This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Backin72 (talk | contribs) at 06:44, 31 August 2006 (add Smith rec re adjunctive, reorg/add to Ext Links, add para on evidence). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 06:44, 31 August 2006 by Backin72 (talk | contribs) (add Smith rec re adjunctive, reorg/add to Ext Links, add para on evidence)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Acupuncture is widely used as an adjunct treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. A five-point auricular (outer ear) protocol was developed and taught by Michael Smith, MD of Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the Bronx, NY, during the cocaine plague of the 1970s. Dr. Smith says that auricular acupuncture should be considered an adjunctive therapy to standard treatments for addiction, not an alternative to them.
The protocol is disseminated through the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) in the US and worldwide. Training and information is about acupuncture detoxification is available through NADA. According to Acupuncture Today, a trade journal for acupuncturists, NADA was established in 1985 and since then has trained more than 10,000 "acupuncture detoxification specialists" in use of the five-point protocol.
Evidence supporting the use of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of addictions is largely based on anecdotal and clinical reports. Reviews of randomized controlled studies have concluded insufficient evidence and/or a lack of properly-designed trials.
External links
General
- Acupuncture In The Treatment of Substance Abuse - Katharine C. Otto, MD
- The Use of Acupuncture in Drug Addiction Treatment - National Drug Strategy Network