Intravenous Administration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Significantly Reduces Self Report Craving Ratings Associated With Opiate and Alcohol Withdrawal*

Craving Study Introduction

moleculesTreatment of substance abuse disorders continues to challenge clinicians, and “cravings” for the abused substance are often impediments to sobriety (the “rehab/relapse cycle”). However, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) has demonstrated anti-craving properties, and previous data from this clinic support the use of NAD+ as a valid treatment for drug cravings. This pilot study retrospectively examined the anti-craving properties of NAD+ in a group of 60 patients. Additionally, patients were assessed on severity of cravings and relapse episodes at 12-20 months post treatment.

Another graph of cravings study
Results of craving study
Graph of cravings study
Cravings study graph

Method

The patients were adult males and females with addictions to primarily opiates or alcohol (N=60). (Six patients had incomplete data.) The treatment, Brain Restoration Plus (BR+) consisted of IV infusions of NAD+ along with vitamins, oral amino acids, NAC and variable PRN medications for an average of 10 consecutive days ranging from 5 to 10 hours daily at a dose range of 500mg-1500mg each day. Self-reported craving ratings (0-10 Scale) came in on Day 1 (before starting treatment), Day 5, and on Day 10 (last day of treatment). Follow up phone surveys were also conducted from 12-20 months post treatment (N= 27). Patients reported severity of cravings (1-5) and number of relapse episodes at the present time.

Conclusion

NAD+ is an effective detox treatment for alcohol as well as opiate addicts as evidenced by a significant reduction in craving ratings. On top of this, NAD+ was effective in reducing and maintaining the number of relapse episodes, as well as severity of drug cravings. NAD+ shows potential as a long-term therapy in maintaining sobriety through minimizing drug cravings and also preventing relapse.

* S. L. BROOM1, R. MESTAYER2, E. STULLER3, D. COOK4, J. CARSON2, K. SIMONE2, P. NORRIS2, P. HOTARD21 Dept Psychol, William Carey Univ., Hattiesburg, MS; 2Springfield Wellness Center, Springfield, LA; 3Stullerresettings, LLC; 4ABAM.SoberMD,LLC

Acknowledgements: Thank you to Springfield Wellness Center for providing patient data. Thank you to William Carey University for providing a Professional Development Grant in support of this project.