ADDICTION DETOXIFICATION ACUPUNCTURE

Why should I consider

Acupuncture along with my detox?

• Significantly reduces withdrawal symptoms
• Stimulates release of pain relieving endorphins
• Has substantial “calming” effect
• Restores balance between mind and body
• Decreases recidivism (tendency to relapse)
• Increases blood and lymphatic circulation
• Increases energy
• Increases resistance to disease
• Increases range of motion
• Relaxes muscles
• Reduces stress and tension
• Removes toxins from tissue
• Strengthens the immune system
• Speeds healing processes
• Stimulates emotional memory
• Enhances digestion
• Alleviates Chronic and Temporary Pain

Recent studies show that patients receiving acupuncture

during detox are twice as likely to complete treatment

Acupuncture detoxification is the use of auricular (outer ear) acupuncture to treat drug and alcohol addiction.  It is a technique that is used with drug detox treatments because it has been shown to be effective.  It has been scientifically proven by several modern Western medical researchers, that acupuncture stimulates the secretion of endorphins in the brain. It’s analgesic action makes acupuncture very suitable for drug detoxification, Since it helps cushion the symptoms of addictive-drug withdrawal.

Uses outer ear (auricular)

Acupuncture and Treating Addiction

Acupuncture has been advocated as a safe effective treatment for addictive diseases. While acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, the specific treatment of addiction with acupuncture only dates back to the early 1970s.  Addiction is a complex and baffling condition . As an adjunct therapy for fighting addiction, acupuncture can be very successful in helping to curb the chemical addiction and behavioral compulsions that feed a person’s addiction to harmful substances or habits.

There are several components of acupuncture that aid in the quieting of compulsive behaviors.  Acupuncture can help to detoxify the body of the chemicals that are causing the addictive component to be triggered in the patient, help to curb cravings, and can claim thoughtless actions, like reaching for a cigarette or a drink without thinking about it. Furthermore, acupuncture treatments release endorphins into the nervous system.

Considered by many to be the natural “feel good” chemical of the human body, endorphins promote feelings of health, positive thought processes, upbeat attitudes, and promote the sense of general well being.  Many acupuncture patients report experiencing a feeling of calmness or even a faintly “buzzed” feeling after acupuncture.  More than one patient has used the phrase “acupuncture glow” to describe the sensation they experience after their treatments, which can mirror the feeling many addicts experience when engaging in the behavior of their addiction, but without the compelling nature or harmful consequences of the addiction. Furthermore, endorphins are natural painkillers.

Today, there appears to be new hope for those who suffer from addictions to substances harmful to their health. Acupuncture is rapidly increasing in popularity as an effective aid in the control of many addictions—from serious ones involving alcohol and hard drugs to relatively less serious ones involving nicotine and overeating.

Excellent clinical evidence supports the use of

acupuncture for addiction control.

The History of Treating Addiction With Acupuncture

The first acupuncture detoxification clinic in the United States opened in 1974, at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the South Bronx section of New York City. At first, acupuncture was used as an adjunct to methadone treatment, but such good results were obtained with acupuncture that methadone was dropped from the program.  According to Dr. Michael Smith, director, the success rate with acupuncture is substantially higher than that of more conventional programs. Unlike methadone, which is itself a highly addictive drug that is used primarily as a heroin substitute for heroin addicts, acupuncture is a natural procedure with no side effects, and it can treat a wide range of addictions. It works equally well for cocaine and crack addicts, heroin addicts, alcoholics, users of psychedelics, and people addicted to barbiturates and amphetamines. Addicts report a marked reduction in craving for drugs, a relief from symptoms of withdrawal, and feelings of relaxation along with improved sleep.

There is strong physiological evidence supporting the use of acupuncture

in this area.  Research has shown that acupuncture can raise the level

of endorphins in the nervous system. Resembling opiates in structure and

function, endorphins are the body's natural pain killers.

Acupuncture is performed at New Beginnings Detox by:

Howard Young, PA

Melanie Abrams, PA

How much does the Acupuncture cost?

The cost is $50.00 per session.

Informational Links

Opiate Detox  Vicodin   Hydrocodone  Methadone  Oxycontin  Lortab