acupuncture detoxification and addiction treatment

acupuncture

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Acupuncture Detoxification
for Addiction Treatment
Copyright 1996-98 © Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.
DSAMH

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# 1209 Acupuncture; An
Ancient Art Becomes a
Counseling Practice
Objectives:
Learn about it’s history and application
in behavioral health
Understand the acudetox protocol, it’s
characteristics and benefits
Observe and/or experience the
treatment

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What is it
Acupuncture is the use of very fine sterile,
stainless steel, disposable needles about the
size of two hairs inserted through the skin into
specific points along the channels where the
body’s energy can be contacted. Each point
has its own function and effect on the body’s
Qi. It is an art that is practiced by more than
half of the world’s population.

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What is QI?
The intangible part of the person that
empowers the being and makes each
individual unique.
There are different types of Qi and they
travel within or along pathways known
as meridians.
It allows us to grow and mature.

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Yin and Yang

In Oriental
medicine, this is
the inhibiting and
activating forces
which is literally
the dark and light
sides of a
mountain.

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“Empty Fire” in
Addictions/Behavioral
Health
External activities like intense stimulation and
use of drugs are yin-fueled, yang-like
activities.
The person’s behaviors/symptoms appear to
be from too much yang but the person is
most likely to be deficient in both yin and
yang. The yin is more depleted and the yang
appears to be in excess.

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NADA
It’s the Spanish word for nothing.
It’s also the National Acupuncture
Detoxification Association.

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History
Acupuncture for treatment of addiction
disorders is a recent development in the
history of this ancient art.
In 1972, a Hong Kong neurosurgeon, H.L.
Wen, discovered that acupuncture could ease
the symptoms of withdrawal and since then,
this method been used for detoxification and
relapse prevention.

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Research: A few cited work
In 1973, Dr. Wen conducted several basic
clinical pilot studies that formed the basis of
subsequent research.
In 1987, Bullock, Culliton and Olander
published research on the effectiveness of
acupuncture in treating chronic addiction.
The Hooper Foundation in Portland, Oregon
reported decrease in recidivism from 25% to
6% and Kent-Sussex Detox in DE reported
a decrease in recidivism from 87% to 18 %.

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The NADA Protocol
ADS clinicians use 3-5 ear acupuncture
points including sympathetic, shen men,
lungs, kidney, liver.
Treatment is provided in a group setting
for 40-45 min.
Treatment is integrated with conventional
elements of psycho-social rehabilitation.

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Characteristics of the
Protocol
It is a non-verbal process.
The patient is engaged in treatment
even before they are able to tolerate
intense or personalized one-to-one
interactions comfortably.
Acupuncture helps in developing a
meditation-like state.
There is balancing process that occurs
so that the patient is more receptive to
the message of treatment.

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Characteristics of the
Protocol
It helps create an environment that is
reassuring and validating.
The value of the acupuncture session is
not judged by the level of sedation
during or after the session, but rather
how well prepared the patient is for
counseling, groups, and other
challenges.

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Unique Benefits
Effective across addictive substances
Effective throughout the
treatment/recovery process
Effective along a continuum of care
Multiculturally accessible
Non-verbal and non-performance
Elicits immediate and long term effects
Non-addictive

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Unique Benefits
It is simple, flexible and inexpensive.
It can be easily integrated into treatment
settings.
It improves treatment relationships and
environment.
It improves treatment engagement, retention,
and outcomes.

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Unique Benefits
It is consistent and relatively safe.
It is effective with clients who are
hardest to treat.
It is balancing and not symptom or
syndrome-dependent.

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LANDSCAPE

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NADA EAR PROTOCOL
Points were chosen
based upon Oriental
medical theory and
clinical indication as
well as lower
electrical resistance
and pain sensitivity

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NADA Points
Sympathetic - Acudetox balances the
autonomic nervous system. It has strong
analgesic and relaxant effect upon internal
organs and it dilates blood vessels.
Shen men - This is the spirit gate. It helps
ease anxiety and nervousness. It helps the
process of going within, supporting the
internal journey of recovery.

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NADA Points
Kidney - It is believed to store the source
energy and the essence or “Jing”. It is
associated with fear, resolve/will power and
rebirth.
Liver - In Chinese medicine, the liver helps
with resolving anger and aggression and with
keeping both the emotions and the body
systems moving smoothly.

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NADA Points
Lungs - The lung is involved in immunity
and protecting the body from disease.
The lung is associated with the grieving
process and with letting go.

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Serenity Prayer
God grant me
the serenity to
accept the things
that I cannot
change, courage
to change the
things I can &
wisdom to know
the difference.

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Other applications
Acudetox was the primary modality
used in the Integrative Stress
Management Program at St Vincent
Medical Center In New York after 9/11.
The treatment is simple and has
immediate calming effects. The
atmosphere is informal and non-
threatening.

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Other applications
AIDS related Tx
Miami Drug Court Program
Internationally Utilized - Africa, India,
Philippines, Nepal, Germany, Poland to
name a few.

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And now we invite you to try
this ancient art------
follow the Spirit, follow the
Qi.

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Meditation Candle

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Thank you!
Tita Gontang, LCSW, CADC, ADS
Vicki Esham, CADC, ADS