Cravings Study

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

Craving Study Introduction

Treatment 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.

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.