
NAD THERAPY
ABOUT NAD THERAPY
NAD+ is “Cellular Fuel” and is produced by the body in high levels during your early years when your body is growing, however your body produces very little by the time you’re 30. Have you ever noticed how children can be little sponges of neuroplasticity, with the ability to learn multiple languages, grasp mathematical principles they’ll never use again, and learn to play musical instruments? But adults fall into the trap of “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”.
As a person abuses drugs and alcohol, their natural amount of NAD is depleted. This makes it more difficult for them to convert the energy that is broken down from food. It is even speculated that people who naturally produce less NAD are more likely to develop an addiction and potentially a co-occurring disorder. Other reasons the body’s natural reserve of NAD would be depleted are:
Post-traumatic stress
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
Alzheimer’s
Parkinson’s
Neurodegenerative diseases
Aging
All of these co-occurring disorders can drain one’s energy, and there are many ways to boost NAD in the body by exercising; eating vitamin-rich foods; fasting; eating protein; eating raw foods. Many of these practices are introduced to people in treatment for substance abuse disorders. For instance, yoga and fitness centers are available to encourage healthy lifestyle practices, boost endorphins and will produce lost NAD. Dietary plans can include vitamin-rich foods to boost dopamine and can produce NAD in the brain. Most patients need roughly 6 to 10days of infusion to feel effects. Oftentimes, individuals enjoy the pleasant feelings, they are less inclined to abuse substances.
In NAD Therapy, the co-enzyme is placed in an IV and slowly dripped into the bloodstream. This allows the substance to bypass the stomach (where analgesic medication breaks down) and travel directly to the brain. This provides the individual with a boost of energy, providing enhanced mood and awareness, as the energy they get is now from their natural sources, not other substances. It has also been claimed to slow the aging process. These benefits have opened the door for clinics to use it as a luxury, like a spa treatment.
Advertising it as an all-natural, mood-elevating, no-crash, anti-aging energy booster, clinics are selling to people who have not suffered an addiction of any kind. It is advertised as a therapeutic treatment to give them more energy and reverse aging. This procedure isn’t as lengthy as someone looking for rehabilitation and can be sold as a regular treatment appointment, receiving a “top off” every 6 to 8 weeks
It has been determined that the excessive use of drugs and alcohol will deplete the body’s natural stores of NAD. Because of this, the brain cannot receive the same energy it usually would from breaking down food. NAD Therapy floods the brain with the co-enzyme to replenish its stores, providing three key effects.
It flushes out all of the drugs that are still in the user’s system.
Reduces withdrawal effects, which can be extremely difficult and uncomfortable to tolerate.
It curbs the cravings for alcohol and Opioids and lessens the pain of withdrawal, making recovery easier physically and mentally.
It allows the body to produce energy more naturally, without a crash or jitters like caffeine and sugar or the negative effects that come with other substances.
Length of sessions vary depending on severity of the addiction and what the clinic recommends. After the initial session, follow ups will be scheduled 1 to 2 months later. These sessions can continue at the discretion of the prescribing clinic.
NAD has shown to have many benefits, but the length of time that it has been on the market leaves much to the unknown. As far as physicians can see, regular boosters are required to maintain the effects, but the long-term effects have yet to be tested. It must also be stated that this isn’t a miraculous cure. While NAD has been seen to greatly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and Opioids, it still can’t do the work alone. Individuals may need other medications to assist, or other types of treatments offered in facilities. Contact a treatment professional to discover options.