Wellness Drinks or Dangerous Dependency? The Dark Side of Trending Alternatives

As sobriety becomes a more popular choice for many individuals, the search for alternative beverages has led to a rise in products like Feel Free, a wellness drink containing kratom and kava. For those navigating social situations without alcohol, such drinks are marketed as safe, energizing, and mood-enhancing alternatives. However, a deeper dive into user experiences and expert opinions raises critical questions about the potential risks associated with these trendy drinks. Charles Bryan, a personal trainer from New York, initially turned to Feel Free when he stopped drinking alcohol. He sought a beverage that could provide a social boost at gatherings without the adverse effects of alcohol. Drawn in by social media advertisements featuring the drink's vibrant packaging and claims of a glamorous, alcohol-free lifestyle, Bryan began consuming it at special occasions. However, what started as an occasional treat quickly spiraled into a daily habit. In a matter of months, he found himself drinking multiple bottles a day, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when he tried to cut back. Jasmine Adeoye, a 29-year-old from Austin, echoes Bryan’s sentiments, sharing her own struggles with dependency on Feel Free. After hearing about the drink on various lifestyle podcasts, she initially enjoyed the feeling it provided. However, as time passed, her consumption levels increased to the point where she could not start her day without it. Like Bryan, she faced physical symptoms of withdrawal, which transformed her perception of the beverage from a health tonic to a substance she felt compelled to consume. The common thread among many users is the deceptive marketing surrounding kratom, an unregulated supplement derived from a Southeast Asian tree. Despite its traditional use for pain relief and stimulation, kratom is gaining popularity in wellness drinks, often without consumers fully understanding its potential for dependency. Scientific studies indicate that regular consumption—particularly more than three times a day—can lead to physical dependence. While experts agree that kratom's active compound, mitragynine, does not produce the same effects as opioids like heroin, it still interacts with opioid receptors in a way that can lead to dependence. As users continue to share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, a class action lawsuit against Botanic Tonics, the producer of Feel Free, highlights rising concerns over marketing practices that promote the drink as a safe alternative to alcohol while downplaying its risks. The company has made recent changes to its labeling and age restrictions, but critics argue that consumers remain largely uninformed about the health implications of regular kratom consumption. Public health experts like Kirsten Smith from Johns Hopkins University emphasize the need for regulation rather than prohibition of kratom products. They argue that clear guidelines could help consumers make informed choices. “The less we know about something, the more risky it is just inherently, even if it's not dangerous,” Smith notes, reflecting on the complexity of establishing safety in the burgeoning market for wellness drinks. The wellness beverage industry has seen a significant upswing, with sales of functional drinks rising sharply in recent years. As consumers increasingly lean toward “natural” products, many mistakenly equate this with safety. Adeoye, who initially believed she was maintaining her sobriety with Feel Free, exemplifies how the lines between wellness and dependency can blur. Experts argue that the context in which these products are marketed plays a crucial role in consumer perception. Feel Free is often found in health food stores or marketed alongside other health supplements, leading users to view it as a benign choice. However, the reality of dependency raises serious questions about the need for informed decisions surrounding new wellness trends. Bryan’s ongoing battle with withdrawal underscores the urgency for more comprehensive studies and clearer communication from manufacturers. As he navigates the challenges of tapering off Feel Free, he advocates for greater transparency in the wellness industry, emphasizing that while he doesn’t believe kratom should be banned, consumers deserve to know the risks involved. As interest in sober alternatives grows, the stories of Bryan, Adeoye, and others serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that not all that is marketed as “wellness” is without potential harm. With the rapid expansion of such products, determining the line between healthy choices and habit-forming substances becomes increasingly vital for consumers seeking a balanced lifestyle.