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While the 5-point acupuncture protocol was developed - and achieves its full benefits - in an outpatient setting, many residential programs have successfully incorporated acupuncture for acute and post-acute withdrawal. Some residential programs have opened their acupuncture clinic to the community on an outpatient basis, targeting those on their waiting list as well as program alumni.

Alternately, residential treatment programs are strongly encouraged to support their clients in receiving regular acupuncture off-site if it is available in an outpatient program in the community. This can serve as an important "bridge" of continuity in the transition phase for program graduates.

A problem has been noted in mandated residential programs in which the acupuncture is the only non-required or elective activity offered. Many clients in such settings are prone to decline any activity if it is the only one in which they have a choice. It is therefore recommended that if the acupuncture is provided on-site, that client participation be treated the same way as participation in other program elements.

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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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