NAD Therapy Treatment Benefits for Addiction Recovery Detox
If you have found our resource, it is likely not news to you: NAD therapy for addiction is gaining attention as a possible method of supporting people during key physical and emotional stages of recovery.
Withdrawal symptoms, intense cravings, and mental issues cause people in early recovery to feel overwhelmed with the first steps to sobriety. Long-term commitment to recovery is necessary for an effective program.
Regular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) therapy sessions may help clients in recovery maintain health and well-being after detoxification.
While Ingrained Recovery remains focused on time-proven therapies and medication-assisted treatment, we are also open to integrating holistic treatments to restore depleted brain chemistry, especially when emerging science supports that decision.
If you or a loved one struggles with abusing substances, especially alcohol, you may benefit from this intravenous therapy as part of a customized treatment plan.
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What Is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide NAD and Why Does It Matter in Addiction?
Chronic alcohol abuse depletes NAD levels in the body, making recovery more challenging. NAD therapy is a complementary IV administration approach and works best when integrated with traditional addiction treatments.
Medical professionals agree that NAD infusions may help restore liver function and boost immunity during the recovery process from alcohol addiction. As an added benefit, patients undergoing NAD+ therapy often report improved mood and energy levels, aiding in their recovery from alcohol addiction.
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How Low NAD Levels Contribute to Substance Dependence and Cravings
Ongoing substance abuse places extreme stress on the body at the cellular level. Repeated alcohol and drug abuse interrupts the body’s natural energy production. It eventually interferes with the brain’s ability to regulate mood and stay motivated. Research suggests that NAD levels may result from the body working harder to metabolize toxins and repair tissue damage.
When nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide becomes depleted, brain function can decline, contributing to:
- Mental fog
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Emotional stability
- Impulse control
- Physical exhaustion
- Sleep loss
Low NAD levels disrupt cellular communication throughout the brain and body. It can also lead to changes in dopamine signaling, triggering discomfort during withdrawal. NAD therapy may improve mood and energy levels. Still, it’s not a cure for addiction and should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Role of Cellular Energy in Addiction Recovery Detox
The first days of early recovery are physically demanding. The body is working to eliminate toxins while also repairing the damage addiction has caused to the body. Cellular energy plays a crucial role in this process, as it’s necessary for liver repair and brain function.
What Are the Benefits of Integrating NAD as a Treatment Option During Detox?

Integrating NAD therapy into a structured addiction recovery program may provide benefits. Because it is an essential in metabolic processes, it supports energy production on a cellular level. This support is especially important during detox and early recovery, when the body feels intense stress.
NAD also supports DNA repair and works with essential vitamins to assist in tissue healing. When the IV treatment is paired with good nutrition and hydration, it may assist the body’s ability to stabilize.
Some people may feel more stamina, reduce cravings, and start feeling more hopeful about life. These are just a few of the many benefits possible with NAD therapy paired with traditional addiction treatment, including individual therapy and support groups.
NAD Therapy Supports Brain Repair During Addiction Treatment
Substance abuse affects more than behavior. It also alters the brain chemistry. Long-term alcohol or drug use can interfere with normal brain signals and disrupt natural rhythms.
NAD has a critical role in supporting the brain’s cellular repair functionality. Studies show that NAD assists mitochondrial function and metabolic processes, which supports brain function during the first days of treatment. The enhanced mental stability can help clients focus on therapy and better absorb educational material.
Some find it easier to manage their emotions, reflect on their addiction honestly, and develop healthy coping strategies and life skills that will lead to long-term sobriety.
How NAD Therapy May Shorten the Timeline of Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
People often describe the first few weeks of recovery as overwhelming. Acute withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, tremors, mood swings, and sleep disruption take an emotional and physical toll on the body.
NAD therapy does not replace the hard work that clients must do in therapy. However, replenishing low NAD levels may help stabilize metabolic processes more efficiently, helping the liver flush the toxins that contribute to the most persistent withdrawal symptoms.
NAD Therapy May Improve Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function After Substance Use
“Brain fog,” a cognitive impairment, is common in early recovery. Clients often struggle with attention, memory, and making good decisions. These challenges can interfere with therapy participation and self-confidence.
Because NAD supports healthy metabolic activity in the brain, it can improve cellular communication. That can lead to more mental clarity and an improved focus on reaching recovery goals and actively planning for the future.
Improved focus can also help them reflect on the importance of lifestyle changes. These decisions may include adopting balanced nutrition, supplementation with specific amino acids, exercising to alleviate stress, and following through with the treatment plan.
Replenishing Cellular Energy to Stabilize the Nervous System
An addition to drugs or alcohol leads to prolonged stress on the nervous system, leaving the body in a constant “fight or flight” state. The heightened nervous system can affect sleep, mood, and cravings.
NAD therapy supports cellular energy, which may lower stress response. The nervous system requires metabolic support to function well. Stabilization on a cellular level can mean improved emotional balance and physical regulation.
The Science Behind NAD Therapy for Opioid, Alcohol, and Drug Addiction

Researchers continue to study how NAD supports brain repair, energy balance, and neurological recovery, including conducting clinical studies examining its potential role in substance use treatment. They find that addiction impacts multiple organ systems, so replenishing NAD may support a better recovery experience.
Ongoing research is underway, but early clinical observations suggest that this IV therapy can be an excellent holistic treatment when combined with psychotherapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and behavioral health support.
NAD Therapy as a Complement to Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Programs
Recovery requires medical stabilization, psychological support, and lifestyle changes. NAD therapy can assist clients in reaching their goals. Programs that include psychiatric care, peer support, and medication management provide a strong foundation for making permanent changes. Adding a holistic modality like NAD therapy can add value to the recovery program.
Safety, Side Effects, and Clinical Considerations of NAD Therapy

NAD therapy should always be administered by licensed healthcare providers, where the controlled environment helps to ensure safety and effectiveness. The doctor will review each client’s medications, supplements, and underlying health issues, including physical well-being, anxiety, and depression.
Potential side effects of NAD therapy are not well-documented, and ongoing research is needed to clarify its safety and efficacy.
One study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that some people experience temporary discomfort at the infusion site. Other side effects can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
What to Expect During NAD Therapy Treatment for Addiction Recovery Detox
During a typical NAD session, clients receive intravenous therapy over a few hours. Medical professionals monitor clients for comfort and safety throughout the process.
At Ingrained Recovery, we combine NAD therapy for addiction with nutritional support and counseling, following research proving that a diet rich in whole foods is superior for DNA repair and to improve brain function.
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Start Your Effective Recovery Journey and Enjoy Better Mental Health
If you’re ready to get help, contact the mental healthcare professionals at Ingrained Recovery in Eastman, GA. We provide tailored treatment plans to address the needs of each person we treat, including setting short- and long-term recovery goals and considering NAD therapy.
Our treatment center will take a holistic approach to treat addiction and any underlying mental health conditions contributing to the substance use disorder. Whether you have a problem with alcoholism, opioids, methamphetamine, or other substances, our team is here to help.
Stop the struggle today. Reach out to our admissions department for free, confidential information today.
References Cited
- (2024). NAD therapy for addiction: What to know. WebMD.
- (n.d.). NAD+ depletion: The role of age, metabolic stress, and disease in NAD+ decline. AboutNAD.
- Hwang, E. S. (2020). Possible adverse effects of high-dose nicotinamide: Mechanisms and safety assessment. Biomolecules, 10(5), Article 687.
- Zhao, Y., Zhang, J., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, X. J., Wang, H., Du, Y., Guan, J., Wang, X., & Fu, J. (2021). NAD+ improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation by ameliorating mitochondrial damage and decreasing ROS production in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion models through Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 18(207).
- Jiwani, R. (2022). Effect of dietary intake through whole foods on cognitive function: Review of randomized controlled trials. Current Nutrition Reports.
- NAD Clinic. (n.d.). Reducing stress at a cellular level: How NAD can help. NAD Clinic.
- Blum, K., Gondré-Lewis, M. C., Baron, D., Thanos, P. K., Braverman, E. R., Neary, J., & Gold, M. S. (2022). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and substance use disorder: From biochemical mechanisms to clinical applications. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 912293.