Is the “Feel Free” Drink Really Safe?

What You Should Know About Kava, Kratom,
and Addiction Risks

Taking the first step toward addiction recovery requires immense courage, but finding the right treatment shouldn’t add to that challenge. While traditional in-person programs have helped many, they aren’t always accessible to the wellness industry has exploded in recent years, with products promising everything from better focus to natural relaxation. One drink that has gained attention is Feel Free, a kava and kratom-based beverage sold online, in gas stations, and in supplement shops across the country.

Feel Free is often marketed as a healthy, plant-based alternative to alcohol or stimulants. But just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t always mean it’s safe. This is especially true for people in recovery or those who may be at risk of developing a substance use disorder.

At Eleanor Health, we support people affected by addiction with compassionate, evidence-based care. That includes helping our community stay informed about new and emerging products like Feel Free, which can carry real risks due to its main ingredients: kava and kratom.

What Is the “Feel Free” Drink?

Feel Free, also known as Feel Free Classic, is made by Botanic Tonics and marketed as a drink that can enhance mood, relieve stress, and increase focus.

Its two key ingredients are:

• Kava – a root traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures for its calming and mildly euphoric effects.

• Kratom – a plant native to Southeast Asia that acts as a stimulant at low doses and has opioid-like effects at higher doses.

Feel Free is often promoted as a non-alcoholic way to relax or boost productivity. Some people turn to it as a substitute for alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances. What starts out as an alternative can sometimes become something more serious.

Why Are Addiction Experts Concerned?

It is the combination of kava and kratom that raises red flags for health professionals.

• Kratom affects the same receptors in the brain as opioids. Regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen with other addictive substances.
• Kava is often considered less physically addictive, but it can still lead to psychological dependence and has been linked to liver toxicity with long-term use.

Together, these ingredients can create a sense of calm or euphoria, but that feeling may come at a cost. People who use Feel Free regularly have reported mood swings, cravings, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop.

Is Feel Free Safe for People in Recovery?

Even though it is marketed as a non-alcoholic option, Feel Free is not always a safe choice for someone in recovery. The ingredients in this drink are psychoactive, which means they affect the brain and can alter mood, perception, and behavior.

For people in recovery, this can increase the risk of relapse or lead to something called cross-dependency. Even if the product is legal and plant-based, it can still trigger addictive patterns or create new ones.

Some signs of growing dependence on Feel Free may include:

• Using it daily or feeling like you need it to get through the day
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like irritability, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
• Needing to increase your intake to feel the same effects
• Feeling stuck or unable to stop, even if you want to

Is Feel Free Addictive?

It can be. While not everyone will develop a dependence, kratom has been linked to documented cases of addiction, withdrawal, and even emergency room visits. Kava, while milder, can increase the risk of harm, especially for people with liver conditions or a history of substance use.

If you are working to stay sober or manage alcohol use disease, adding Feel Free into your routine might feel harmless at first. But it could open the door to setbacks or risks that outweigh the benefits.

Who Should Avoid Feel Free?

We recommend avoiding Feel Free if you:

• Are in recovery from addiction
• Have a personal or family history of substance use disorder
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Take medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, or benzodiazepines
• Have liver disease or abnormal liver enzyme levels

What If You Are Already Using Feel Free and Want Help?

You are not alone. Many people start using Feel Free for good reasons, like wanting to relax, increase focus, or avoid alcohol. But if you are starting to rely on it or notice that it is affecting your mood, health, or daily life, help is available.

At Eleanor Health, we provide whole-person, trauma-informed support for people navigating all types of substance use, including products like kratom and kava. Whether you are just starting to think about your relationship with Feel Free or are ready to make a change, our care team is here for you.

You deserve support that meets you where you are, without judgment and without shame.If you are concerned about your use of Feel Free or similar products, reach out to Eleanor Health today. We’re here to help you untangle your recovery and move forward.

If you need help with your substance use disorder, we are here to help you build your confidence and momentum towards the future you want. Eleanor Health currently accepts members in Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and  Washington.