Pinpointing Recovery: How Acupuncture Supports Addiction Therapy

The path to recovery is complex and deeply personal. While medical detox is an essential pillar of recovery, more people are exploring complementary treatments like acupuncture for added support. In the United States, the use of acupuncture more than doubled between 2002 and 2022, highlighting its increasing relevancy in recovery.

What exactly is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that can help people address physical, mental and emotional pains. It has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practised for thousands of years. The earliest documentation of acupuncture dates back to 200 BCE in a treatise called “HuangDi NeiJing” or “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine.” The book has become an influential reference work for Chinese medicine practitioners well into the modern era.

Acupuncture specifically involves inserting very fine needles, the thickness of a hair, into pressure points to stimulate the nervous system. These are known as “meridian points,” believed to be pathways where life energy or “qi” flows. According to TCM, there are 361 acupuncture points, in 12 meridians in the body relating to an associated organ (such as the heart meridian and lung meridian, etc.)

Research into the efficacy of acupuncture for withdrawal began in the 1970s in Hong Kong, with a physician recognising how it helped reduce withdrawal symptoms in people who abused opiates. It was believed to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and balance dopamine levels to decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms during detoxification.

While acupuncture is not typically a first-line treatment over medication, acupuncture is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) for its therapeutic effects on physical and psychological pain. These endorsements reinforce its credibility as a complementary therapy in addiction recovery programs.

How can acupuncture help with withdrawal symptoms?

Different acupuncture techniques are believed to help ease withdrawal symptoms that present themselves during recovery. These symptoms may be broadly split between physical and psychological. Acupuncture is often used for physical ailments like sports injuries, as well as with therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which promotes new ways of thinking.

Acupuncture for physical withdrawal symptoms

The recovery process inherently presents physical withdrawal symptoms that acupuncture may help ease. Acupuncture causes the body to release endorphins, which are the brain’s own natural painkillers. Endorphins work with opioid receptors in much the same way that drugs like heroin and morphine do, so acupuncture may help alleviate the muscle aches and pains that are part of substance withdrawal.

In addition, nausea and vomiting are two of the most common physical symptoms as someone goes through detox. Some research indicates that acupuncture attenuates these symptoms. Though these studies do not specifically focus on substance recovery, acupuncture is sometimes used to relieve nausea and vomiting for postoperative patients, chemotherapy patients and pregnant individuals.

Acupuncture for psychological symptoms

Acupuncture has shown promising effects on psychological symptoms related to drug dependence. Used complementarily with therapy courses like cognitive behavioural therapy, acupuncture can help ease emotional and mental troubles as a person recovers.

Recovery can be a highly stressful experience for a person with long-term dependence. One of the ways acupuncture can support your mental well-being in recovery is by reducing cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress. Research indicates that 4 weeks of acupuncture can decrease the amount of cortisol your body produces. In addition, acupuncture helps to balance dopamine levels, helping to decrease intense cravings and urges to return to use and relapse.

What are the different types of acupuncture used in recovery?

Acupuncture therapies come in various forms, each with unique benefits for addiction recovery. Variations can target different aspects of withdrawal, some of which include:

Auricular acupuncture and AcuDetox

One of the most widely recognised methods of acupuncture is the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, also known as AcuDetox. Developed roughly 40 years ago, research suggests that AcuDetox can help maintain sobriety at 3 and 6-month follow-up stages. This treatment targets points on the ear that may be related to areas or “meridian pathways” in the body. A collection of studies found that 63% of respondents found this therapy helpful for treating withdrawal symptoms when recovering from cocaine, opioids, alcohol, heroin, nicotine and gambling.

Scalp and bodily acupuncture

Traditional body acupuncture involves inserting needles into pressure points around the body. This is believed to help energy flow through linked meridian pathways. Some acupuncturists speciailse in scalp acupuncture, which may help with symptoms of brain fog and improve emotional stability during the recovery programme.

Electroacupuncture

Another form of acupuncture used in treatment recovery is electroacupuncture, combining needles with electrical pulses to stimulate pressure points in the nervous system. The use of electricity may sound imposing, but machines are safe and painless, using a current of only 1 to 12 volts.

Electroacupuncture is believed to help reduce pain and cravings during recovery. In addition, research suggests it can improve symptoms of psychosis, anxiety and depression, which can be common for people going through withdrawal.

What is a session of acupuncture for addiction treatment like?

The length and frequency of acupuncture sessions in recovery will vary depending on the severity of your addiction and the details of your programme. An acupuncture session for addiction is much like a regular acupuncture session. The acupuncturist will insert very small, sterile needles into your skin, and you will sit still and quietly for 20 to 30 minutes.

NADA and auricular acupuncture sessions will only target points in your ear, usually 5 areas believed to be linked with substance abuse. Auricular acupuncture sessions can sometimes be used in a group and last for slightly longer, around 30 – 45 minutes. People receiving auricular detox have reported feeling energised after the session while also feeling more calm and relaxed. In this state of calmness, it may be best to travel by car rather than walk afterwards.

Acupuncture may also be used to complement traditional mental health disorder treatment. Some research indicates that acupuncture can reduce the severity of depression during treatment in combination with antidepressants and therapy. People can experience an improvement in quality of life and social-emotional health.

Where can I receive acupuncture as part of my treatment?

Recovery from addiction is incredibly challenging, and finding the right combination of treatments can support your chances of full recovery. While medical detox, therapy and peer support remain essential, incorporating complementary therapy like acupuncture can help ease your withdrawal symptoms and support emotional well-being.

At UKAT, we specialise in delivering holistic approaches to recovery, including acupuncture, to help you reach and maintain lasting sobriety. If you or a loved one are struggling with withdrawal and seeking relief from stress and anxiety, our programmes can help with recovery.

Reach out to us today. Our expert team is ready to guide you through detox, rehabilitation and life beyond, helping you reclaim your happiness and take steps toward a life free from addiction.