‘It’s not ethical and it’s not medical’: how UK rehab clinics are cashing in on NAD+

They are beloved by A-listers and surging in popularity. But claims that NAD+ infusions are a fix for addiction are unproven, risky – and possibly illegal, an Observer investigation reveals

A recent investigation by The Observer has raised serious concerns about UK rehab clinics promoting NAD+ infusions as a cure for addiction, despite a lack of scientific evidence and potential legal issues. NAD+, a derivative of vitamin B3, has surged in popularity. Now, private clinics across the UK are marketing it as a “miracle” treatment for substance misuse, charging up to £2,800 for programs billed as alternatives to traditional rehab.

Experts warn that claims of NAD+ aiding detox or recovery are unproven and risky, with some calling the benefits a placebo effect at best. Clinics like NADclinic and Rehab Clinics Group have touted high success rates and “painless” detoxes, yet the science remains shaky—animal studies hint at potential, but human evidence is lacking. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS England have distanced themselves, stating NAD+ isn’t regulated or used in public health settings, while the General Medical Council emphasizes treatments must be evidence-based.

Critics, including addiction specialists, argue these clinics exploit vulnerable people with flashy marketing and little oversight. Some providers have backtracked—Contral Clinics shut down its NAD+ offerings, and NADclinic clarified its detox program is only available in South Africa after scrutiny. The investigation highlights a broader ethical crisis: as demand for addiction treatment grows, unregulated clinics are cashing in, leaving desperate patients at risk.

Read the full article here https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/23/its-not-ethical-and-its-not-medical-how-uk-rehab-clinics-are-cashing-in-on-nad

NADclinic describes the detoxes it offers as being ‘virtually painless’.