There's a growing concern about kratom, a southeast Asian plant that has made its way into everything from diet supplements, alcohol and even synthetic drugs.

Washington

Kratom, a plant-based substance originating from Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in the United States as an ingredient in supplements and beverages. The FDA has issued advisories warning about the potential dangers of kratom, including substance use disorder, seizures, and, in rare cases, death—particularly when mixed with other substances. Some users, like Jasmine Adeoye, have reported developing dependencies on kratom-based products marketed as safe alternatives to alcohol.

Despite its widespread availability and marketing as a natural remedy, kratom products are largely unregulated, leading to concerns from health experts and regulators. Several wrongful death lawsuits have been filed, and kratom is banned in several states and the District of Columbia. Manufacturers have responded by updating safety warnings and intake limits, but experts continue to call for clearer labeling and more oversight.

Kratom supplement faces scrutiny over addiction concerns

Across the country, there is growing concern about Kratom. It's a Southeast Asian plant that has made its way into everything from diet supplements, beverages, and even synthetic drugs. The FDA recently published an advisory about the dangers of using Kratom. In tonight's In Depth, CBS's Lili Luciano shows us the warning signs of the Kratom craze. Bula! Bula! This bar is completely alcohol-free. Instead, they serve drinks made with kava and kratom. Both are plant-based. We have our botanicals that we brew in-house daily. Kratom has exploded in popularity. The owners of this bar explained they don't serve the higher-potency kratom extract, but other kratom-based products have come under scrutiny. While some say that it can make you feel at ease, give you an energy boost, and reduce pain, 29-year-old Jasmine Adeoye says those feelings are what got her hooked. How many were you taking, say, a day? I would say anywhere from nine to 10, maybe sometimes 11 or 12. Adeoye says while quitting alcohol, she became addicted to a popular kratom drink called Feel Free Classic, which she heard about on a podcast. You're advertised this alcohol alternative, so you feel like it's something totally safe, and you start to believe that there's something wrong with you when you become addicted to this. Feel Free, like other kratom-based products, are easily available at convenience stores across the country, largely without regulation or oversight. The FDA warned consumers not to use kratom, citing risks including substance use disorder, seizures, and rarely death, mainly when mixed with other substances like alcohol. Last year, Botanictonics, the makers of Feel Free, settled a lawsuit that claimed the product was highly addictive and marketed to people struggling with sobriety. The company told CBS News that Feel Free's whole-leaf kratom ingredient does not contain the synthetic 7-OH compound that the FDA recently announced it plans to restrict and says it now provides intake limits and clear safety warnings about its products. Yeah, this is really the Wild West of marketing. Matthew Rossheim researches intoxicating substances. He says kratom products are too accessible and lack proper warnings on their labels. Can you read this label here? So at the very bottom, it says to not consume more than one third of that bottle within a 24-hour period. But it's sold as a shot. There have been dozens of wrongful death lawsuits across the country. Kratom is banned in six states and the District of Columbia. I have never depended on something like that in my entire life. Adeoye is warning others using social media. There's a lot of people who are struggling in silence and really need help. It's ruining a lot of people's lives for sure. A reminder that legal doesn't always mean safe. Lilia Luciano, CBS News, Fort Worth.

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Breakdown