Addictions & Acupuncture: Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Support
Acupuncture can play a significant role in addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support. Click on the topic headings below for info & make sure you check out our special pricing for NADA acupuncture treatments. You can also click here for a TV news report video explaining how other states are using acupuncture for addictions.
+ Addiction: A State Of Emergency
It's the most widespread, yet least recognized, State Of Emergency our country has ever faced. With approximately 142 Americans dying every day, opioid overdose killed over 50,000 people last year making it the largest preventable cause of death in the country - more than that of gun homicides and car accidents combined! Closer to home, nearly 600 residents of Orange & Seminole county residents lost their lives to drug overdoses last year.
A staggering 20.8 million people 12 years or older were classified with a substance abuse disorder and more than 8.1 million adults reported having co-occuring disorders, a mental illness and a substance abuse disorder, according to a national Survey on Drug Use and Health. What we also know is that despite the stereotypes, no socio-economic corner of our community is immune to the non-discriminatory nature of substance abuse and addiction.
+ Addiction & The NADA Protocol
The 5 ear points of the NADA Protocol
Acupuncture's use in the treatment of addiction most notably gained traction during the heroin crisis of the 1970s, where stimulating five points in the ear was used as a non-addictive alternative to methadone. This five point ear acupuncture protocol is most commonly known as the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol and has been used to support recovery from all kinds of addiction.
The NADA Protocol is now utilized as a non-addictive, side-effect-free, adjunctive therapy in over 700 addiction treatment centers worldwide.
Beyond its use in the treatment of addiction, the NADA Protocol is also used in the treatment of PTSD and well-known for its use in disaster and trauma relief efforts such as Hurricane Katrina and 9-11.
+ Acupuncture's Role In The Prevention Of Addiction
Pain Relief is the primary reason why people turn to opiates. Fortunately, acupuncture excels in the treatment of pain while also being non-addictive and lacking in negative side effects. The World Health Organization has concluded that acupuncture's ability to relieve pain is comparable to morphine, codeine and Demerol without the side effects or risk of addiction. In Spring of 2017, the American College Of Physicians gave acupuncture a "strong recommendation" and released revised guidelines for treating back pain where they recommended getting acupuncture before drugs or surgery.
In addition to pain, substance abuse of all kinds can often stem from conditions such stress, grief, anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD - all of which are commonly and effectively treated, or managed, with acupuncture. By introducing people to acupuncture before they turn to addictive and harmful substances, we can significantly reduce the number of people who become addicted to them.
For those who are already struggling with addiction, acupuncture can provide support during all stages of treatment & recovery while also addressing the root cause of their addiction.
+ The NADA Protocol's Role In Addiction Treatment & Recovery Support
The NADA Protocol is a safe, inexpensive and effective tool to help people with all types of addiction & in all stages of addiction and recovery. It is best used, not as a stand-alone therapy, but as a supportive complement to a substance abuse treatment program. Inpatient treatment centers that incorporate the NADA Protocol often report increased participation and improved outcomes, while outpatient programs report the same, plus increased attendance when combined with the NADA Protocol.
Among the many reasons for its effectiveness is that the NADA protocol
- Reduces cravings
- Soothes the symptoms of withdrawal
- Eases anxiety and agitation while facilitating calm and receptive behavior
- Helps develop an inner meditative core in even the most troubled & fearful persons
- Reduces stress and feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope
- Regulates the central nervous system & induces the release the body's own natural painkillers & neurotransmitters (e.g. endorphins, dopamine, serotonin) without the side-effects and risk of addiction that is often associated with behavioral health medications with similar target mechanisms
- Helps to treat many of the root causes of addiction such as pain, grief, anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD.
- Reduces inflammation and swelling at nerve endings resulting in a reduction of pain signals sent to the brain.
- Is a non-verbal intervention - which helps to reach resistant patients and those who, often due to trauma, are reluctant to verbally interact with others. It is said that acupuncture can 'lubricate one's gates to the outside world'.
+ NADA Treatment & Relapse
Long after one is discharged from an inpatient treatment facility or achieves their goals in an outpatient program, the possibility of relapse remains. For many it's a day-to-day struggle.
By addressing many of the root causes of substance abuse (such as stress, grief, anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD), the NADA protocol can also provide valuable support needed to reduce the likelihood of relapse.
+ NADA Treatment Pricing
Our Board Of Directors has approved special pricing of $5 NADA treatments for those struggling with addiction.
The NADA 5-point ear acupuncture protocol is not limited to the treatment of Addictions and PTSD. It's also commonly used for disaster & trauma relief such as post-Hurricane Katrina and 9-11, wildfires and earthquakes. In this photo, Bob provides volunteer NADA treatment for trauma relief following the Pulse tragedy in June 2016.