Energy drinks, mocktails, and alcohol-free alternatives that promise a “natural high” have gained popularity as more individuals pursue sober lifestyles. One notable option, Feel Free, is particularly favorable among athletes, students, young adults, and others. Feel Free is promoted as a plant-based wellness shot and presents as a healthy alternative to alcohol and other social lubricants.
The drink comes in a small, pristine blue bottle with clean, minimalistic packaging. This design can also give consumers the impression that the tonic is, indeed, healthy. However, its rise in popularity has raised concerns about its potential for addiction, leading many to ask: Is Feel Free addictive?
According to some reports, some users report experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking Feel Free shots, leading to questions about the safety of its key ingredient, kratom.
In more severe circumstances, individuals can become dependent on Feel Free tonics. They may experience debilitating withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking them.
Some notable podcasters have described detoxing from Feel Free as being worse than coming off heroin.
In some cases, an addiction to Feel Free tonics becomes so debilitating that it tears families apart. Some individuals spend thousands of dollars on the drink, with users on platforms like Reddit sharing that they live out of their cars while consuming 13 to 14 bottles a day. For context, a single bottle contains two full doses of the tonic and can range from $7 to $12.
So, do Feel Free tonics offer consumers any freedom or quite the opposite?
This guide from MAT Care Clinics explains what Feel Free is, the signs of addiction, and how professional addiction treatment for substance use disorders (SUD), specifically Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), may provide a safer path to recovery for many who struggle with this kratom-infused substance.
Understanding these elements is the first step toward overcoming your dependency on Feel Free while reclaiming your health and finances. So, keep reading this valuable and trending topic!
What is Feel Free?
Feel Free is a tonic sold in small blue bottles, advertised as a “feel-good” wellness drink that enhances mood and focus. Its primary active ingredient is kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its psychoactive effects.
The drink also contains kava and other plant-based ingredients, with kratom being a primary ingredient that activates opioid receptors in the brain.
At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, creating feelings of energy and sociability. At higher doses, it produces sedative effects that mimic the effects of opioid medications, which can lead to pain relief and a sense of euphoria.
It is this dual action that makes Feel Free shots so appealing. However, it also creates a high potential for dependence and addiction.
Are Feel Free Tonics Addictive?
Feel Free can be addictive, primarily due to its main active ingredient, kratom. Kratom interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors, which can produce varying effects for consumers.
Regular or frequent use of kratom may lead to the development of tolerance and dependence, making it difficult for some users to stop without experiencing deeply uncomfortable symptoms that can keep them in the cycle of using for more extended periods.
While some use Feel Free tonics occasionally for a mood or energy boost, ongoing use may increase the risk of addiction and related health issues. Ultimately, consumers should be aware of these risks and seek professional support if they or someone they know is struggling with products containing kratom.
It is crucial to check labels and read up on ingredients, as the advertising of Feel Free products has been controversial, with some calling it completely dishonest and misrepresentative.
Recognizing the Signs of Feel Free Addiction
Addiction to a substance like the kratom and kava mixture in Feel Free tonics can develop subtly. What starts as occasional use for a mood boost or to reduce social anxiety can escalate into a daily habit that becomes difficult to control.
Recognizing the signs of kratom or Feel Free addiction is crucial for seeking help. Common signs of Feel Free addiction include:
- Elevated Tolerance: Needing to drink larger amounts to achieve the initial pleasurable impact.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing psychological and physical discomfort when not using it, such as nausea, irritability, anxiety, muscle aches, and insomnia.
- Loss of Control: Using more Feel Free than intended or for more extended periods.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing the use of the drink over work, school, or family obligations.
- Ongoing Use Despite Adverse Consequences: Continuing to drink Feel Free even when it causes health problems, financial strain, or relationship issues.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is a strong indicator that professional help is needed.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Kratom Addiction and Recovery
For those struggling with dependence on substances that act on opioid receptors, like kratom, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach. MAT combines FDA-approved medications and, in many cases, behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders of various kinds.
According to an article published in the Substance Abuse Journal, medications such as buprenorphine help manage the opioid-like withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with kratom.
The MAT approach to addiction recovery addresses the physical aspects of kratom addiction by regulating brain chemistry and relieving withdrawal symptoms and cravings that individuals may experience when they stop taking kratom and drinking Feel Free.
This medical support provides a stable foundation, making it more comfortable for individuals to engage in counseling and build the skills needed for long-term sobriety.
Finding Hope and Lasting Addiction Recovery with MAT Care Clinics
MAT Care Clinics commits to guiding individuals on their journey to recovery by offering compassionate, evidence-based support.
Our clinic, located in Nashua, N.H., provides comprehensive Medication-Assisted Treatment, combining medical supervision and individualized care plans to create better outcomes for every client we serve.
To learn more about us and what we do, visit us here or call (833) 622-0628.
Through ongoing support and a commitment to holistic well-being, MAT Care Clinics helps pave the way toward lasting sobriety and renewed hope, regardless of your circumstances.
Let us help you rebuild a healthier life with confidence after confronting addiction.
