About
NADA ISRAEL- National Acupuncture Detoxification Assciation
Acudetox- acupuncture in addiction treatment
Acupuncture is currently used in the treatment of addiction by approximately 2000 treatment programs worldwide. Clinical evidence supports that auricular acupuncture is effective in ameliorating acute and long-term withdrawal and craving symptoms associated with drug alcohol addiction
Treatment programs use acupuncture as a foundation for later psychosocial recovery. It is a nonverbal, nonthreatening, first-step intervention that has an immediate calming effect on patients. Initial participation in a program with acupuncture has been found to improve patients' overall treatment retention and to facilitate their subsequent involvement in the therapeutic process
Treatment model
Trained clinicians needle three to five ear acupuncture points in patients who are seated for 40 to 45 minutes in a large group room. This method facilitates the convenient treatment of a substantial number of patients to be at the same time. Acupuncture is integrated with conventional elements of psychosocial rehabilitation. Other core concepts reflected in many acupuncture-based programs include a supportive nonconfrontational approach to counseling; emphasis on participation in an AA\NA program early in the treatment process; and a tolerant, informal, family-like atmosphere.
Characteristically, acupuncture proves a very valuable tool for treating special populations, including criminal justice-involved patients, women, adolescents, and patients with concomitant mental disorders
. Problems relating to language and cultural differences are diminished.
A safe, cost-efficient and effective adjunctive procedure
Drug and Alcohol treatment clinicians can easily and effectively learn the protocol in a 70-hour training program that emphasizes clinical apprenticeship. Each acupuncture detoxification specialist (ADS) can provide about 20-25 treatments per hour in a group setting under the general
Supervision of a licensed acupuncturist or other health professional, qualified according to local regulations. This arrangement allows acupuncture to be integrated with existing services in a flexible and cost-effective manner, increasing access and improving clinical relationships within the treatment milieu. Programs that address addictions along the continuum of care may successfully integrate acupuncture
References:
- Avants SK, Margolin A, Hofford TR, Kosten TR. A randomized controlled trial of auricular acupuncture for cocaine dependence. Archives of Internal Medicine: v160 n115, August 14-28, 2000.
- Brumbaugh AG. Acupuncture: New Perspectives in Chemical Dependency Treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment: v10:35-43, 1993.
- Bullock ML, Culliton PD, Olander RT. Controlled trial of acupuncture for severe recidivist alcoholism. The Lancet: 1435-39, June 24, 1989.
- Cooley, L. Acudetox: Beneficial Effects Beyond Detoxification and Retention Rates. NADA Literature Clearinghouse, 2000.
- The Guide to AcuDetox Research: Readings from GUIDEPOINTS: Acupuncture in Recovery 1993-2003, Vancouver, WA: J&M Reports LLC, 2004.
- Gurevich MJ et al. Is auricular acupuncture beneficial in the inpatient treatment of substance-abusing patients? Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment: v12, n2:165-171, 1996.
- Lipton DS, Brewington V, Smith M. Acupuncture for crack-cocaine detoxification: Experimental evaluation of efficacy. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment: v11 n3:205-215, 1994.
- Schwartz M, Saitz R, Mulvey K, Brannigan P. The value of acupuncture detoxification programs in a substance abuse treatment system. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment: v17 n4:305-312, 1999.
- Smith, Brewington, & Culliton. Auricular Acupuncture for Addiction: Controlled Research. Acupuncture in Addiction Treatment, 1998.
10. Wang SM & Kain ZN. Auricular Acupuncture: a potential treatment for anxiety. Anesthesia and Analgesia: v92:548-553, 2001.
11. Washburn AM et al. Acupuncture heroin detoxification: A single-blind clinical trial. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment: v11 n3:205-215, 1994.
12. Wen HL & Cheung SYC. Treatment of drug addiction by acupuncture and electrical stimulation. Asian Journal of Medicine, v9:138-141.