The next time you stop into a gas station or convenience store, look closely at the counter; you may spot small blue bottles labeled Feel Free. Marketed as a plant-based herbal supplement that promises to boost mood, energy, and focus, these drinks appear harmless at first glance. But looks can be deceiving.

Feel Free contains kratom and kava extracts, two powerful substances with addictive potential, particularly concerning for teens and young adults. What’s advertised as a natural pick-me-up can actually carry significant risks. Let’s take a closer look at what Feel Free really is, why experts are raising red flags, and the dangers it may pose.

**What’s Really in Feel Free?**

Feel Free is a popular “plant-based tonic” sold in small bottles at gas stations and convenience stores. Created by Botanic Tonics, it’s marketed as a boost for mood, energy, relaxation, and focus, and it’s often positioned as a wellness or alcohol alternative.

Overall, Feel Free seems to be a safe option for improving the mood, and can even help people cut back on their alcohol use. However, underneath its health-conscious packaging lies a concerning mix of powerful psychoactive ingredients.

Kratom is an herb with both stimulant and opioid-like effects. It is not FDA-approved, and consumers are advised to avoid it due to serious risks like liver toxicity, seizures, and the potential for dependence. Studies report that up to one-third of users experience adverse effects.

Kava is a sedative traditionally used for relaxation. It can also pose various risks, including liver injury and cognitive effects. The combination of kratom and kava creates a potent physiological response that many underestimate, especially young people drawn to its "natural" branding.

Alarming Health Effects

Though often seen as a safe, “natural” alternative, the ingredients in Feel Free have been linked to dangerous side effects. In fact, this Patch article shares TikToker Misha Brown’s experience at a gas station, after being approached by a teen who wanted him to buy the drink.

When Misha asked the clerk about this, they said, ““I have people coming in here five, six times a day to get this. It’s so addictive, and people lose their minds. People act like actual crackheads or like they have a heroin addiction over this little drink.”

Misha went on to explain in his video, “So I get home, and I look into this, and people are literally going to rehab over this little drink that is legal in most states in the U.S. and is sold at gas stations. I mean, it’s called Feel Free, but it traps you in an addiction that feels very nefarious.

“I don’t think we talk enough about things that are legal but sold next to gum and energy drinks. This kid was so young and like, his face was, like, burned into my memory over how lost he looked, so please be careful.”

Why Youth Are Especially at Risk

Despite being age-restricted to 21+, reports indicate teens are easily accessing Feel Free, often viewing it as a harmless wellness product, not realizing it can be habit-forming. Its vibrant packaging and coaching on social media outlets make it particularly appealing.

Parents and health experts are sounding the alarm: Kratom’s labeling is unclear, regulations are lacking, and the long-term consequences remain poorly understood. And it’s not just young people who are at risk. Individuals in recovery from mental health or substance use issues could reach for this drink, thinking it’s a safe and effective alternative. However, it can quickly become a new dependency, putting people at risk of relapsing into addictive behavior.

Conclusion: Why This Matters for Behavioral Health Providers

The rise of products like Feel Free emphasizes the ongoing challenges behavioral health providers face, including new, unregulated substances that enter the market quickly. For treatment centers, this means staying informed about emerging risks, helping clients recognize the dangers, and ensuring billing practices align with the realities of modern substance use trends.

At Integrity Billing, we know that accurate reimbursement is critical for providers who are already stretched thin addressing evolving patient needs. When substances like kratom or kava contribute to higher admissions or longer treatment timelines, proper documentation and coding are key to ensuring payers cover the necessary level of care.

If your facility is navigating increased claims related to emerging substances or struggling with denials tied to behavioral health services, we’re here to help. Partner with Integrity Billing to protect your revenue cycle so you can stay focused on what matters most—patient recovery.