Acupuncture has been proven to be successful as a complementary addiction therapy program during detox. Not only does it help to reduce pain, combat cravings, but it ultimately helps to keep our clients engaged in the process of detox. At The Detox Center, we offer an acupuncture therapy program to help our clients during the early days of recovery.

What Is an Acupuncture Therapy Program?

The auricular acupuncture that is used to treat addiction is standard and varies between two basic protocols. The first is NADA (The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) treatment protocol, and the second is ACACD (American College Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders) treatment protocol. Both protocols essentially target points that connect to the kidneys, lungs, and liver, organs which are always compromised by drug use.

The NADA approach is a 5 point treatment that targets five points in each outer ear for a time frame of 30 minutes. This treatment is administered in groups or individual sessions at a residential treatment program.

Acupuncture Therapy Program for Detox:

Our acupuncture therapy program  is an important part of stress relief. Dopamine is the main mechanism that allows drugs to elicit feelings of euphoria among users. When an individual uses drugs, it releases a large rush of dopamine. When the drugs are gone, there is an imbalance of dopamine in the system, causing the user to feel withdrawal symptoms and cravings for more.

Because acupuncture targets the hypothalamus, the resulting production of endorphins have an analgesic effect by relieving pain and create the feeling of well being and calmness. This can be especially helpful to those addicted to and detoxing from opioids.

What Are the Five Points of Acupuncture?

The NADA auricular acupuncture protocol uses five main points to help our clients relax and feel relief from painful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

• The Autonomic Point – Helps with blood circulation
• The Shen Men “Spirit Gate” Point – Assists with stress and anxiety
• The Kidney Point – Helps relieve tension
• The Liver Point – Can assist with calming emotions
• The Lung Point – Assists the immune system

The ACACD protocol uses the same first three points but introduces three more points: the Limbic System, the Brain, and Zero Points.

The detox process may cause uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, insomnia, mood swings, etc. Acupuncture can help to support the reduction of these physical symptoms. Furthermore, these addiction protocols increase the states of calmness and well-being after treatment.

Contact The Detox Center For More Information On Acupuncture Therapy

We offer an acupuncture therapy program as part of our alternative treatments. When paired with traditional detox services, these addiction therapy programs can lead to lasting recovery. The withdrawal process can be challenging, but acupuncture is just one tool we use to help manage painful or uncomfortable symptoms. Learn more about our acupuncture therapy program as well as the following detox center programs by reaching out today.

Contact The Detox Center and discover how we can help you find the road to recovery. Our goal is to help you break the bonds of addiction and begin to heal.