The Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment for Drug Addiction

Acupuncture treatment for drug addiction is a rather controversial therapy but one that is receiving more attention than ever. It appears that there are various benefits for addicts who try acupuncture. However, this therapy may not work for everyone. And, not everyone should even try it. For example, an addict who experiences severe needle phobia may not want to use this therapy. For needle phobes, acupressure is a great alternative. Acupressure is just like acupuncture but it does not require the insertion of needles. Rather, it uses pressure that does not puncture the skin to stimulate the points.

There was a study published in 1989 which appeared in the British journal The Lancet which stated the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating alcoholism. It appeared that the acupuncture helped alleviate withdrawal symptoms and help the body detox more efficiently. Whether or not this effect was a placebo or not was not determined. It is true that many people seek acupuncture for the purposes of bodily detoxification. It is thought that the strategic placement of needles can accelerate a sluggish metabolism and help the body flush out impurities.

Another reason many people seek acupuncture is for relief from pain. Acupuncture can release endorphins which make a person feel a sense of physical and mental well being. This can be helpful for addicts dealing with the emotional effects of withdrawal. The average acupuncture session takes approximately 45 minutes. During this time, thin needles are inserted into strategic locations and left there for the duration of the session, after which they are carefully removed. While it may take repeated sessions to reach full results, some people experience benefits from the very first session.

Little is known at this time about the efficiency of acupuncture treatment for drug addiction. This is because until the 1970s, acupuncture was practically unheard of in the United States. Although acupuncture is widely practiced in the US these days, it is rarely used for addiction. This may be because many addicts just aren't interested in trying this therapy and therefore do not seek it. However, there is much to point towards its effectiveness. Many addicts who do try acupuncture may find relief when they combine this form of Eastern medicine with traditional treatments like counseling, AA meetings and Western medicine.

Copyright 2007 James D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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