Resources for Acupuncture in Chemical Dependency Treatment and Recovery
One great strength of the acupuncture protocol established by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) is its simplicity. NADA recommends as the only adjunct to the ear acupuncture an herbal tea that is served during and / or after treatment. The special blend enhances normal sleep and helps the body cleanse. It contains western herbs such as chamomile, yarrow, and peppermint, and can be purchased in pre-mixed tea bags from Nutri-Control, Box 1199, Old Chelsea Station, New Your NY 10011.
Larger clinics often buy the
herbs for the tea in bulk and mix and prepare the tea on site. Recommended
recipes are the herbal effects described in the CSAT
TIP, in Transformation and Recovery:
A Guide for the Design and Development of Acupuncture-Based Chemical Dependency
Treatment Programs, and in other NADA-approved
literature, audiotapes and videotapes.
As more has been learned about the precise mechanisms of drug addiction,
a nutritional supplement industry has developed with an array or products
that claim to assist in detoxification and stabilization. For programs
that successfully use these supplements in their treatment regimen, acupuncture
would certainly be an appropriate addition.
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How many clients can be treated at once?
How often do clients need to be treated?
How long to clients have to keep having treatments?
Does it matter what time of day the acupuncture is provided?
What
national organizations support acupuncture in treating addiction? What
resources are available to support us if we decide to do it?
Does
the acupuncture program have to include herbs or nutritional supplements?
What
is the history of how acupuncture began to be used in chemical dependency
treatment?
What
does the acupuncture clinic look like exactly?
How
much space and extra equipment will we need to do it?
How
do we clean or dispose of the needles after they are used?
How
does acupuncture fit with drug testing?
How
do we find and train people to do the needling?
Could
we just try it experimentally to make sure it's a good fit for us?
What
technical assistance will be required to start and maintain an acupuncture
component?
Is
it compatible with harm reduction?
Is
it compatible with 12-Step or abstinence-based treatment approaches?
Is
it appropriate for mandated or court-referred clients?
Is
it appropriate for adolescents?
Is
it appropriate for pregnant women?
Is
it appropriate for people with co-morbid psychiatric problems?
Is
it appropriate for people with HIV/AIDS?
Is
it appropriate in methadone programs?
Is
it appropriate in residential programs?
What
training is required for current program and administrative staff?
What are the steps we should take to add an acupuncture component?