances, but sole kratom overdose cases exist.

Legal cases related to fatalities associated with kratom have emerged across the U.S., with substantial settlements in wrongful death lawsuits.

Kratom's perceived benefits lead some to regard it as a self-treatment for opioid withdrawal, despite lacking scientific validation.

Adeoye remarks on the lack of awareness regarding kratom's dangers, reflecting that earlier research might have prevented her entanglement.

Botanic Tonics is not isolated in scrutiny; the FDA issued warnings over other kratom-related products on health grounds.

After enduring her silent battle, Adeoye finally confided in her mother and husband, ready to detach from kratom.

The following days were challenging as she underwent detoxification at home, supported by her family.

Despite improvements, adjusting mentally took several months for her, with feelings of emptiness emerging post-kratom.

The company now addresses the issue on their FAQ page, noting that marketing approaches have shifted in recent months to better align with their expanding business model.