Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction are on the rise, with opioid use reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, and no sign of decline on the horizon. There are any number of reasons why people begin to abuse drugs and alcohol, but most users do not start out with the intention of becoming an addict. Addiction to drugs and alcohol affects not only the abuser, but it causes pain and heartache to loved ones, destroys careers, and creates enormous social and medical burdens for all of us as a society.
Attempts to combat addiction have been ongoing for decades, with only a modicum of success. Traditional approaches to treatment include dry-out clinics, drug therapy, 12-step programs and other interventions that often only work for a short period of time. The nature of addiction makes it difficult for an individual to stay sober, because the craving for an addictive substance is biologically driven.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is a coenzyme that is present in every cell in your body. It plays an important role in the series of chemical events that converts fats and carbohydrates to energy. NAD+ works within your cells’ mitochondria to manufacture ATP, the energy molecule that enables cells to perform their various functions. When NAD+ levels are depleted, energy production is impaired, and you may feel fatigued and mentally unfocused.
NAD+ has gained popularity in recent years as an anti-aging agent because of its ability to rejuvenate cells and restore mitochondrial function. Mitochondria can become damaged by certain environmental toxins, including cigarette smoke, drugs, excess alcohol and a variety of chemicals, including parabens and pesticides. Even free radicals produced during energy metabolism can cause oxidative damage to mitochondria.
How NAD+ Helps Treat Addiction
Over time, drug and alcohol abuse alter the brain’s cellular makeup, doing damage to cells and neurotransmitters. When an alcoholic or drug addict stops ingesting the addictive substance, the brain needs to adapt to its absence. Part of the adaptation process involves the repair of neurotransmitters and the restoration of neural connections. Until the restoration process is complete, cravings for the addictive substance persist.
NAD+ therapy helps repair damaged brain cells and rebuild neurotransmitters, restoring a state of balance in the brain and increasing energy. Addicts who undergo NAD+ therapy experience a greater sense of wellbeing, improved cognition, reduced cravings and less severe withdrawal symptoms.
Advantages of NAD+ Therapy
Compared to other treatment methods, NAD+ therapy acts quickly, with a significant reduction in withdrawal symptoms and physical cravings often seen within a few days. Early success can provide motivation for the addict to continue their pursuit of sobriety. Moreover, unlike some treatment methods, NAD+ therapy is natural and non-addictive, so the addict is not simply trading one addiction for another.
NAD+ Therapy in NYC
If you are ready to put your drug or alcohol addiction behind you so you can get your life back on track, contact Advanced Cryo NYC in historic SoHo. An NAD+ therapy session takes about an hour, and you will begin to feel better soon after your session. Regular NAD+ therapy sessions can help you stay the course of your recovery program while your body and brain heal from drug and alcohol abuse.
