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The 5-point ear protocol established by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) has been used successfully across all populations with alcohol and other drug problems, and there are no special populations for which it is contraindicated.

Fewer ear points are sometimes used with adolescents, and some programs have used different ways of organizing the acupuncture clinic in adolescent treatment programs. Some programs treat persons in smaller sub-groups with respect to gang affiliation, or insert the needles in a one-on-one setting due to peer pressure, and some clinics have found that optimum treatment benefit occurs in less than the standard 45 minutes prescribed for adult treatment. Still others have found it appropriate to encourage people to work on journaling or art activities while being treated, rather than just sitting quietly. (see also "What do clients do while they are getting needled?")

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More FAQs

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?

Won't adding "alternative medicine" such as acupuncture make our program seem experimental or "fringe" with our referral sources, funders, or potential clients?

Can I start an acupuncture treatment program if I am not currently an alcohol and other drug treatment provider?

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?

What staffing is required?

How do we get the needles?

How do we clean or dispose of the needles after they are used?

What about medical liability?

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?

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