Substance Abuse

Acupuncture has been used as a complementary treatment for substance abuse since the 1970s, when Dr. H.L. Wen in Hong Kong accidentally discovered that a patient receiving acupuncture for post-operative pain also experienced relief from opium withdrawal symptoms. This observation led to decades of clinical development and research.

Acupuncture does not replace conventional addiction treatment. It works alongside counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. Its primary role is to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, calm the nervous system, and support the body’s recovery during detoxification and beyond.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, substance dependence is understood as a disruption of the body’s internal balance. Prolonged substance use depletes Qi (vital energy), damages organ function (particularly the Liver, Kidney, and Heart systems), and creates patterns of excess heat and stagnation. Treatment aims to restore these imbalances while addressing the physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal.

The most widely used acupuncture approach for addiction is the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, developed at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s and 1980s.

The NADA protocol uses five specific points in the outer ear:

1. Shen Men (Spirit Gate): calms the mind and reduces anxiety.

2. Sympathetic: regulates the autonomic nervous system.

3. Kidney: addresses fear and supports vital energy restoration.

4. Liver: processes toxins and reduces anger and irritability.

5. Lung: strengthens the immune system and helps process grief.

The treatment is simple and standardized. Patients sit in a group setting with small needles in both ears for 30 to 45 minutes. The group format removes the barrier of one-on-one disclosure and makes treatment accessible to large numbers of people.

Over 2,000 addiction treatment programs worldwide have incorporated the NADA protocol. It is used in hospitals, prisons, mental health clinics, veteran programs, and disaster relief settings.

Patients receiving acupuncture during substance abuse recovery commonly report improvement in:

• Cravings for alcohol, opioids, nicotine, and other substances.
• Anxiety and agitation during withdrawal.
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia.
• Body aches, sweating, and nausea associated with detoxification.
• Emotional instability, mood swings, and irritability.
• Difficulty concentrating and mental restlessness.

Research suggests that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural opioid-like chemicals, which helps explain its effect on both pain and cravings. Acupuncture also modulates dopamine pathways, which are central to the brain’s reward system and the mechanism of addiction.

A 2002 study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that participants receiving the NADA protocol were significantly more likely to complete their treatment program compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) 1997 Consensus Statement acknowledged the potential of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for addiction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a treatment for substance dependence. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Military have adopted the NADA protocol and battlefield acupuncture protocols for service members dealing with substance use disorders and PTSD.

It is worth noting that study results have been mixed. Some randomized controlled trials show clear benefits, while others show no significant difference from sham acupuncture. The consensus among researchers is that acupuncture is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than as a standalone therapy.

$95/session, $45 consultation. 30-45 minute initial consultation.

Alberta Health Care does not cover acupuncture. Most company benefits cover acupuncture when treatment is provided through a Registered Acupuncturist. Contact your HR department or insurance company for coverage details.

Acupuncture as a complementary treatment for substance abuse has been used in thousands of treatment programs worldwide. It is a reasonable natural modality with the potential to support recovery alongside conventional treatment. “It works for many” does not mean “it works for you.” As for you, there is only one way to find out.