One of the best-known forms of alternative medicine is acupuncture, a technique in which practitioners insert fine, sterile needles into the skin to treat health problems. In the United States, its popularity has more than doubled over the last 20 years, and in 2022, an estimated 2.2% of the adult population used acupuncture. Despite more than 50 years of use and its growing popularity, acupuncture has its fair share of skeptics. This is likely due to insufficient trials and studies. Nonetheless, when it comes to asking if acupuncture helps with alcohol addiction, the answer is yes.
A Brief History of Acupuncture and Addiction in the U.S.
In the early 1970s, a medical team in Hong Kong had been using acupuncture to treat the ailments of patients who were also experiencing addiction. The patients reported it was helping with their withdrawal symptoms. While somewhat of an accidental discovery, it caught the attention of Dr. Michael Smith, Director of the Lincoln Recovery Center in New York, who developed the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol. While initially designed for use in detox, it was eventually adopted by other clinical settings and for different uses. Early clinical trials in the 1970s indicated that the NADA protocol and acupuncture were promising for treating substance use disorders. Still, as more research was performed, it was suggested that acupuncture was best used as a complementary treatment, not a primary one.
Acupuncture Therapy at Rebuilt Treatment & Recovery
One of the many services offered at Rebuilt Treatment & Recovery is acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture can be a powerful technique to help those in early recovery by reducing their cravings, lessening withdrawal symptoms, and helping rewire their brain. If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help with alcohol addiction, continue reading the FAQs that follow or talk with one of our specialists today.
FAQs about Acupuncture and Alcohol Addiction
What is acupuncture, and how might it help with alcohol addiction?
Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine, sterile needles into the skin to treat health problems. It originated from traditional Chinese medicine and grew in worldwide popularity starting in the 1970s. It is based on the idea that pain comes from blocked pathways, which acupuncture therapy helps clear. It can improve the functioning of the endocrine glands (glands that release hormones into the bloodstream), immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Needles can be stimulated with small electrical currents or manipulated manually.
Acupuncture can help with alcohol addiction in a few ways. During recovery, people are likely to experience several symptoms from alcohol withdrawal, including:
Anxiety
Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Irritability
Excessive sweating
Upset stomach
Confusion
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Acupuncture can calm the nervous system, improve sleep, support emotional regulation, and reduce cravings.
Is there scientific evidence that acupuncture helps with alcohol addiction?
Yes, there is some, though there is more research to be done. A 2023 study involving more than 1,000 participants with alcohol use disorder confirmed that acupuncture, when combined with psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), reduces cravings and the severity of withdrawal symptoms while improving anxiety and depression. Other studies have found that acupuncture can contribute to better sleep and help with other withdrawal symptoms. While more research is needed, and acupuncture is not a standalone treatment option for alcohol addiction, it continues to show promising results.
How does acupuncture affect the brain in addiction recovery?
One important system that acupuncture stimulates is the central nervous system. It helps regulate neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that tells the brain that something is pleasurable or worth pursuing, which can be motivating. Serotonin is a chemical that helps your brain and your body communicate on important functions such as your sleep, mood, digestion, and more. Alcohol addiction over time can confuse the central nervous system, but acupuncture can help restore it by encouraging natural endorphins to release. This is why acupuncture can help lessen withdrawal symptoms, which makes it easier for an individual to cope with triggers and avoid relapse. Many participants in acupuncture say they can focus more easily, are in a better mood, and are likely to have feelings of resilience.
Is acupuncture a replacement for traditional alcohol addiction treatment?
While acupuncture can help with alcohol addiction treatment, it is not a replacement for it. Many programs, such as those offered by Rebuilt Treatment & Recovery, are holistic. This means they focus on the entire individual and their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Traditional alcohol addiction treatment includes evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), life skills development, relapse prevention strategies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when necessary, and support groups. Acupuncture is an excellent complementary technique that can help an individual overcome some difficult parts of recovery, especially in the early stages. Acupuncture as part of a holistic, integrated treatment plan will help achieve positive and lasting outcomes.
How often should someone receive acupuncture during alcohol recovery?
This will vary depending on a person’s needs and stage of recovery. During detox or at times of high stress, acupuncture can be used 2 to 3 times per week to help lessen withdrawal symptoms and manage emotional discomfort. As a person progresses in their treatment, acupuncture might only be needed once a week or as needed. Working with a licensed acupuncturist and one who is familiar with addiction treatment can help ensure you find the right frequency for your body and your needs.
Are there any risks or side effects of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is generally safe, but like any medical treatment, it carries some risks and should only be performed by a licensed acupuncturist. The most common side effects of acupuncture include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only. Most states, but not all, regulate acupuncture licensure.