webadminThe number of people dealing with substance use disorder (SUD) in the U.S. is staggering. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2017, 19.7 million American individuals aged 12 years or older struggled with an SUD. Therefore, it is pertinent that people dealing with addiction receive timely and appropriate treatment. A majority of treatment protocols start with a detox process which usually involves the use of medications to rid the body of toxic substances.
One alternative therapy in the holistic approach for substance abuse treatment is called natural assisted detox, nutritionally-assisted detox, amino acid therapy, or NAD therapy. NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a metabolic enzyme important for repairing the cells in the body.
Substance abuse usually leads to depleted levels of vitamins and proteins, thereby making this detox therapy an appropriate healing option. By replenishing vitamins and minerals, the patient experiences fewer withdrawal symptoms. As an enzyme, NAD plays a key role in creating energy. Certain cells in substance abusers may not have sufficient energy, which in turn may lead to other diseases. NAD helps to holistically restore functions such as cell restoration to combat these symptoms and expedites the healing process to better ensure a patient’s comfort during recovery.
How does NAD therapy work?
First used in the 1960s and developed since then, NAD treatment includes orally-administered amino acid supplements and intravenous-administered minerals which alleviate fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It normalizes stress levels, restores mental clarity, and renews a sense of wellbeing.
The intravenous delivery takes place over the course of several hours for a period of 10 to 14 days. Following a few days, patients often report improved cognitive clarity and up to an 80 percent improvement rate by day four. Each daily infusion must be completed for maximum effectiveness.
In addition to the NAD therapy, the patient should also undergo psychological counseling to ensure their detox and overall treatment is successful. The treatment can be used for treating addiction to a wide range of controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, benzodiazepines, and more.
Benefits of NAD therapy
NAD is both a natural and safe form of treatment that generates cellular energy. It is an activated form of vitamin B3 that has a number of potential benefits for patients, including greater attentiveness and clear-headedness.
Additionally, this form of detox has also shown to improve memory and concentration. After the administration of the therapy, an individual may feel emotionally more stable and experience an improved mood. NAD eliminates pathogens and therefore assists in eliminating diseases as well. Those who support the use of NAD often believe that it helps encourage patients to participate in effective therapies.
Adverse effects of NAD deficiencies
Increasing the levels of NAD enzyme through therapy, which were depleted due to substance abuse, is more likely to help avoid the negative consequences that may otherwise arise. According to Scott Rahway of Life Extension Magazine, low levels of NAD enzyme may increase the likelihood of inflammation of the blood vessels. This may lead to a heart attack or stroke as a result. Additionally, it is more likely that fat accumulates in the liver due to low NAD levels, which may lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Low NAD levels may also cause the body to produce fatty tissue more readily. Such a person may be more susceptible to loss of muscle strength and instances of fatigue. They may also be more prone to an increase in blood sugar levels as cells will not be as effective in removing glucose from the blood. A more natural means of increasing NAD levels is to limit the amount of calories in one’s diet. However, this method is more impractical than the modern infusion methods that are used today.
The road ahead
As NAD therapy continues to be studied in the medical field, future innovations related to it can be expected to be made. Emerging research states that it may be used to treat multiple sclerosis in the future. Therefore, new opportunities for improved immunity and regression of the disease may be possible. NAD treatment may also be used for a number of other conditions like obesity and jet lag. Due to its chemical-free components, NAD eliminates the possibility of forming a secondary or additional addiction and is therefore advantageous for opiate abusers.
If you or a loved one is battling an addiction to alcohol and are looking for reliable detox treatment centers, get in touch with Mind Health Network. Call our 24/7 helpline (866) 548-0190 and speak to a member from our admissions team to seek certified advice. Mind Health Network is associated with multiple treatment centers that offer NAD for patients in need of detox from drugs or alcohol. You can also chat online to a representative to avail customized world-class alcohol detox treatment at any of our state-of-the-art partner detox treatment rehabs in California.
