NAD IV Therapy: 7 Ways This Experimental Treatment Can Support Addiction Recovery

2. It Could Help Ease Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

When you’re going through withdrawal, your brain and body are trying to reset—and that takes a lot of energy. NAD IV therapy may help withdrawal symptoms³ by calming the brain, balancing your mood, and easing cravings. 

Balancing Chemicals Naturally

Substance use disrupts your brain’s natural chemical balance, and these effects can persist into early recovery. NAD IV therapy may help by supporting your brain’s ability to restore this balance naturally. Enhancing levels of NAD⁺ could help your systems maintain a healthier homeostasis⁵ during the healing process, giving your brain additional support when it needs it most.

3. It May Reduce Brain Fog and Increase Mental Clarity

It’s common to feel foggy or have trouble focusing during early recovery when your brain is working hard to heal and find balance again. NAD⁺ IV therapy may support this process by helping your brain cells get the energy they need. Some people say they think more clearly and feel more focused after getting NAD⁺ treatments.⁶

How NAD⁺ May Help Cognitive Health

NAD⁺ helps the brain work better by supporting healthy neurons and improving how they communicate. This can make it easier to concentrate, solve problems, and make everyday decisions. Feeling more clear-headed can build confidence and help you keep moving forward in your recovery.

4. NAD⁺ Repairs and Protects Your Cells

Addiction puts serious strain on your body and can affect your cellular health, slowing down how your cells repair and protect themselves. This strain affects your mitochondrial function,⁷ lowers your NAD⁺ levels, and increases oxidative stress, which can make you feel run-down. NAD IV therapy helps by boosting cellular energy, supporting DNA repair, and activating sirtuins: proteins that protect your cells.⁸ It’s like giving your body a fresh start at the cellular level so you can start to feel stronger, day by day.

Sirtuins help your cells stay healthy, especially when they’re under stress from addiction. NAD IV therapy may support your body’s natural ability to repair damage and manage oxidative stress.

5. It Could Have Anti-Aging Benefits

Substance use can accelerate aging processes, making you feel older than you are both mentally and physically. It can lower your NAD⁺ levels, damage cells, and slow down your body’s natural repair mechanisms. NAD IV infusions may help address some of these effects by potentially supporting processes like DNA repair, cellular function, and oxidative stress management.⁹ Some people report feeling more refreshed and restored after treatment, though individual results can vary.

6. It May Improve Nutrient Absorption

During active substance use, your digestive system can take a serious hit. Many people in recovery struggle to absorb nutrients from food, even when they’re eating regularly again. This can leave your body depleted and slow down the healing process.

NAD IV therapy may help your body bounce back by restoring cellular metabolism¹⁰—the process that turns food into usable energy. NAD⁺ is a coenzyme that helps your cells break down enzymes, proteins, and acids, so your body can better absorb and use nutrients. When NAD⁺ levels are low, that process doesn’t work as well.

By boosting NAD⁺ levels, NAD IV therapy may help your body extract more usable fuel from the food you eat—and that’s essential for healing. The essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you get from a recovery-friendly diet should support your gut health and brain function, giving your system what it needs to rebuild. A clearer mind and steadier energy levels can also support your treatment progress, as you’re able to be more present for your therapy sessions. 

7. It Directly Delivers Hydration and Nutrients

When you receive an intravenous infusion, your body can absorb fluids and nutrients more efficiently than through oral supplements. This direct delivery method may help with hydration and nutrient absorption, which is very important in early recovery when your body is working extra hard to heal itself.

The IV drip method delivers NAD⁺ directly into your bloodstream,¹¹ bypassing the digestive system entirely. This increases its bioavailability, meaning your body has immediate access, which allows the benefits of NAD IV treatment to take effect faster. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether this approach is appropriate for your personal recovery needs.

Side Effects of NAD⁺ Therapy

NAD IV therapy is generally safe when given by a medical professional like a nurse or doctor. Most people don’t have significant side effects, but some might feel a little warm, lightheaded, or have a headache during or after the IV infusion; these usually go away quickly. One meta-study on the safety of NAD therapy¹² found:

All studies showed some side effects, thus, the most common associated with NADs use are muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and headaches.

If you’re concerned about side effects of NAD⁺, your healthcare provider should be able to answer any questions you have and advise a treatment plan that’s the right fit for you. 

A Natural Step Toward Feeling Better

NAD IV therapy is an experimental treatment that some people use as a supportive therapy during recovery. While research is still limited, some people find it significantly benefits their healing process.

If you’re interested in exploring comprehensive treatment options, consider finding an addiction program that offers a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. Your care team can help you decide if NAD therapy should be a part of your recovery plan. 

FAQs

Q: What is NAD IV therapy for?

A: NAD IV therapy is used to boost your NAD+ levels, which helps with things like energy production, mental clarity, DNA repair, and overall cellular health. It may be helpful during addiction recovery, and people also use it for anti-aging, fighting chronic fatigue, and improving well-being.

Q: Are NAD infusions worth it?

A: Many people say yes, although the research is limited. NAD infusions can make you feel more energized, focused, and balanced by supporting your body at the cellular level. If you’re dealing with cravings, tiredness, or brain fog, anecdotal evidence suggests that it might be a great option to help you bounce back naturally. However, more robust studies are needed to show its efficacy.

Q: Is NAD IV therapy safe?

A: When it’s done by a trained nurse practitioner or doctor, NAD IV therapy is considered safe, although more research is needed in this area. It uses ingredients already found in your body and has been studied for use in many medical conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders and age-related issues.

Q: Does NAD IV therapy really work?

 A: For many people, it helps increase energy levels, boost brain function, reduce oxidative stress, and even support weight management. It works with your body’s natural systems to help you feel better inside and out.

Q: What can I expect to feel after an NAD IV drip?

A: After an NAD IV drip, some people may notice better focus and less fatigue right away, while others feel the changes over a few days. Some people also report feeling more awake, motivated, and clear-headed.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: Side effects are rare, but you might feel tired, flushed, or nauseous for a short time after your session. Drinking water before and after your IV drip can help ease those effects and support hydration.

Q: How long does an NAD IV therapy session take?

A: Most sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your treatment plan. The first one might take longer, and after that, the time may decrease. 

Q: How often should I get NAD IV therapy?

A: It depends on your goals. Some people go weekly or a few times a month, especially during recovery or high-stress times. A medical professional can help create a schedule that fits your needs and overall health.

Q: How much does NAD IV therapy cost?

A: Prices vary, but a single NAD treatment can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on where you live and what’s included. Some places offer packages or discounts, so it’s worth asking about accessibility and options if it is a treatment that you want to explore.