Opiate withdrawal or dependence are serious and difficult health issues that take time, hard work, and should be addressed with help from a medical professional. Sometimes people will consider a dietary supplement in the hope of getting faster, cheaper help – and there are opiate withdrawal or detox supplements on the market that promise fast results and a path to being drug-free. But, based on the FTC’s past experience, such promises can’t be taken at face value.

In fact, the FTC just announced today that it stopped Catlin Enterprises, Inc., and the company’s owner and CEO George Catlin, from misleading consumers with deceptive claims. They said that their dietary supplement products, Withdrawal Ease and Recovery Ease, helped symptoms of opiate withdrawal and increased the chances that someone could overcome opiate dependency. But they didn’t have the required scientific evidence to back up their claims that either Withdrawal Ease or Recovery Ease did any of those things.

Under their settlement with the FTC, the defendants cannot make any claims that their products treat or cure any disease unless they have the evidence to back that up. The order also imposes a $6 million judgment, which is suspended due to the defendants’ inability to pay.

If someone you know is tempted to use supplements to beat opiate withdrawal, remember that this is a very serious health issue. Suggest that your friend or family member speak with a health provider about overcoming opiate dependence or addiction. There are effective medical and therapy-based treatments that could help. For more information, visit the National Institutes of Health’s resources for drug abuse treatment. And check out our article for helpful questions to ask a health provider before taking any dietary supplement.