Feel Free Beverage: Understanding the Hidden Dangers of Kava and Kratom and Finding Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Feel Free is a kava and kratom-based beverage that has gained popularity across Charlotte, North Carolina, and the nation, marketed as a natural way to relax, boost mood, and “feel good.” Sold online, in gas stations, and supplement shops throughout Mecklenburg County and beyond, this botanical drink promises stress relief without the risks of alcohol or prescription drugs. However, the reality is far more dangerous.
At Nova Transformations, our Charlotte-based addiction treatment center has seen a concerning increase in individuals seeking help for dependence on Feel Free and other kratom-containing products. What many users don’t realize is that this seemingly innocent beverage contains kratom—a substance that acts on the same brain receptors as opioids and can cause severe physical dependence, addiction, and withdrawal.
This comprehensive guide explores what Feel Free really is, why it’s more dangerous than marketing suggests, the signs of dependence and addiction, serious health risks, and evidence-based treatment options available right here in Charlotte, NC for those struggling with kratom and botanical substance abuse.
Calls to U.S. poison control centers related to kratom exposure in 2023, with many involving kratom beverages like Feel Free
What is Feel Free Beverage?
Feel Free is a bottled botanical beverage manufactured by BotanicTonics that contains two primary active ingredients: kava extract and kratom (specifically, the alkaloid mitragynine). The product is marketed as a “tonic” that provides relaxation, mood enhancement, and stress relief without alcohol.
Active Ingredients
Kratom (Mitragynine)
Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds called alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act on opioid receptors in the brain. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), kratom produces:
- Stimulant effects at low doses: Increased energy, alertness, sociability
- Opioid-like effects at higher doses: Pain relief, sedation, euphoria
- Physical dependence: Regular use leads to withdrawal symptoms when stopped
- Addiction potential: Compulsive use despite negative consequences
Kava Extract
Kava is derived from the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), used traditionally in Pacific Island cultures. Kava produces:
- Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects
- Muscle relaxation
- Mild euphoria
- Sedation
While kava itself has legitimate traditional uses, it carries risks including potential liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other substances or used in concentrated forms.
How Feel Free is Marketed
Feel Free’s marketing emphasizes:
- “Natural” and “botanical” ingredients
- “Functional” beverage for mood and relaxation
- Alcohol alternative without hangover
- Convenience: Ready-to-drink bottles
- Social acceptability: Positioned as a wellness product
This marketing creates a false sense of safety, leading many Charlotte residents to underestimate the serious risks associated with regular kratom consumption.
⚠️ Critical Truth About “Natural” Claims
“Natural” does not mean safe. Opium, cocaine, and tobacco are all natural substances that cause severe addiction and health problems. Kratom’s natural origin doesn’t negate its opioid-like effects, addiction potential, or health risks. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and has issued multiple warnings about its dangers, including:
- Risk of addiction and abuse
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Liver toxicity
- Seizures
- Deaths associated with kratom use
- Contamination with heavy metals and salmonella
Where Feel Free is Sold
Feel Free’s accessibility is part of what makes it dangerous. In Charlotte and throughout North Carolina, it’s available at:
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Supplement shops and vitamin stores
- Smoke shops and head shops
- Online through the company website and retailers
- Some health food stores
This easy accessibility, combined with its legal status in North Carolina, contributes to a perception that Feel Free is harmless—a dangerous misconception.
Why Feel Free is Dangerous: The Reality Behind the Marketing
Despite its wellness branding and pleasant taste, Feel Free carries serious risks that many users in Charlotte and across the country are discovering too late.
1. Kratom’s Opioid-Like Effects and Addiction Potential
The primary danger of Feel Free stems from its kratom content. Research published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence confirms that kratom’s alkaloids bind to mu-opioid receptors—the same receptors activated by prescription opioids and heroin.
This means kratom:
- Causes physical dependence with regular use
- Produces withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal
- Creates tolerance, requiring increasing amounts for the same effect
- Leads to addiction characterized by compulsive use
- Can be misused in attempts to self-treat opioid withdrawal
Many Feel Free users report needing to drink multiple bottles daily just to feel “normal” and avoid withdrawal—a clear sign of physical dependence.
2. Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
When regular Feel Free users try to stop, they experience withdrawal symptoms that can be intense and prolonged:
- Muscle aches and pain throughout the body
- Severe anxiety and agitation
- Irritability and anger
- Depression and dysphoria
- Insomnia lasting days or weeks
- Sweating and hot flashes
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Runny nose and tearing
- Restless legs and akathisia
- Intense cravings
These withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 2-3 days but can persist for a week or longer, making it extremely difficult to quit without professional help.
3. Unpredictable and Unregulated Product
Feel Free and other kratom products are not regulated by the FDA, meaning:
- Inconsistent dosing: Alkaloid content varies between bottles and batches
- No quality control: Risk of contamination with bacteria, heavy metals, or other substances
- Unknown long-term effects: Limited research on chronic use
- No standardization: Users can’t know exactly what they’re consuming
- Misleading labels: “Dietary supplement” status doesn’t require FDA approval
4. Health Risks from Kava and Kratom Combination
The combination of kava and kratom in Feel Free may amplify risks:
- Increased liver toxicity: Both substances have been associated with liver damage
- Enhanced sedation: Combined CNS depressant effects
- Unknown interactions: Limited research on this specific combination
- Compounded side effects: Nausea, dizziness, cognitive impairment
5. Financial and Social Consequences
Regular Feel Free users often report:
- Spending $200-500+ per week on the beverage
- Relationship problems from mood swings and withdrawal
- Work performance issues from cognitive effects
- Social isolation and preoccupation with obtaining more
- Legal concerns if driving while impaired
🚨 Feel Free and Driving: A Hidden Danger
Kratom impairs cognitive function, reaction time, and judgment. Driving under the influence of kratom can result in:
- DUI charges in North Carolina
- Accidents causing injury or death
- Legal liability and criminal charges
Never drive after consuming Feel Free or any kratom product.
Signs and Symptoms of Feel Free Dependence
Recognizing kratom dependence early can help Charlotte residents seek treatment before the problem becomes severe.
Behavioral Signs
- Daily or multiple-times-daily use of Feel Free
- Inability to function without it: Needing it to get through work, social situations, or daily activities
- Preoccupation with supply: Anxiety about running out, bulk ordering
- Failed attempts to quit or cut down
- Continued use despite problems: Financial strain, relationship issues, health concerns
- Increasing consumption: Drinking more bottles to achieve the same effect
- Prioritizing Feel Free over responsibilities
- Defensive when questioned about use
- Hiding use from others
Physical Signs
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using (described above)
- Nausea and constipation from regular use
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Dark circles under eyes
- Itching or skin irritation
- Tremors or shakiness
- Sleep disturbances
- Decreased libido
Psychological Signs
- Mood swings: Euphoria when using, irritability when not
- Anxiety and depression between doses
- Cognitive dulling: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of motivation for previously enjoyed activities
- Emotional numbness
The Cycle of Feel Free Dependence
Many Charlotte residents follow a similar progression:
- Initial use: Trying Feel Free for stress relief or curiosity
- Regular use: Finding it helpful, using daily or multiple times per week
- Tolerance: Needing more bottles to achieve the same effect
- Dependence: Experiencing withdrawal when trying to skip doses
- Compulsive use: Unable to stop despite wanting to
- Escalation: Drinking multiple bottles daily, significant financial cost
- Crisis: Health problems, relationship damage, or financial collapse
📍 Feel Free Use in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte residents report finding Feel Free at:
- Gas stations throughout Mecklenburg County (South Blvd, Independence Blvd, etc.)
- Vitamin and supplement shops in SouthPark, Ballantyne, and Uptown
- Convenience stores near UNCC campus
- Online with next-day delivery to Charlotte addresses
The product’s visibility and accessibility in Charlotte makes it especially dangerous for those susceptible to addiction. If you’re struggling with Feel Free dependence, help is available locally at Nova Transformations.
Health Risks of Chronic Feel Free Use
Regular consumption of Feel Free carries serious health consequences beyond addiction.
Liver Damage
Both kratom and kava have been associated with hepatotoxicity (liver damage):
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Acute liver injury
- In rare cases, liver failure
The combination of these two substances may increase liver risk, though research is limited.
Cardiovascular Effects
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Elevated blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- In rare cases, heart attack or stroke
Gastrointestinal Problems
- Severe constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
Neurological and Psychiatric Effects
- Seizures (in some cases)
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disturbances
- In rare cases, psychosis
Endocrine Disruption
- Hormonal imbalances
- Decreased testosterone in men
- Sexual dysfunction
- Thyroid problems
Risk of Death
According to the CDC, kratom has been implicated in hundreds of deaths in the United States, often in combination with other substances. While Feel Free alone is less likely to cause overdose death than some drugs, the risks increase significantly when combined with:
- Alcohol
- Prescription opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Other CNS depressants
Evidence-Based Treatment for Feel Free Addiction at Nova Transformations
If you or someone you love in Charlotte is struggling with Feel Free or kratom dependence, professional treatment can help you break free safely and build a life in recovery. At Nova Transformations, we provide specialized care for botanical substance addiction.
Our Charlotte Treatment Programs
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Recovery begins with understanding your unique situation:
- Substance use history: Frequency, amount, duration of Feel Free use
- Medical evaluation: Assessing liver function, cardiovascular health, nutritional status
- Mental health screening: Identifying co-occurring anxiety, depression, or other conditions
- Social assessment: Understanding triggers, support systems, and life stressors
- Withdrawal risk evaluation: Planning for safe discontinuation
2. Medically-Supported Withdrawal Management
Kratom withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. Our approach includes:
- Gradual tapering protocols when appropriate
- Symptom management: Medications to ease anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, and nausea
- Nutritional support and hydration
- Close monitoring throughout the withdrawal process
- Psychological support during the difficult early days
While kratom withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, professional support significantly improves comfort and success rates.
3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program in Charlotte provides structured recovery support:
- 9-12 hours of treatment weekly
- Individual therapy: Addressing underlying issues, trauma, and triggers
- Group therapy: Connection with others recovering from similar substances
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changing thought patterns and behaviors
- Relapse prevention: Identifying high-risk situations and developing coping strategies
- Life skills development: Stress management, emotional regulation, healthy coping
- Family therapy: Healing relationships and building support
4. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
For those needing more intensive support, our Partial Hospitalization Program in Charlotte offers:
- 20-30 hours of treatment weekly
- Daily therapeutic programming
- Medical oversight for health complications
- Intensive counseling and therapy
- Psychiatric services when needed
- Structured daily schedule with evening return home
5. Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people use Feel Free to self-medicate underlying conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment in North Carolina addresses:
- Anxiety disorders (often a primary driver of Feel Free use)
- Depression
- PTSD and trauma
- ADHD
- Chronic pain (for which people may use kratom)
- Co-occurring substance use disorders
Treating both addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously provides the best outcomes for lasting recovery.
✨ Why Choose Nova Transformations for Feel Free/Kratom Addiction?
- Specialized kratom expertise: Understanding of botanical substance addiction
- Medical support: Safe, comfortable withdrawal management
- Evidence-based treatment: Proven therapeutic approaches
- Individualized care plans: Tailored to your unique needs
- Dual diagnosis specialists: Addressing underlying mental health
- Compassionate, non-judgmental care: We understand kratom’s deceptive nature
- Flexible outpatient scheduling: Maintain work and family obligations
- Comprehensive aftercare: Long-term support for sustained recovery
- Charlotte location: Convenient access throughout Mecklenburg County
- Insurance accepted: Working with most major providers
Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The gold standard for addiction treatment, helping you identify triggers, change thought patterns, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Motivational Interviewing
Resolving ambivalence about quitting and building internal motivation for lasting change.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Learning to manage cravings, stress, and difficult emotions without substances.
Group Therapy
Connecting with others who understand, sharing experiences, and building accountability.
Family Therapy
Educating loved ones, improving communication, and healing relationships damaged by addiction.
Relapse Prevention Planning
Creating a comprehensive plan for maintaining sobriety, including:
- Identifying personal triggers and high-risk situations
- Developing a crisis response plan
- Building a sober support network
- Connecting with ongoing support groups
- Lifestyle changes to support recovery
Get Help for Feel Free Addiction in Charlotte Today
Feel Free may be marketed as a natural wellness beverage, but its kratom content makes it a genuinely addictive substance that requires professional treatment. If you’re struggling with Feel Free dependence or can’t stop using kratom products, Nova Transformations in Charlotte can help.
We accept most major insurance plans. Unfortunately, we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid at this time.
Confidential assessment available. Take the first step toward freedom from kratom dependence today.
How to Stop Using Feel Free Safely
If you’ve decided to quit Feel Free, understanding the process can help you prepare for success.
🔑 Steps to Quitting Feel Free
- Seek professional help: Call Nova Transformations at (704) 961-9322 for assessment
- Don’t quit alone: Kratom withdrawal is difficult; medical support improves success
- Consider tapering: Gradual reduction under supervision may ease withdrawal
- Prepare for withdrawal: Plan for 5-10 days of discomfort, with peak symptoms days 2-3
- Address underlying issues: Anxiety, depression, or pain that led to Feel Free use
- Build support: Tell trusted friends/family, consider support groups
- Remove access: Dispose of remaining Feel Free, avoid stores that sell it
- Plan for cravings: Develop healthy coping strategies
- Commit to aftercare: Recovery is a process, not an event
What to Expect During Kratom Withdrawal
| Timeline | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Hours 6-12 | Anxiety, mild cravings, restlessness | Distraction, relaxation techniques |
| Days 1-2 | Muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, runny nose | Over-the-counter pain relief, comfort medications, support |
| Days 2-4 (Peak) | Severe muscle pain, intense cravings, depression, GI upset, insomnia | Prescription medications as needed, close monitoring, emotional support |
| Days 5-7 | Gradually improving physical symptoms, persistent psychological symptoms | Therapy, support groups, healthy routines |
| Weeks 2-4 | Lingering depression, anxiety, sleep issues, cravings | Ongoing therapy, possible medication, lifestyle changes |
| Beyond Month 1 | Post-acute withdrawal: mood fluctuations, occasional cravings | Continued treatment, support groups, relapse prevention |
For Families: How to Help a Loved One
If someone you care about in Charlotte is struggling with Feel Free:
- Educate yourself: Understanding kratom helps you provide informed support
- Express concern without judgment: “I’ve noticed changes and I’m worried about you”
- Avoid enabling: Don’t provide money or make excuses for their use
- Offer concrete help: “Can I help you find treatment?” or “Would you like me to call with you?”
- Set boundaries: Protect yourself while offering support
- Be patient: Recovery is a process
- Seek support for yourself: Family therapy, Al-Anon, or counseling
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge efforts, not just outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions About Feel Free
Feel Free is a botanical beverage containing kava extract and kratom (mitragynine), marketed as a natural relaxation drink. It’s dangerous because kratom is an opioid-like substance that acts on the same brain receptors as prescription opioids and heroin, causing physical dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms with regular use. The combination with kava may increase liver toxicity risks. Feel Free is unregulated by the FDA, meaning dosing is inconsistent and products may be contaminated. Users develop tolerance, requiring more to achieve the same effects, and experience severe withdrawal when trying to stop. Despite marketing as natural and safe, Feel Free carries significant addiction and health risks, with many Charlotte residents requiring professional treatment to quit.
Yes, absolutely. Feel Free contains kratom (mitragynine), which acts on opioid receptors in the brain and causes physical dependence with regular use. Signs of Feel Free addiction include needing to drink multiple bottles daily just to feel normal or avoid withdrawal symptoms, spending hundreds of dollars per week on the product, unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down, severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop (muscle aches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, GI upset), continued use despite negative consequences to health, relationships, or finances, preoccupation with supply and anxiety about running out, and tolerance requiring increasing amounts. The beverage’s pleasant taste, legal status, and marketing as a natural supplement can mask its addictive potential, leading people to underestimate the risks until dependence develops. At Nova Transformations in Charlotte, we provide specialized treatment for kratom and Feel Free addiction.
Feel Free side effects include immediate effects like nausea and vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, increased urination, sweating, and itching; short-term effects such as loss of appetite and weight loss, insomnia or excessive sleepiness, anxiety and irritability, confusion and cognitive impairment; and long-term effects from chronic use including liver damage (elevated enzymes, jaundice, potential liver failure), kidney problems, severe weight loss and malnutrition, cognitive impairment and memory problems, mood disorders (depression, anxiety), physical dependence and addiction, hormonal changes and sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular issues (elevated heart rate and blood pressure), and in rare cases, seizures. The combination of kratom and kava may amplify some risks, particularly liver toxicity. Many users report that consistent daily use leads to tolerance, requiring more bottles to achieve the same effects, and severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop.
Yes, Nova Transformations provides comprehensive, specialized treatment for Feel Free and kratom dependence in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our evidence-based programs specifically address the unique challenges of botanical substance addiction and include medically-supported withdrawal management with symptom relief medications and tapering protocols, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) with 9-12 hours of weekly treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for more intensive support, individual therapy using proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group support with others recovering from similar substances, dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, education about kratom risks and recovery, relapse prevention strategies, family therapy, and comprehensive aftercare planning. We understand that Feel Free’s marketing as a natural product makes people underestimate its addictive potential. Call (704) 961-9322 for a confidential assessment.
As of 2025, kratom (the primary psychoactive ingredient in Feel Free) remains legal in North Carolina, though this could change as regulatory scrutiny increases. Several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have banned kratom, and others have imposed restrictions. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and has issued multiple warnings about its dangers, including addiction potential, withdrawal symptoms, liver toxicity, seizures, and deaths. The FDA has also documented cases of kratom products contaminated with salmonella and heavy metals. Despite its legal status in NC, Feel Free can still cause serious physical dependence, addiction, and health problems that require professional treatment. Legal availability at Charlotte gas stations and supplement shops does not mean a substance is safe. Many people assume legal means harmless, but kratom dependence is a genuine medical condition requiring treatment regardless of legal status.
Quitting Feel Free typically requires professional treatment due to kratom’s severe withdrawal symptoms and high relapse rates when attempting to quit alone. The process includes seeking professional evaluation at a treatment center like Nova Transformations in Charlotte to assess dependence severity and overall health, considering medically-supervised tapering to gradually reduce kratom intake and minimize withdrawal severity, managing withdrawal symptoms which typically last 5-10 days with peak intensity at days 2-3 (muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, GI upset), participating in behavioral therapy to address underlying issues like anxiety or depression that led to Feel Free use, joining support groups with others in recovery from kratom or other substances, treating co-occurring mental health conditions, developing healthy coping strategies for stress and triggers, removing access to Feel Free (disposing of remaining product, avoiding stores that sell it), and committing to comprehensive aftercare including ongoing therapy and support groups. The pleasant taste and legal status of Feel Free can make it psychologically difficult to quit, even when physically dependent. Professional treatment significantly improves success rates and provides medical support for safe, comfortable withdrawal.
Feel Free costs approximately $5-8 per bottle depending on where purchased in Charlotte (gas stations, supplement shops, online). However, the true cost of addiction is far higher. Regular users report needing 3-10 bottles daily to avoid withdrawal, costing $15-80 per day or $450-2,400 per month. Annual costs can reach $5,400-28,800 just for the product. Additional costs include lost productivity at work or job loss, medical bills for health complications (liver problems, cardiovascular issues, nutritional deficiencies), relationship damage and potential divorce, legal issues if driving impaired, and mental health costs from depression and anxiety. The financial burden alone often becomes unsustainable, adding stress that perpetuates the addiction cycle. Treatment at Nova Transformations, while requiring an investment, is typically far less expensive than continued addiction and is often covered by insurance. The true cost of Feel Free addiction extends far beyond the bottle price to encompass every aspect of life.
References and Resources
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2024). Kratom Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/kratom
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2024). FDA and Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
- Singh, D., Narayanan, S., Vicknasingam, B., Corazza, O., Santacroce, R., & Roman-Urrestarazu, A. (2017). Changing trends in the use of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) in Southeast Asia. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 32(3), e2582.
- Swogger, M. T., & Walsh, Z. (2018). Kratom use and mental health: A systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 183, 134-140.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Kratom-Related Deaths. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(14), 326-327. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6814a2.htm
- Grundmann, O. (2017). Patterns of Kratom use and health impact in the US—Results from an online survey. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 176, 63-70.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2024). Kratom DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2024). Know the Risks of Kratom. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/
- Prozialeck, W. C., Jivan, J. K., & Andurkar, S. V. (2012). Pharmacology of kratom: an emerging botanical agent with stimulant, analgesic and opioid-like effects. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 112(12), 792-799.
- American Kratom Association. (2024). Kratom Consumer Protection Act. [Note: Industry perspective, use critically]
Additional Charlotte-Area Resources:
- Nova Transformations Charlotte: (704) 961-9322
- Narcotics Anonymous Charlotte Area: https://charlottena.org/
- Mecklenburg County Public Health: https://www.mecknc.gov/HealthDepartment/
- Crisis Line (24/7): Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 (for acute poisoning/overdose)
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency related to Feel Free, kratom, or any substance, call 911 immediately. The information provided reflects current understanding of kratom’s effects and risks based on available research and clinical experience. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about substance use disorder treatment.
Last Updated: October 30, 2025 | Author: Nova Transformations Clinical Team | Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
