Can acupuncture help with drug addiction? Well, overcoming drug addiction is a very challenging journey that may require a number of different methods and approaches to be successful. But, more and more studies are demonstrating that acupuncture might possibly be an efficient tool in the treatment of drug addiction and helping the process of detoxification. Besides mental health treatment, like group therapy or counseling, acupuncture may help people obtain relief from their cravings, as well as be more successful in maintaining a life of sobriety after addiction and substance abuse.
Acupuncture is becoming a popular way to treat a variety of ailments, which includes many various types of addiction. Treatments subdue drug cravings while additionally creating a sense of relief and calm from withdrawal symptoms. It isn’t completely understood how it’s effective in the treatment of drug addiction. Results from research show proof that acupuncture increases endorphin levels, (the body’s natural painkillers), within the nervous system, and that withdrawal symptoms and cravings may be relieved by increasing endorphin levels.
But Chinese medicine defines the efficacy of acupuncture differently, describing it as a method of balancing yin and yang energies. In obtaining acupuncture treatments, someone experiencing substance abuse will nourish the yin energy and return balance to their natural energies.
In an acupuncture appointment, paper-thin needles get inserted into different ear points. It just takes around one to two minutes for a professional to insert the needles. Next, the person sits for 30 to 45 minutes, typically with the lights dim. It develops an environment of well-being and peace, leaving the patient feeling significantly relaxed and calm. The ones presently handling drug withdrawal symptoms commonly report feeling relief from symptoms after their treatment.
Different Types of Acupuncture for Addiction
The most common form of acupuncture treatment for substance addiction is auricular acupuncture, but cupping therapy has also been shown to be effective.
Auricular Acupuncture
This type of acupuncture uses a person’s ear as a connection point to other body parts. The ear has acupuncture points that may heal the body, according to ancient Oriental medicine. In inserting acupuncture needles inside the ear, an acupuncturist seeks to trigger chemicals, eradicating allergies, toxins, and mood swings.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy involves the use of glass or rubber suction cups that stimulate blood flow to certain body points. Typically done during the same time as needle acupuncture, these cups remain on the surface of the skin. The suction offers alleviation from muscle inflammation and pain. Cupping therapy also gets rid of toxins in the blood flow.
The therapist, with wet cupping, makes tiny incisions on the skin after taking the cups off to let out a bit of blood. Cupping is highly sought after for treating high blood pressure, anemia, and blood poisoning. In redirecting blood flow, the vessels expand, as well as cause the skin to redden. But the scarring and redness disappear after around 10 days.
What is NADA Protocol?
AcuDetox or NADA is an acupuncture protocol created to ease drug and alcohol detoxification symptoms. It was created four decades ago by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, studies suggest. It’s an efficient treatment for addiction as a tool for relapse prevention and a complement to traditional techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy. It has been proven to:
- Boost energy
- Improve a person’s quality of life
- Increase the opportunity of remaining sober after treatment
- Increase odds of addiction treatment program completion
- Ease alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms
A holistic addiction recovery facility commonly uses AcuDetox during alcohol and drug detox and all throughout treatment. Acupuncture for addiction will work on a person’s central nervous system to decrease the severity of common drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Digestive issues
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Muscle cramps and aches
- Insomnia
- Cravings
Acupuncture for drug and alcohol addiction may evoke a better sense of well-being and calm. The fewer symptoms of substance abuse withdrawal you are experiencing, the better you’ll have the ability to concentrate on getting better and getting treatment. In addition, fewer withdrawal symptoms might prevent relapse. Individuals who attempt to withdraw from alcohol and drugs by themselves without the assistance of professionals like the ones at Pacific Bay Recovery will probably relapse because they want to cease the psychological or physical withdrawal symptoms that may come along with it.
Getting a Diagnosis Based on Type of Addiction
Diagnosing substance use disorder (drug addiction) will require a full evaluation and generally includes an evaluation by a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist.
Are you ready to break the cycle of addiction? Please feel free to get in touch with our California rehab by giving us a call at (619) 350-8220.
