Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention and awareness campaign that takes place annually in the last week of October.
When addressing our health, all health care providers are advocates for living a drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free life.
For many people who have already formed an addiction to these substances, the thought of living without them seems like a good idea but is it just that, an idea? The thought of going through withdraw can seem so daunting that most people feel like they will never be substance-free and thus, they don’t try to be clean. Or, they have quit a few times but the relapse phase is just part of the routine. Sound familiar?
If you have been trying to cut the habit and have yet to be successful, acupuncture could be a great option for you. Studies have shown that patients who received regular acupuncture treatments along with their counseling were twice as likely to remain alcohol-free 6 months after their treatments.
The most common way acupuncturists treat addiction is through a protocol established by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, where five specific points are needled in the ear (also known as auricular acupuncture) and are left in for 20-30 minutes. The use of this protocol has been shown to help settle peoples thoughts, create clear thinking, help manage the symptoms of detox, and reduce cravings.
To learn more about the NADA protocol, click here.
To read more about how acupuncture is used for substance abuse, click here.
Click here to book an appointment with one of our talented licensed acupuncturists and get started on recovery. Healing with Zen is experienced in treating addiction, pain, insomnia, depression, and so much more!