Be cautious about seemingly harmless products, like a trendy kombucha. They are marketed as a natural way to boost your energy.
The creator of these plant-based tonics boasts that they are perfect for moments when you need caffeine-free energy or a little extra focus.
Unfortunately, some customers who have picked up these blue bottles from gas stations have discovered that those containing hippo and kratom extracts can be quite addictive and hard on the body.
Jasmine Adeoye decided to stop drinking alcohol in 2022, looking for alternatives for her lifestyle. She heard about the drink on the Skinny Confidential Podcast, where the hosts discussed its benefits.
They were discussing their own alcohol-free journeys, which caught her interest. When she later heard about it on Joe Rogan’s podcast, she was tempted to try it.
She hoped it would help her cope with the social anxiety that came with not drinking alcohol, which had, before, made her feel more comfortable. However, she didn’t realize it would lead her into addiction.
Initially, she managed to use it moderately in social settings, but by 2023, the pressures from her job led her to consume more.
At her peak, she was drinking as many as 12 bottles daily and spending around $3,000 a month on it.
Pharmacist Ethan Melillo has raised concerns about the combination of hippo and kratom, both legal in the U.S., but noted that their mix is particularly addictive.
Melillo expressed that he believes these should be banned together, cautioning about the potential dangers. Kava acts as a depressant while kratom stimulates, creating conflicting effects in the body.
He shared that both substances can interact with brain receptors in a way that can lead to overstimulation.
He explained that people often consume several drinks, which can create a tolerance, leading them to crave more. It’s not surprising that individuals can become obsessed with these products; typically, the urge only rises after unpleasant side effects appear.
Adeoye concealed her addiction for a long time, feeling embarrassed about how much she was buying, often moving from one gas station to another.
She described her addiction as both physically and emotionally draining. “I felt lethargic, anxious, and struggled to get out of bed,” she recounted.
After facing the reality of her situation, she managed to quit cold turkey in March 2024, with support from her fiancé and mother. Though the withdrawal was tough, lasting about four days, she felt her true self return after about six months.
While the drink is restricted to those over 21, there’s concern about younger users attempting to access it. An Instagram creator named Michael Brown shared a story about encountering a young teenager who asked him to buy the drink.
Brown claimed there are customers who come into gas stations multiple times a day just to get this product.
Some individuals feel drawn to this product under the impression it serves as a healthier alternative to medications.
Chris Oflyng started using kratom powder at 19, believing he was avoiding the negative effects of prescribed Adderall. However, over the years, he found himself increasingly dependent on the combination of kava and kratom.
Now at 28, he reflects on how he initially perceived the drink as beneficial for focus but eventually realized he was just chasing the feeling it once gave him.
Oflyng has faced ups and downs with his addiction, moving in and out of treatment for years. He noted that he has spent a staggering amount on kratom products—around $40,000—over time.
He voiced regret over how addiction has derailed his life and often led to feelings of depression. “I’ve made progress, but I often think about missed opportunities,” he lamented.
He argues that while many view these products as natural, the reality is they can come with serious consequences.
