Acupuncture and addiction recovery

Acupuncture is a traditional method of healthcare that has been practiced in Asia for over 2,000 years and has proved to enhance healing in recovering addicts, as well as enhance overall functioning.

How acupuncture helps addiction recovery

• While the exact reasons are still sometimes disputed, acupuncture can stimulate several neurotransmitters in the brain, some of which are badly compromised from substance abuse and addiction.

• Acupuncture reduces anxiety and agitation, helping to facilitate calm and receptive behavior.

• Acupuncture helps to induce a state of meditation, helping troubled and fearful clients experience a sense of inner calm and peace.

• Acupuncture has shown, in clinical studies, to relieve the withdrawal symptoms from opiates.

         Serotonin, dopamine and GABA levels, which plummet during withdrawal, may rise during  
         an acupuncture session, helping recovering addicts overcome the depression, anxiety and  
         sleeplessness that occur during the withdrawal period.

• Acupuncture can also be a valuable asset to addiction psychotherapy.   For resistant, anxious and distrustful patients, the non-verbal exchange between them and their therapists can build a sense of trust and well-being.   

• Acupuncture’s calming effect helps clients relax and open up about their fears and underlying reasons for substance abuse.

• In addition to its calming, grounding effect on the mind, acupuncture also offers pain relief from withdrawal, particularly among clients addicted to opiates and alcohol. Researchers have found that the therapy releases several brain chemicals, including endorphins, which help block pain signals.

At Hillside Laguna, our sessions are modeled after the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, a system of ear acupuncture treatments developed in 1985 specifically for patients withdrawing from opiates.