After I wrote an article about Kratom, KXAN reached out to learn more about the Consequences of Kratom in the recovery community. You can view the report here and the video below. I was eager to share my insights and experiences, but I ultimately felt disappointed by their coverage, which failed to convey the real dangers associated with Kratom. Instead, the report leaned toward a pro-Kratom narrative, glossing over critical issues that individuals in recovery desperately need to understand.
Understanding the Consequences of Kratom
Kratom addiction is not just a theoretical problem; it has real-life implications that can devastate individuals and families. The consequences of Kratom are often downplayed, but it’s crucial to recognize that this substance can lead to serious health issues. Many people may believe that Kratom is a safe alternative to opioids, but the reality is far more complex. Those using it recreationally or as a substitute for alcohol often find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependency.
During my interview, I shared compelling real-life testimonies from people in the recovery community, detailing the severe consequences they faced due to their Kratom use. Yet, KXAN chose not to include these vital perspectives, which could have painted a more accurate picture of the risks associated with this substance.
Real-Life Testimonials on the Consequences of Kratom
The representative from the American Kratom Association took a defensive stance throughout the interview, failing to acknowledge the potential downsides of Kratom use. While some individuals may find temporary relief from opioid addiction through Kratom, it’s critical to recognize that those who use it recreationally or as an alternative to alcohol are often stepping into dangerous territory. The substance can create problems that many people are unprepared to confront, leading to a cycle of addiction that is difficult to escape.
One particularly alarming product is Feel Free. I went into great detail about this tonic during my interview, but all mentions of it were inexplicably removed from the final report. Given its connections to UT Athletics and the financial interests involved, it appears that KXAN may have opted to avoid any potential backlash from exposing the harmful effects of this product. This is an assumption on my part, but there isn’t any other reason that I can think of as to why they would elect to omit it. This decision raises ethical questions about the media’s responsibility to report the full truth, especially regarding substances that are marketed as health-promoting.
Feel Free is marketed as a wellness tonic, yet it is proving to be highly addictive. A friend from AA shared a harrowing account of Feel Free addiction. I’ll call him Armondo. An ex-heroin user, Armondo had been sober for two years until he was tempted by Feel Free, drawn in by its claims of being a healthier alternative to alcohol. Initially, he felt a euphoric sensation, described as a “light” feeling, which is how the product is marketed. However, he quickly became addicted, consuming up to 12 shots daily. His symptoms reflected the classic signs of Kratom addiction: restless leg syndrome, insomnia, severe depression, tremors, and daily vomiting. The physical toll was staggering; he lost around 20 pounds and ultimately made the difficult decision to check himself into residential rehab. The Consequences of Kratom in his life are a stark reminder for me as to how destructive this stuff is.
Another friend of mine, whom I’ll refer to as Charles, faced a similarly grim situation. He was hospitalized for a severe skin infection he believed was linked to his heavy use of Feel Free, taking more than 10 shots daily. Like Armondo, he suffered from elevated liver enzymes and significant digestive issues. Charles has been struggling to quit for nearly two years and continues to deal with health problems that arose from his addiction to this supposedly “wellness” tonic. His testimony serves as a stark reminder that even products marketed as healthy can lead to disastrous consequences.
The Misleading Marketing of Feel Free
The allure of Feel Free lies in its marketing, which paints it as a safe, enjoyable alternative to traditional substances like alcohol. This misleading narrative is particularly concerning for those in recovery who may be vulnerable to substance abuse. Many individuals, like Armondo and Charles, may initially view Feel Free as a benign choice, only to find themselves ensnared in the grips of addiction. This product’s rising popularity highlights a significant gap in public awareness about the dangers of Kratom. It’s important to note that in many areas around Austin, TX, there are minimal barriers preventing underage individuals from accessing Kratom products like Feel Free. Despite being marketed for those 21 and older, many convenience stores in the region place Feel Free right next to energy shots, making it easily accessible to anyone. I believe there should be stricter regulations on how these products are displayed and sold. Ideally, Kratom-based items should be kept behind the counter, similar to tobacco products. Just last week, while taking my son Miles home from baseball practice, I stopped at a 7-Eleven for a Gatorade and was shocked to see Feel Free prominently displayed on the shelf. Furthermore, the shots were sheltered behind a warming oven, completely out of the line of site from the cashier. See the photo below. While cashiers are supposed to check IDs for purchases, it would be all too easy for someone to grab a few bottles and slip them into their pocket. Imagine a scenario where a 13-year-old manages to steal several bottles of Feel Free. Having experienced the addictive nature of this product myself, I shudder to think of the consequences if a young person were to discover it. The lifelong effects could be devastating.
If you’re curious about real-life experiences concerning the challenges of quitting Feel Free, I highly recommend visiting the Quitting Feel Free subreddit. Users there openly share their struggles and testimonies, providing a raw glimpse into the reality of the consequences of Kratom addiction. These shared experiences are invaluable for those grappling with similar issues, offering both community support and practical advice for overcoming addiction. Here is a quick copy and paste from a user on the Subreddit: I’ve been chiming in on this thread for over 4 months, seeking hope, support and answers while desperately struggling everyday being addicted to this. I was a daily user of this for 10.5 months, towards the end I was at 10.5-12 bottle’s per day. The most I’ve taken is 13.5 between waking up and going to bed.This stuff was killing me. I lost 30 pounds, pale, skin was dry and flakey everywhere. My clothes were caked in dead skin. This lead me to rock bottom, literally the lowest point of my life. I’m 20 days off of it, from going Cold Turkey on thanksgiving ( on turkey day how Ironic ) I will say the withdrawals were bad. Worse than I could have ever imagined. BUT you recover from it pretty quickly. For me it was 3 days of hell, than started feeling a lot better each day after that I’ve gained 10 lbs since being off of it. Healthy weight. Back lifting weights, running, lots of energy, and waking up looking forward to the day. Anyone who is struggling and would like to chat please reach out. Chatting with people on here really helped me get through this. I was in the darkest tunnel just a few weeks back, but 20 days off feel free and it feels like I got my life back. Stay strong
Advocacy for Awareness and Regulation
I feel compelled to reiterate my disappointment in KXAN for their incomplete and biased coverage. While I appreciate the opportunity to raise awareness about Kratom, it’s frustrating that they omitted the critical aspects of our conversation. The main takeaway should have been a stark warning: “Holy Shit, I’m never touching that stuff!”
In an age where misinformation can spread like wildfire, it’s essential to have open and honest discussions about the dangers of substances like Kratom and products like Feel Free. We owe it to ourselves and our communities to prioritize awareness and honesty in our conversations about addiction and recovery. The more we speak out, the better equipped individuals will be to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
Furthermore, we need to advocate for increased regulation and research surrounding Kratom. As more people turn to this substance for relief from pain or addiction, we must ensure that accurate information is available to the public. Healthcare providers, family members, and friends should be equipped with the knowledge to help those who may be considering Kratom as an option.
Conclusion: The Dangers of Kratom Are Real
Let’s make sure that the narrative around Kratom is comprehensive and acknowledges both the potential risks and the realities faced by those struggling with addiction. The recovery community needs this crucial information to protect themselves and others. It’s imperative that we work together to create a safer environment for those in recovery, ensuring they have access to the support and information they need to make healthy choices.
In conclusion, the dangers of Kratom, particularly products like Feel Free, cannot be overstated. The risks associated with its use are serious and far-reaching, impacting not just the individual but also their loved ones and the broader community. By fostering open dialogue and sharing personal stories, we can empower each other to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to a healthier, more aware society.
Call to Action
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to Kratom or products like Feel Free, I encourage you to seek help. Share your experiences, and let’s work together to raise awareness about the dangers of Kratom. Your voice matters, and together we can create a supportive community that prioritizes health and recovery.