Scream and The Walking Dead actor Nico Tortorella has marked 11 years of sobriety, crediting the Southeast Asian plant kratom for helping him stay alcohol-free. Speaking in an interview with PinkNews, Tortorella shared that kratom, an ingredient in his non-alcoholic drink DER, has been part of his wellness journey since giving up alcohol in 2015.
Known for its stimulant effects at low doses and calming properties at higher ones, kratom remains controversial. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns it is not approved for medical use, citing potential addiction risks. Despite the debate, Tortorella says the plant has been a “friend” in his sobriety journey.