A mother’s addiction to an energy shot called Feel Free has shed light on the dangers of its consumption, as reported exclusively by PEOPLE. Lauren Albert, a mother of three from Pleasant Hill, Calif., found herself consuming up to 8 shots of Feel Free a day, leading to detrimental effects on her mental and financial well-being. The Feel Free supplement, containing kratom and cava, is easily accessible at gas stations, where it is marketed as a plant-based herbal supplement. However, what seemed like a harmless substitute for alcohol quickly spiraled into a full-blown addiction for Albert.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Mom-in-Recovery-Becomes-Addicted-to-Feel-Free-080625-8-4ab1f12c65624c488067f5053b22ec52.jpg)
Initially introduced to Feel Free by an Airbnb host while on a family trip in September 2023, Albert experienced a sense of euphoria that captivated her. Despite being sober at the time, she found comfort in the supplement, viewing it as a non-visible alternative to alcohol. However, the active ingredient in Feel Free, kratom, has raised concerns among authorities due to its addictive properties. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has classified kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern,” warning of potential dependence and adverse effects, such as euphoria or sedation, depending on the dosage.
As Albert’s addiction progressed, her daily intake of Feel Free escalated rapidly, from one bottle a day to eight, resulting in substantial financial strain as she spent exorbitant amounts on the product. Christine Carter from Sana Lake Recovery explains that kratom’s impact on opioid receptors can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, similar to those associated with opioid use. Albert described feeling lethargic and unwell when deprived of Feel Free, highlighting the addictive nature of the supplement.
The consequences of Albert’s addiction became apparent as her husband discovered discarded Feel Free bottles around the house, prompting her to seek help. Subsequent reliance on Suboxone, a prescription medication for opioid addiction, enabled Albert to break free from her addiction to Feel Free. However, the aftermath of her dependency on the energy shot led her to a relapse involving cocaine use, posing significant challenges to her path of recovery and necessitating rehabilitation.
The pervasive nature of Feel Free addiction is evident in online communities dedicated to addressing the issue, such as r/QuittingFeelFree and r/QuittingKratom, underscoring the urgency of raising awareness about its risks. While the manufacturer, Botanic Tonics, maintains that Feel Free is not marketed as an alcohol alternative, legal actions in 2023 suggested otherwise. Regulators have issued warnings against kratom usage in light of potential health hazards, urging caution and vigilance among consumers.
Amid her journey to sobriety, Albert now advocates for caution regarding Feel Free and similar products, emphasizing the detrimental impact they can have on individuals’ lives. Her candid revelations on social media platforms like TikTok aim to educate others on the pitfalls of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help when needed. Ultimately, Albert’s harrowing experience serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive dangers posed by seemingly innocuous products like Feel Free, urging vigilance and support for those grappling with addiction.