Addiction treatment in the United States has long been defined by relapse, revolving-door admissions, and outdated clinical models that struggle to address the complex neurological and emotional roots of substance dependency. But in Los Angeles, a breakthrough program is fundamentally reshaping what recovery can look like—one that merges medical science, advanced neuromodulation, and deep psychological healing with unprecedented results. At the center of this transformation is Dr. Austin Harris, a physician whose innovative protocol is achieving an extraordinary 80% sobriety rate at eight months, compared to the 10% national average for standard inpatient rehabilitation programs.
Developed and directed by Dr. Austin Harris at NeuroRelief Ketamine® & Infusion Therapy in Sherman Oaks, California, this concierge outpatient program represents one of the most significant evolutions in addiction medicine to emerge in decades. The initiative blends cutting-edge infusion therapy, real-time physiological tailoring, and trauma-informed psychological support into a cohesive model that addresses addiction as both a neurobiological and emotional condition. What results is a comprehensive treatment pipeline that not only facilitates detoxification, but repairs the very neural pathways that have been hijacked by addiction.
A Program Unlike Any Other in the World
According to the initial program announcement, the protocol designed by Dr. Austin Harris is the only one of its kind globally—distinguished by its combination of ketamine therapy, NAD+ infusions, mindful cognitive behavior technique and mindfulness-based training, Certified Integration & Recovery Coaching, and a technological innovation known as the Ascent Sparrow Device. This non-invasive device stimulates the vagus nerve through the skin around the ear, helping significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the severe physiological effects suffered by individuals detoxing from opiates.
Traditional inpatient programs frequently rely on a linear progression—detox first, often by just weaning to a different, long-acting opiate like suboxone, therapy second. But Dr. Austin Harris challenges this model, citing that high relapse rates reflect a “fundamental flaw” in how conventional treatment conceptualizes addiction. Rather than viewing detox as an isolated physical step, he integrates neurological stabilization, emotional safety, and cognitive clarity right from the beginning, making detox both smoother and more therapeutically meaningful.
The Sparrow Device plays a pivotal role in this shift. By reducing withdrawal-related distress, patients can enter therapeutic work earlier and without the debilitating anxiety, pain, and physical cravings that often trigger relapse before treatment even begins. This neuromodulation technology, paired with infusion-based therapy, creates a stable physiological environment—a cornerstone of the program’s exceptional outcomes.
Ketamine & NAD+: Modern Tools for Brain Repair
Much of the program’s success stems from its medical foundation. Ketamine, once known primarily as an anesthetic, is now widely recognized in mental health and addiction research for its ability to rapidly modulate glutamate receptors, increase neural plasticity, and interrupt harmful neurological patterns. But what differentiates NeuroRelief® is the precision with which ketamine is used.
Each infusion is adjusted in real time by Dr. Austin Harris, whose background in anesthesiology and psychedelic-assisted therapy enables him to tailor dosing based on subtle changes in the patient’s physiology and mental state. This individualized approach avoids the “one-size-fits-all” problem that plagues many ketamine clinics and ensures that each session optimizes neural rewiring and experiential value without overstimulation.
Alongside ketamine, simultaneous NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) infusions support mitochondrial repair, energy metabolism, and neuro-regeneration. This biochemical boost is particularly important for individuals recovering from chronic substance use, as addiction is known to deplete the brain’s natural healing mechanisms. NAD+ accelerates cognitive restoration, improves mood stability, and helps restore the brain’s reward system—an essential factor in preventing relapse.
Together, ketamine and NAD+ form a synergistic biological foundation upon which long-term recovery is built.
Healing Trauma Without Re-Traumatizing
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Dr. Austin Harris’ program is its emphasis on trauma-informed care. Addictive behaviors often stem from unresolved emotional wounds, anxiety disorders, and depression. Yet traditional detox-focused programs rarely address these underlying issues early enough to influence lasting change.
The NeuroRelief® model integrates between-infusion integration coaching, a form of guided psychological support that helps patients process insights from their ketamine sessions in a safe, controlled manner. This avoids the risk of re-traumatization while gently allowing long-buried emotional conflicts to resurface and resolve.
Patients are taught mindfulness-based cognitive strategies, breathing techniques, and self-regulation tools, enabling them to replace compulsive patterns with healthier cognitive and emotional habits. By strengthening these neural circuits, the program restores the brain’s natural ability to experience reward—something that chronic addiction often erodes.
A Concierge-Level Model Built for Real Life
Unlike inpatient programs that require patients to uproot their lives, Dr. Austin Harris has intentionally designed an outpatient model that supports daily functioning. Research and clinical observations indicate that learning healthy habits within one’s normal environment drastically improves long-term success rates. The ability to remain connected to work, family, and routine responsibilities reinforces the psychological continuity needed for lasting recovery.
Each patient undergoes a thorough initial evaluation to map out their physiological, emotional, and neurological needs. From there, protocols are dynamically adjusted throughout treatment. This highly personalized approach reflects a “whatever it takes” ethos—one that redefines patient-centered care.
Importantly, Dr. Austin Harris and his team maintain concierge-level accessibility, in real-time, ensuring that no patient ever feels alone in moments of emotional vulnerability or uncertainty. This degree of support is rare in the addiction treatment landscape and contributes significantly to the program’s high success rate.
Addressing Barriers to Access
Historically, advanced addiction treatment has been financially out of reach for many individuals. NeuroRelief® counters this by offering flexible financing options and ensuring that credit scores do not prevent anyone from receiving care. This commitment to accessibility aligns with Dr. Austin Harris’ broader mission: to make scientifically grounded, compassionate treatment available to individuals who may have been failed by traditional programs.
The clinic’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. NeuroRelief Ketamine® & Infusion Therapy was named a Top Addiction Treatment Company for 2024 by Healthcare Business Review—a recognition that underscores the impact of this novel approach.
A New Standard for the Future of Addiction Care
The launch of this program marks a turning point in how medical professionals may approach addiction treatment going forward. By integrating neuromodulation, advanced infusion therapy, trauma-informed psychological care, and concierge support, Dr. Austin Harris has created a paradigm in which recovery is not just possible but sustainable.
As the national addiction crisis continues to evolve, the methods pioneered at NeuroRelief® offer a glimpse into a future where treatment is more personalized, more scientifically sophisticated, and far more effective than what has historically been available.
In a field too often defined by hopelessness, Dr. Austin Harris brings renewed optimism—anchored in data, compassion, and a steadfast belief that recovery should be attainable for everyone.
