Acupuncture and drugs and alcohol Addiction
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that utilizes small needles that are placed strategically at points on the body that coincide with certain illnesses, issues, pain, and psychological problems. It has also shown promise in offering relief for addictions.
Acupuncture has shown potential in the treatment of addictions since the 1970’s in the United States. It first showed ability in treating heroin addiction when used along with methadone. Then the methadone was dropped, and it still worked. It has since been used to treat those recovering from any number of abused drugs including alcohol, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cocaine and crack.
The withdrawal symptoms seem to be reduced, and the addicts are able to sleep better. Sleep is often a chronic problem in recovery as the addict is exhausted from months or years of using, yet they cannot quiet their minds and bodies in order to sleep. This will many times lead to the increased risk of relapse.
Endorphins are raised when acupuncture is performed. This is very important in the treatment of addiction as endorphins are the body’s natural high makers and pain killers. The addict will seek the feelings induced by the endorphins and other brain chemicals (dopamine) again and again. If they can do this with acupuncture, then they are less likely to use to achieve these feelings.
Chinese and other Eastern medical and health practices have provided relief from all manner of physical and mental ailments for centuries. In recent years, the Western medical and health arenas including many practitioners have begun to recognize the importance of these methods in treatment. The failure and side effects of many traditional medical and drug treatments means that the need increases for alternative options all of the time.
It can also be an interesting area to look at and see whether the newer and less invasive options make addicts feel more comfortable and more hopeful about their treatment options and success potential. Acupuncture should be made more readily available and affordable for the treatment of addictions. Perhaps this can be done by conducting further research studies and offering free treatment and other perks for addicts.
It is crucial for the medical, mental, and health fields to take note of the changes that continue to occur in the western world. There are so many without health insurance, loss of income, and problems like addiction and mental illness. Not helping these people only exacerbates the problems and taxes the system eve more. More and more holistic drug rehab in Ontario uses acupuncture as a help during the treatment.
References:
http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Acupuncture-for-Addiction-and-Substance-Abuse
http://www.holisticwebworks.com/holistic-Webworks-Acupuncture-Articles/Acupuncture-Article-Hall1.htm