Does IV Drip Therapy Really Help With Detox and Recovery?

IV drip therapy is a new—and controversial—way to treat addiction. Treatment is just what it sounds like: clients receive vitamins and nutrients intravenously. The goal is to speed up detox, and help with ongoing addiction recovery. And while it sounds promising, there’s some debate about whether it actually works.

Some experts say it relieves the symptoms of detox and withdrawal. It might also ease the other physical side effects of addiction. But many doctors call for more evidence, saying this treatment isn’t worth its high price. You can try IV drip therapy at several rehab centers—but make sure you understand the pros and cons before you get started.

What Is IV Drip Therapy?

During this treatment, a medical professional administers a vitamin solution through an IV.¹ These solutions consist of various vitamins and minerals, like amino acids, vitamin C and B, NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and more. You’ll sit and relax for 30-60 minutes while the infusion enters your system. Different rehabs offer various types of IV drip therapy. They might even tailor each treatment to address your specific symptoms.

Vitamin Infusions

In vitamin IV therapy, you’ll receive a specific combination of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Various treatments can target different physical symptoms. For example, studies show that the Myer’s Cocktail, a mixture of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C, helps prevent migraines, fatigue, and respiratory issues.² If you have more specialized concerns, FHE Health offers customized vitamin IV infusions.³

NAD+ Treatments

NAD+ is a naturally occurring coenzyme. It heals and creates new cells, effectively boosting your energy levels. It also protects against stress. Experts say that NAD+ IV therapy alleviates detox symptoms.⁴

Some providers also use it to treat mental health issues. The Sanctuary at Sedona offers NAD+ therapy to clients with depression, PTSD, and anxiety, as well as addiction. Mary L. Deluca, psychiatrist and Medical Director, says that treatment improves clients’ cognition, energy levels, and sleep habits.⁵

Is IV Drip Treatment Effective?

The effectiveness of IV drip therapy is up for debate.¹ People usually get enough vitamins from a balanced diet, and adding extra vitamins may not actually boost your health. On the other hand, some experts recommend it for detox and addiction recovery.

Reported Benefits of IV Drip Therapy

Some rehabs recommend IV therapy during recovery, especially during detox and withdrawal. Treatment may also help you heal from the physical impacts of addiction. Supporters of IV drip therapy cite several positive effects.

• The nutrients in vitamin IV therapies improve digestive health.⁶ At The Holistic Sanctuary, providers use this treatment to restore levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. And serotonin is essential for both digestion and the feeling of happiness.⁷
• NAD+ therapy reduces cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.⁴ It’s especially effective for people in recovery from alcohol or opioid addiction.
• IV drip therapy improves hydration.⁸ Whether your infusion contains NAD+, nutrients, or other vitamins, the saline solution will have a similar effect. This can be especially helpful if you’re healing from ongoing dehydration due to alcohol addiction.⁹ For these clients, rehydration may improve brain function.

Experts Call for Evidence

Like most treatments, IV drip therapy has pros and cons.¹ And some experts think it doesn’t work at all. Columbia University professor Dr. Ariel Igal calls it “the placebo effect.” Others say it has unnecessary risks.

• “There’s no actual data” to support IV drip therapy, addiction psychiatrist Emily Zarse told NPR. And any experimental treatment may have unforeseen side effects.¹⁰
• Excessive vitamin intake can be dangerous.¹ Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamins C and B, don’t stay in the body. The excess is immediately flushed from your system, making treatment a waste. But excess fat-soluble vitamins— like A, D, and E—are stored in the body for longer periods of time. And they can be harmful in large amounts.
• The high cost of IV treatments probably won’t be covered by your insurance.¹ The FDA has yet to approve this type of therapy. And each 30-60 minute session can cost $100—or much more.

Fitting IV Therapy Into Your Recovery Plan

As controversial as vitamin infusions are, they’re very helpful for some clients. But this treatment is just one way to approach recovery. If you’re interested in IV therapy, talk to your medical providers about whether it’s safe for you.

Use Recovery.com to compare treatment options at rehabs, including their pricing, insurance coverage, and other complementary therapies.