Acupuncture Therapy for Addiction
Addiction can manifest differently from person to person. Each person with a substance use disorder has a specific treatment plan that works for their specific needs. Alongside medically- assisted detox and therapy, acupuncture is also a popular alternative treatment that many people with an addiction have worked with for their recovery.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that has been used to treat many illnesses for hundreds of years. The critical component of this practice is the rebalancing of qi or energy in the body.
While acupuncture has its ancient roots from 1600 BCE, in today’s scientific understanding, acupuncture is said to stimulate organs, release hormones to alleviate pain, and increase blood flow. The insertion of needles at specific points helps in this stimulation process.
A brief history of acupuncture
The earliest records of acupuncture outlined the acupuncture points and meridians that are now the basic foundation of the practice. During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), acupuncture was utilized to treat various illnesses and has grown in popularity. The earliest acupuncture needles were made of stone and later converted into bronze until iron needles were invented.
The first school focusing on acupuncture was established during the Tang Dynasty (618 CE – 907 CE), and it was later formalized. And when it was time for the Song Dynasty (960 CE – 1279 CE), newer techniques and acupuncture points were mapped out. It was developed and later spread across Japan in the name of “Shinkyu”.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and acupuncture is now a well-known alternative treatment for many illnesses globally. Like its ancient uses, it’s now reserved for treating chronic pain and also anxiety and depression.
Today, modern research has discovered that acupuncture has positive results when it comes to the immune system, endocrine system, and nervous system. While much of the science behind the practice still needs to be fully understood, this has been one of the most popular alternative treatments that boost people’s overall health and well-being.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The first part of acupuncture treatment is a consultation with a medical practitioner to pinpoint the patient’s specific health issues. This ensures that the acupuncture treatment specifically catered to their personal needs.
Most of the time, the session starts with the application of ointments or a massage to stimulate the body. The next part is the needle insertions to different acupuncture points and meridians, focusing on the previously discussed health issues.
In acupuncture, the needles are designed for single use only, so there’s no worry about infected needles. The needles are then left for 30 minutes to stimulate the patient’s body for relaxation.
Once the needles are removed, tiny pinpricks of blood will come up, but it is relatively painless and can be dabbed with cotton. Afterwards, more ointment or an additional massage will be done before the session ends.
Acupuncture therapy comes in sessions over several weeks. The treatment yields better results when it is done in a series of sessions and not just one-offs.
How is Acupuncture Used in Addiction Treatment?
In the 1970s, acupuncture was first used for addiction treatment at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in New York. It was initially used for heroin addiction treatment and had yielded positive impacts that it became a trusted treatment over methadone by doctors.
In 1958, Michael O. Smith, one of the doctors at Lincoln Memorial Hospital, founded the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) because of this discovery.
NADA helped formalize acupuncture treatment for addiction. The organization also advocated for auricular (ear) acupuncture, which is now the most common form of acupuncture therapy for addiction.
The NADA Protocol for practising ear acupuncture states that the method requires inserting five needles at specific points in the ear.
These five acupuncture points are:
- The Lung Point
- The Liver Point
- The Shen Men Point
- The Sympathetic Point
When inserted with needles, each point has specific effects on the person. According to NADA, the Shen Men Point helps in soothing anxiety, while the Liver Point helps in detoxifying blood.
When acupuncture is incorporated into addiction treatment, the first step is always to uncover the underlying factors and health problems that led the individual to resort to alcohol and drugs. If more health conditions are needed, acupuncture can help alleviate pain in these areas.
One of the positive impacts of acupuncture is its ability to help release endorphins. Endorphins help in alleviating withdrawal symptoms from people with an addiction. This makes it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery and avoid relapse.
However, much of the science behind acupuncture is still not fully understood. The positive effects observed are still not explained, but it’s undeniable how helpful it can be for addiction treatment as an added alternative.
Does Acupuncture Really Help with Addiction?
Acupuncture is now accepted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the common alternative treatments for addiction.
However, the scientific community still have some mixed receptions over the efficacy of acupuncture. For example, a study by James B. Jordan states that there is no scientific evidence of the positive effects. But another study by K. Montazeri also discovered that acupuncture helped lessen withdrawal symptoms linked with Rapid Opiate Detoxification.
Since there is still debate going on over acupuncture as a legitimate addiction treatment option, it stands to reason that there are doubts about its usage.
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Is Acupuncture a Legitimate Treatment Option?
The short answer is yes. But acupuncture is more effective only if it is used in conjunction with therapy, full detox, and counselling for addiction. Using it as the only treatment option is not advisable but should be an addition instead.
One of the beauties about acupuncture as a form of treatment is that it doesn’t have any adverse effects on the body and mind. It’s safe to use and cheap, making it one of the most popular alternative treatments.
It may work for one addict, and it may also not work for the other. However, there can also be excellent positive effects, especially for those struggling with withdrawal symptoms and pain. This is why if anyone will pursue acupuncture to add to their addiction treatment, there’s no harm done and can only have upsides if ever it takes effect.
Benefits of Acupuncture as a Treatment for Addiction
Acupuncture can have massive benefits to those struggling with addiction as long as it is only combined with traditional addiction treatment plans.
The common positive impact it has is soothing anxiety and pain without affecting the body through chemical imbalances. Acupuncture having no side effects to the patient makes it appealing and incredibly popular.
Here are just some of the expected positive effects of acupuncture:
- Increased calmness and relaxation
- Decreased cravings
- Reduced withdrawal symptoms (fevers, hallucinations, cold sweat, etc.)
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved sleeping habits
- Decreased mood swings and irritability
- Less panic attacks
- More energised and refreshed
- Decreased stress levels
- Less need for medication
Acupuncture does it all without the need for medication. With its massive upsides and the low chances of it not working this alternative treatment has become a great addition to addiction treatment plans.
Acupuncture may need to be fully understood, and it can be a hit or miss regarding efficacy. Still, its positive impact makes it a great addition to therapy, medical-assisted detox, and counselling.
Frequently asked questions
No. The only physical sensation may be a slight sting, but it generally fades quickly.
The usual session lasts from 30 minutes to 40 minutes. It can be accompanied by a massage, which makes it an even more relaxing experience. The needles stay in place for half an hour, making the patient calm.
Acupuncture can be done 2-3 times a week if needed, but it can also be done in 6-10 sessions. Most of it is dependent on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and also the kind of addiction treatment plan one has in place.
FREE Addiction Assessment
If your or a loved one are struggling with addiction, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free addiction assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
