What Is NAD Therapy? Can NAD+ IV Therapy Help My Recovery?

There is a nutrient that acts as fuel for the cells in your body, and it can help with addiction. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is a vital part of the human body’s biochemistry. Experts believe therapy involving NAD may help some improve their physical and mental health in the fight against addiction. If you’re interested, aNu Aesthetics™ & Optimal Wellness in Kansas City, MO can help you determine if NAD therapy is right for you.

Can NAD+ IV Therapy Help My Recovery?

What is NAD Therapy?

NAD+ is a coenzyme: a molecule found in the mitochondria of a body’s cells. This is the part of the cell where respiration and energy production occur. NAD is the main substance needed for repairing the mitochondria, so NAD is a nutrient important to the energy a human body uses, as it helps cells metabolize carbohydrates, fats and amino acids. NAD comes from foods that contain niacin or vitamin B3, such as beets, salmon, tuna and peanuts. Tryptophan is an amino acid that produces NAD and that is found in turkey, chicken and peanut butter. The human body cannot manufacture NAD on its own, so the only way to increase NAD levels is to consume nutrient-rich foods.

How Do NAD Levels Affect Health?

A balanced diet can lead to a high level of NAD, and, as a result, more energy and better metabolism. High levels of NAD assist with repairing DNA, maintaining cell health and improving the immunity system. However, eating more processed food or similar items that are lacking in nutrients can affect the amount of NAD in the body. The less nutritionally rich food a person eats, the lower a person’s NAD level will be. Alcohol and drug abuse also lower NAD levels. NAD levels can also drop as a person ages, largely because of oxidative stress.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress is a process that occurs when the body produces byproducts that are dangerous. As a body breathes or takes in food, these byproducts can negatively affect cells through a chemical reaction called oxidation. Energy can be reduced or wiped out as the health of the body’s cells is compromised by stress. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases can contribute to reducing NAD levels. Lower NAD levels and lower energy means a person’s mood could change quickly and with little to no warning. That would make them likely to feel stressed, overwhelmed or depressed and therefore more likely to return to abusing drugs or alcohol.

What Is NAD+ IV Therapy?

NAD+ IV therapy is a drug-free alternative to traditional addiction treatment, which often uses one drug to replace another. Addiction can affect how a human brain functions by damaging normal neural pathways in the brain. It can also create new neural pathways and contribute to lower energy levels in the body. This impact on the brain makes detox and overcoming drug and alcohol abuse even more difficult. This therapy uses an intravenous solution of NAD and other natural ingredients to heal those neural pathways. Increasing the amount of a body’s NAD repairs cells, assists brain function and improves energy. The result is an enhanced feeling of well-being, which is crucial in addiction treatment.

What Other Ways Would NAD Be Administered?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is available through daily tablet supplements, an injection, patch and a nasal spray. There are also NAD-infused creams, melts, chocolates and liquid. But the therapy is most effective when given in IV form. The IV method makes it easier for people who have difficulty absorbing the substance. The IV method is faster and more effective by getting larger doses of NAD directly into the bloodstream.

How Long Has NAD+ Therapy Been Used as a Treatment?

NAD+ therapy was first used in the 1950s to treat schizophrenia. By the 1960s, the therapy was used to help treat drug and alcohol addiction, where it saw some success. Recently, medical experts have used NAD therapy to treat anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and post-traumatic stress disorder. The results have been mixed so far, experts say, but NAD therapy could be a major player in managing those diseases.

Is NAD Therapy Right for Me?

Who Should Consider It?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment is for anyone who wants to quit using drugs and alcohol and is looking for a sustainable, drug-free detox method that offers additional health benefits. People who struggle with addiction and feel anxious, depressed and have low energy may benefit from NAD therapy. Typically, this treatment is for patients who are unable to enter long-term live-in treatment because of family or work obligations. Most ideal candidates have not undergone previous drug treatment and are looking for a holistic alternative to traditional methods. A positive attitude and determination to succeed are also needed.

How Does NAD Therapy Differ From Traditional Treatment?

The kinds of addiction that are treated with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide supplements include opioid and heroin addiction as well as alcohol abuse. The treatment is safe, and each patient is pre-screened by medical professionals. Any existing medical condition will be reviewed during the screening. Medications won’t be affected by NAD therapy unless they are narcotic medications. Traditional treatment methods often use other drugs like methadone and Suboxone to treat addiction. The drugs replace the ones a patient is trying to quit using. Sometimes this treatment is effective in treating severe addictions, but there is potential for abuse and relapse. With nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, there aren’t any drugs used.

What’s Involved in the Treatment?

NAD is administered through an IV drip. That allows doses of NAD and vitamins to go directly into the patient’s bloodstream. That’s preferable to tablets because the IV drip gets larger doses of NAD into the patient’s body faster. The dosage will depend on the patient and the drug, and it will likely vary from case to case. The average treatment time is 10 days. That usually gives the patient time to overcome the effects of withdrawal and gain mental clarity. They also may start other therapy methods meant to get to the root of the addiction and change their behaviors for the long term. That increases the chances of a successful, sustainable recovery.

What If I Need More Than 10 Days?

Sometimes, patients may be asked to continue NAD therapy treatment for longer than 10 days. Any treatment program will depend on each individual case and what the patient’s health and needs are, and changes would only be recommended if needed. Some patients take part in additional treatment methods.

Side Effects

Because nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide therapy is a medical treatment and addiction can still include side effects that are potentially serious health problems, it is essential that NAD therapy is conducted under medical supervision. There aren’t any side effects of NAD in particular, but it’s always necessary to have a doctor nearby because of the seriousness of addiction. There are some natural side effects. For example, if you receive NAD from tryptophan, you may get sleepy, as tryptophan typically makes people sleepy. While no one overdoses on vitamins, a person should always consult with our medical professionals with questions about NAD. Pregnant women should speak with their OBGYN before starting treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Using NAD+ Therapy?

Reduced Cravings

People who receive NAD therapy have reduced drug cravings, meaning they can detox from substance abuse in a safe and comfortable place. That not only increases the chance of long-term recovery, but it does so without the use of potentially habit-forming drugs. Once treatment is complete, there’s no need for drugs to prevent a person from falling back into addiction.

Reduced Drug Withdrawal Impact

Therapy helps remove addictive substances out of the patient’s body. That eases the withdrawal stage, which is often a stumbling block for those in recovery. There are no side effects like those common to traditional treatments, and physical health usually improves for those being treated. NAD therapy has also been shown to reduce the physical symptoms of withdrawal, such as nausea and fatigue.

Optimal Brain Function

As mentioned before, addiction causes issues with the chemistry of the brain. Higher NAD levels can repair cells and help improve brain function, which in turn allows the mind to think clearly. Returning to mental clarity allows a person to make rational decisions, gain self-awareness and address the root causes of addiction.

Higher Metabolism

Relying on drugs or alcohol for a time can affect a person’s energy and strength. Introducing more NAD into the body will raise energy levels and increase stamina. Patients also see improved sleep as their internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is normalized. Drug and alcohol abuse can upset a person’s circadian rhythm.

Cell Protection

An increase in the body’s NAD levels repairs cells, but it also protects cells. As mentioned before, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide helps repair the mitochondria of a cell. The mitochondria act as a battery for a cell, as this is where the energy is produced. Mitochondria take in nutrients, break down the nutrients and creates energy-rich molecules for the cell. Reducing the stress of oxidation is a byproduct of treatment and will go a long way to maintaining the health of the body’s cells.

Reducing Depression and Anxiety

Improved brain function and higher energy levels will impact a person’s mental and emotional state. Serotonin levels are raised as a result of the NAD treatment, which helps in enhancing a positive mood. Instead of receiving chemical messages from drugs that make a person feel good, that person will naturally feel good.

Other Health Benefits

As a result of the NAD therapy, patients have reported other health benefits. Some saw a reduction in chronic pain, lowering of inflammation and the alleviation of constipation. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide therapy is a natural alternative to traditional addiction treatment programs. Some patients may find additional benefits by combining NAD therapy with other well-known, holistic healing therapies such as massage, acupuncture and reiki. Those struggling with substance abuse should also look into mental health evaluations and ongoing treatment to help address underlying issues. Once treatment is complete, an aftercare plan will be created to help continue recovery.

What Should I Do Next?

If you are interested in learning how NAD+ therapy may help you, contact aNu Aesthetics™ & Optimal Wellness in Kansas City, Missouri today to speak with a specialist. You’ll learn about the process and we can evaluate your health and give you answers to any questions you may have. Drug and alcohol abuse doesn’t just affect the user. Addiction can dominate every part of life and touch everyone in it. Making the decision to get help may be the most important one a person can make.