Officials are warning young people about the risks of an opioid-related ingredient increasingly added to energy drinks.

In her 25 years with InnerAct Alliance, a youth substance abuse prevention organization, Angie Ellison has witnessed the emergence of various drugs.

WATCH: Experts raising awareness on addiction associated with energy drinks containing Kratom

We watch those things and try to let the community know about them because when it starts with college kids, it trickles down to high school and middle school, said Ellison.

Ellison said energy drinks made with the synthetic form of kratom, known as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are now widely available at gas stations, smoke shops and online.

Were just trying to make sure that everybody is aware of it, especially parents. Because

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