‘Opiate Freedom Center’ Fails to Respond to NAD Inquiry, Ad Claims for ‘Detox,’ ‘Withdrawl’ Referred to FTC

New York, NY – Nov. 6, 2017  – The National Advertising Division has referred advertising claims made by the “Opiate Freedom Center,” which markets “Opiate Freedom Center Dietary Supplement Systems,” to the Federal Trade Commission after the company failed to respond to an inquiry from the National Advertising Division.

NAD is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

As part of its ongoing monitoring practice, NAD requested that the advertiser provide substantiation for claims that included:

The Ultimate Recovery System:

• Three high potency supplements containing a synergistic blend of twenty-three natural vitamins, minerals, herbs and essential amino acids formulated for your mind, body and emotions during detox and withdrawal.

Benefits:

• Effective At-Home Relief
• Promotes Recovery
• Speed Your Detox
• High Quality Nutrients

The Freedom 5-Pack:

• “For Those Looking for the Most Complete Natural Supplement Solution Available for a Body & Mind Depleted By Drugs
• “Helps You Naturally Replenish Needed Nutrients!”
• “The Opiate Freedom Centers all-natural supplements were developed to naturally replenish depleted nutrients during opiate detox and withdrawal. It gives you the RIGHT nutrients, in the RIGHT amounts at the RIGHT times.”

“Testimonials:

• “I totally kicked opiates! … Your method really works.”- Suzy (10/31/2014)”
  Facebook:  “Here’s what everyone is talking about… 5 natural supplements designed to ease withdrawals and shorten detox after recovery from opiate addiction. Check us out if you’re looking for a natural and effective solution to your lasting recovery from prescription drugs.”

The advertiser failed to file a substantive written response or provide any evidence to

substantiate the challenged claims. Given the potential impact of these claims, NAD was disappointed that the advertiser declined to participate in the self-regulatory forum’s inquiry into the truth and accuracy of these claims.

After repeated attempts to engage the advertiser in the self-regulatory process, and based on its failure to file a substantive written response, NAD has referred this matter to the FTC for further review.

Note: A recommendation by NAD to modify or discontinue a claim is not a finding of wrongdoing and an advertiser’s voluntary discontinuance or modification of claims should not be construed as an admission of impropriety. It is the policy of NAD not to endorse any company, product, or service. Decisions finding that advertising claims have been substantiated should not be construed as endorsements.