WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leading dietary supplement trade associations have come out with a caution that supplements cannot be considered a treatment for opioid addiction and abuse -- accompanied by a reminder that federal law does not allow dietary supplements to claim to treat or cure any disease.

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the Natural Products Association (NPA), and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) are therefore endorsing the following unified advisory for manufacturers, marketers and retailers, as well as for consumers, of dietary supplements:
  • Retailers of dietary supplements, including online retail portals, should refuse to stock or sell any dietary supplements that claim to treat or cure opioid use disorder or addiction or claim to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
  • Manufacturers, marketers and retailers should refrain from promoting any dietary supplement as a cure or treatment for these conditions.
  • Anyone in need of treatment for opioid abuse or addiction should contact a healthcare professional immediately. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has information on currently available effective medical treatments.
Many dietary supplements have much to offer in terms of enhancing general well-being, providing essential nutrients and promoting good nutrition. Therapies for the treatment of opioid use disorder or addiction should only be recommended by qualified healthcare professionals or public health authorities.

The organizations supporting this advisory represent the majority of dietary supplement ingredient suppliers, manufacturers and product marketers. Each of the associations and its member companies remain committed to providing the American public with high-quality products for supporting personal health and wellness, and empowering self-care choices, when appropriate.