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Innovative Substance Abuse Treatment Options for Criminal Justice Populations which Include Acupuncture Detoxification as Part of an Overall Treatment Program
by W. Moriarty, Jr and J. Konefal, PhD, C.A.
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Reprinted with permission from the
Journal of Oriental Medicine in America
Acupuncture helps people recover from drug and alcohol problems. It is used in clinics throughout the United States. Acupuncture can decrease cravings for drugs or alcohol, reduce withdrawal symptoms, relieve tension and help people relax. Acupuncture treatments, taken enough times, clear the mind, build energy and give a sense of well being.
According to Chinese tradition, placing acupuncture needles in the ear affects specific organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Western science has confirmed that acupuncture treatments change levels of chemicals in the body and act on the nervous system. Acupuncture itself is not a substitute for therapy but is used in addition to counseling and self-help programs.
Acupuncture Treatment Program
Five tiny, very thin needles are placed in each ear, and then the client rests quietly for 45 minutes. This is a time for him/her to relax, meditate or think about changes to be made in his/her life. In detoxification treatment, points in the ear correspond to specific organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system (ShenMen, Subcortex, Sympathetic auricular points). One of the points is for relaxation. The treatment triggers the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which help reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms and increase relaxation.
How Will the Client Feel During the Treatment?
Once the needles have been placed, the ear may tingle or feel warm. Some people even fall asleep. These are normal responses. Some people say they feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment, others don't feel much at all. Even if they don't feel much, they are getting benefits from treatment. Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments, over a period of time.
The Detoxification Process
During detoxification, your body filters out the toxins that you have been storing up. Blood circulation begins to improve. Sometimes during the detoxification period the client may feel achy, not sleep well, be cranky, or even have drug dreams. the client should let the acupuncturist know if he/she has any of these symptoms so that additional acupuncture points can be added to the treatment.
How it all Started
Although acupuncture is fairly new to this country, it has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture treatment for addicts started in China when a doctor applied electric acupuncture to surgery patients for pain. Several of the surgery patients were heroin addicts. The doctor noticed that the acupuncture treatments reduced or stopped their withdrawal symptoms. In this country, both medical doctors and acupuncturists have spent many years testing acupuncture treatments for substance abuse. Results of their work helped develop the treatment we use today. In fact, acupuncture is now used very successfully for all types of drug addiction.
Reprinted from the Metropolitan Dade County's Department of Human Resources, Office of Rehabilitative Services publication "Innovative Substance Abuse Treatment Options for Criminal Justice Populations which Include Acupuncture Detoxification as Part of an Overall Treatment Program," prepared by W. Moriarty, Jr and J. Konefal, PhD, C.A.
More information on the particulars of this program.