Kratom products draw criticism from health experts Kratom products continue to draw criticism from health experts 03:05 When Jasmine Adeoye, an account manager based in Austin, Texas, decided to stop drinking in June 2022, she turned to a kratom beverage advertised as an alcohol alternative. Within a year and a half, Adeoye said she was addicted to the drink, “Feel Free Classic,” lured by what she calls the company’s deceptive marketing tactics. The 29-year-old account manager based in Austin, Texas, said her favorite podcasters promoted the drink, which the company Botanic Tonics manufactures and sells, as “a miracle” beverage that could help people trying to overcome addiction and embrace sobriety. Having struggled with binge drinking in the past, Adeoye was intrigued. Jasmine Adeoye, an account manager based in Austin, Texas, said she became addicted to kratom drink “Feel Free Classic,” after she sought an alcohol alternative. Jasmine Adeoye She said she was unaware the drink contained kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that can produce feelings of energy, ease anxiety and reduce pain— but carries a risk of addiction, seizures, and very rarely, death.