Acupuncture as a Treatment Method in Alcoholism Treatment Centers

Alcohol affects body and mind. The dependency created by continued and excessive use of alcohol is very difficult to break. Alcoholism treatment centers have always been looking for all possible solutions to tackle this problem and free the alcoholic from his addiction. Non-conventional and holistic remedies have been studied and incorporated in the treatment process with the aim of getting rid of alcoholism. One of these remedies is acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of treatment that is several thousand years old. Good health is considered as a balance between the forces of Yin and Yang. Yang is considered as the vital energy. Yin is linked to blood but is not identical to it. Classical acupuncture and acupressure believe there are a total of 14 meridians through which this combination of Yin and Yang flow. There are various points designated on these 14 channels to treat specific problems. Vital energy or “Qi” flows through each channel or meridian on a continuous basis. If this blocked a person develops illness. Inserting needles at specified points along these meridians or channels unblocks this flow of vital energy and restores balance and flow of energy.

Very thin diameter stainless steel needles, typically 0.2mm to 0.5 mm dia, are used in acupuncture and these are inserted at the desired pressure point. Some heat may be applied to the needles or mild electricity may be passed through the needle or it may be vibrated.

Specifically for alcohol the treatment is based on a five point ear method developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. The five points on the ear are given this treatment and manipulated and this helps in reducing cravings in between treatment. However acupuncture does not replace all other methods of treatments generally followed at alcoholism treatment centers, it can only supplement.

Alcoholism is considered a disease, possibly inheritable through genes pointing to the D2 dopamine receptor gene as the culprit responsible for “alcoholism” gene. Alcoholism ruptures the harmony of the body and acupuncturists believe that by proper application of needles at vital points this harmony can be restored.

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture recommends that acupuncture may be considered as a supportive therapy in drug detoxification. Several alcoholism treatment centers have reported successes where acupuncture and acupressure have been incorporated in the treatment process.

Dr James West of Betty Ford Center(a well known rehab facility) is of the opinion that acupuncture is not thoroughly understood but is supposed to work on the pain relieving endorphin systems of the brain and spinal cord. He has stated that acupuncture has been resorted to with some success in drug addiction problems. This procedure was done by inserting needles to a depth of 0.5 mm in the ear points daily for a period of several weeks and thereafter at specified intervals. He further states that in alcoholism acupuncture has delivered limited results with more successes observed in drug addicts.

….”I believe it is particularly effective to the recovering alcoholic who is relapse prone who has made conscious and earnest effort in trying to recover but continues to succumb to whatever forces cause him/her to pick up that first drink again.”

The above is a quote from a recovering alcoholic who has doggedly pursued acupuncture treatment and has given his unbiased opinion. So if you do decide to go in for acupuncture please remember it is not the sole remedy; it can only supplement other therapies but it does have good overall effect on your body organs, your vitality and your mind.