How Acupuncture Can Help with Addiction
Many individuals suffer from addiction to substances such as alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse disorders are extremely challenging to treat as withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and often fatal. Unfortunately, there is no perfect treatment for addiction or withdrawal. Current common treatments include different types of therapy, medications to alleviate withdrawal and inpatient care. All of these techniques have been shown to help those suffering with addiction however they may not work efficiently for everyone.
Acupuncture has been used as a treatment for addiction since the early 1970s and it has been observed that this treatment helps alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and craving. Acupuncturists claim that acupuncture can help with withdrawal by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and by balancing dopamine, the neurotransmitter that becomes unbalanced upon addiction. Currently, it is often used to compliment current common treatments such as therapy. That being said, if you are suffering from a substance addiction it is important to consult with a medical practitioner to determine the best treatment plan.
Acudetox is an acupuncture protocol that was developed to alleviate withdrawal from alcohol and drugs. This treatment has been shown to not only help ease withdrawal, but it decreases the chances of relapse, and common alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, anxiety, depression. Muscle pains and insomnia are reduced by Acudetox because it targets the central nervous system. Because acupuncture helps alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal, those suffering with an addiction may use this treatment to evoke a better sense of well-being so that they can focus on getting better.
Acudetox targets several areas on the ear believed to be related to addiction, however it is important to find a licensed acupuncturist so they can also treat any co-concurrent disorders. For example, many individuals who suffer from substance abuse problems also have an underlying mental health disorder such as depression. Therefore, an acupuncturist may also target areas of the body to alleviate the pain caused by said mental health disorders. As many individuals turn to substance abuse to alleviate symptoms of an underlying health disorder it is essential to also treat the underlying mental health disorder to also treat addiction affectively. As such, consulting with a medical doctor such as a psychiatrist, is important prior to seeking acupuncture treatment for addiction.
To conclude, substance abuse addiction is a severe mental health disorder that is often extremely challenging to treat due to the unpleasant withdrawal from the substance and the cravings experienced after. It is essential that those suffering with a substance abuse disorder reach out to a medical doctor for treatment, however, acupuncture can be used concurrently with traditional treatments since it has little side effects. Specialized acupuncture protocols, such as Acudetox, have been developed to ease withdrawal and cravings from alcohol and drugs and have been suggested to help also prevent relapse. Furthermore, acupuncture can also help treat any other underlying mental health disorders, such as depression, which is essential for an effective addiction treatment.