Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been proven to be successful as a complementary therapy during detox. Not only does it help to reduce pain and combat cravings, but it helps to keep our clients engaged in the process of detox.

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.

Dopamine is the main mechanism that allows drugs to elicit feelings of euphoria among users.

When the drug is taken, a large rush of dopamine is released and when the drug’s effects subside, there is an absence and 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, which relieves pain and creates the feeling of well being and calmness. This can be especially helpful to those addicted to and detoxing from opioids.