The Benefits of Acupuncture in Treating Addiction

Acupuncture is a practice which has been used in China for thousands of years to treat many conditions. It has only recently migrated into Western civilization.

Traditionally, acupuncture is based on the idea that there are patterns of energy (or Qi) flowing through the body which are essential for health. The theory in Chinese medicine is that when these energy flows are disrupted, disease and pain are the result. Acupuncture uses stimulation of specific anatomical locations (also called meridians) to correct the imbalances in the body and return the individual to health.

Is Science Involved in Acupuncture?

The Science Behind Acupuncture

While there have been discussions about meridians and Qi, scientific fact could very well be what makes acupuncture work. The process of acupuncture stimulates the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. These stimuli help the body release specific neurotransmitters and aid the individual’s mood and health.

The neurotransmitters or “feel good” chemicals which acupuncture releases include serotonin and endorphins. Serotonin is a chemical substance which plays a key role in mood, sleep, and healing wounds. Endorphins are the chemicals which are commonly known for being released during pleasurable activities including physical exercise. But endorphins have a much deeper function. They help the body deal with pain along with enhancing pleasure. Endorphins are your body’s natural analgesics. Acupuncture can help an individual experience relief from pain as well an elevated mood through these chemical releases.

Acupuncture has been gaining ground in the US over the years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved acupuncture needles from the category of “experimental medical devices” and now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it does with surgical implements and medical drugs. A properly trained acupuncturist follows the FDA standards, keeping the environment sterile and following the single-use health practices as listed by the FDA.

According to Dr. Adrian White and his respected scientific journal, Acupuncture in Medicine, the scientific nature of correctly done acupuncture has been tested and proven. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed acupuncture as a solution to many ailments including pain, headaches, mobility issues, gout, infections, high or low blood pressure, as well as neurological and mental disorders. Acupuncture has been used to effectively combat stress, depression, and even drug dependence.

There isn’t any specific evidence indicating that acupuncture alone can enable a person to beat addiction, but it is often considered effective when used in conjunction with other traditional and holistic treatment methods. Additionally, because acupuncture has been proven to effectively treat pain, it can be helpful in relieving withdrawal symptoms.

Use of Acupuncture in Drug Detox

The symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal can be so uncomfortable, painful and even dangerous as to deter people from even attempting to quit. Drugs like methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) were developed to alleviate the pain of opiate withdrawal, yet those drugs are themselves opiates with potential for abuse. Methadone in particular can be more addictive than heroin. In conventional detox, many addicts are prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and other pharmaceuticals in an effort to avoid the physical and mental disturbances of withdrawal. Yet, even those drugs are linked to dependence and other complications.

The practice of acupuncture, along with standardized nutrition and other therapies can help the body and mind safely through the period of detoxification and withdrawal.

Some of the most common drug withdrawal symptoms are:

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Appetite changes 
• Insomnia 
• Exhaustion 
• Headaches and migraines 
• Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea 
• Heart palpitations

There are a number of ways to address these issues. Acupuncture has been listed by the World Health Organization as helpful for several of the above withdrawal symptoms. Specifically, it is listed as a non-addictive method for treating:

• Pain 
• Any type of headache or migraine 
• Muscle spasms common to opiate withdrawal 
• Digestive disorders like nausea and vomiting 
• High and low blood pressure

In conjunction with other treatment, acupuncture has been used in the remedy of infections. An addict may be suffering from medical conditions and infections which require immediate treatment. So while emergency or routine medical attention is given, acupuncture has been found to stimulate the immune system and thus help the body and medication work together to fight the infection.

Other Holistic Addiction Treatment Options

As explained above, while acupuncture can help with many withdrawal symptoms, it does not necessarily help with all of them and would not be used as the sole treatment in drug detox. If it is used in addiction treatment, it should be coupled with other proven, effective therapies. Scientific tests and studies have shown that the major results of acupuncture are elevated mood, pain relief, and a body stimulated to heal itself – all valuable in addiction treatment.

In keeping with the holistic approach, some of the additional treatments which can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and aid in addiction recovery are:

Nutrition therapy: Many individuals who have suffered from addiction are in need of additional nutritional supplementation. A diet filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein can help. Vitamins and minerals can help ease the stress of withdrawal and help the body in the healing process. Group or individual therapy: There are therapies which have been proven effective for addiction treatment. An addicted individual can seek treatment in group or one-on-one therapy at a rehabilitation center or with someone they choose independently. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Exercise, sports, massage, yoga and even martial arts have been found effective when integrated in the recovery process.

Summary

Acupuncture is but one of many methodologies. There are a number of medical and holistic treatment systems which have been proven effective during the detoxification, recovery, and aftercare sections – all of which combined can make for a truly rewarding rehabilitation experience. The best approach focuses on the individual and his or her needs. A thorough assessment and subsequent tailor-made program that addresses those needs has been found to help immeasurably.

Sources:

www.MedicalNewsToday.com
www.BMJ.com
www.Medicinenet.com
www.NCADD.org
www.The-Scientist.com
www.FDA.gov

The ABCs of Addictive Behavior

Addiction is characterized by a number of very specific behaviors. While there are symptoms of addiction specific to a particular drug, like the “doctor shopping” those addicted to prescription medications get involved in, there are a number of symptoms and behaviors common to most addicted individuals.

Here is a simple breakdown of these phenomena to assist you in identifying and helping an addict or alcoholic – whether that person is yourself or a friend or family member:

A. Actively seeks out drugs as priority 

Many individuals suffering from addiction will treat obtaining their drug of choice as a priority above all other activities. A normally reliable individual might start dodging obligations or a dedicated hobbyist could suddenly stop practicing his/her hobby. They might miss school or family time while searching out the drug. Skipping work or failing to do homework is nothing compared to locating and using the drug. Drug use takes more and more priority in the person’s life.

Additionally, more time is spent recovering from drug use. An addict might repeatedly call in sick to work after binging the night before. They may completely change their schedule in order to support their chronic use/recovery habit.

B. Blackout

Blackout

An addict or alcoholic may compulsively use to a point where they no longer recall how much they consumed or what they did while high or drunk. This is called a “blackout.” During the blackout, the individual may seem lucid or as if they understand what is going on in the world around them – but the next day will not remember what they did or what happened throughout the period of the blackout.

One of the unfortunate aspects of a blackout is that the addict may have been trying very hard to control their behavior. Another part of the addiction is the compulsiveness the individual demonstrates when using. For example, an alcoholic may have meant to limit himself to just one beer, but will likely end up drinking so much he gets drunk or blacks out.

C. Cravings

An addict may understand they are addicted, and even dislike their addiction – but still feel an intense need for the drug. This goes beyond wanting to take the drug or even enjoying the highs and lows which come from drug use.

Drug or alcohol craving is largely the brain and body’s reaction to addiction. Chronic use of addictive substances triggers over-production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters to such an extent that when use is abruptly ceased, the brain and central nervous system will react as though it cannot perceive pleasure. This means the addict feels unhappy emotionally and uncomfortable physically (at the very least) when they stop using. The brain causes the addict to crave the drug and the only way to “cope” with this is to get another hit.

A person who has not been addicted can get an idea of drug craving when they consider coffee. If you have been drinking coffee at 9AM every morning for years, then one day you suddenly stop, you crave coffee to feel “normal” or to face the day. You might suffer relatively minor withdrawal symptoms like a headache or feeling foggy or grumpy without your caffeine fix. A caffeine-related headache can get pretty bad, but the level of pain, discomfort and danger is minor compared to opiates, cocaine, meth, countless prescription meds and many other types of drugs.

D. Dependence

Drug dependence means the individual must take the drug in order to feel at all “normal.” Stopping use at this point would lead to withdrawal symptoms which can include irritability, cravings, restlessness, nausea and depression. Unsupervised withdrawal from long-term use of certain substances can be dangerous and even fatal, such as with alcoholism, benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs), methadone and others. Instead of going cold turkey in an unsupervised setting, one should consult with an addiction specialist regarding medical or holistic detoxification options.

E. Experimentation

An addict may experiment with multiple substances, with different strengths of the same substance, or even with mixing the substance of their choice with other drugs. This is one of the most dangerous activities any drug user can become involved in.

Often the reason an addict will experiment like this is to “chase a high” – they are attempting to experience the same high they felt when they earlier took the drug. Their body has built up a tolerance to the drug or drugs, so they must take progressively greater quantities in their effort to get the desired result.

Such experimentation is a common factor in drug overdose. The user either takes too much at once or mixes drugs which react together. John Belushi and River Phoenix died from a “speedball” – a mixture of cocaine and heroin. Another common mixture is alcohol and any other drug. Alcohol will intensify the effects of depressants like prescription painkillers or heroin, and it will complicate the effects of stimulants like cocaine or meth. Heroin with alcohol killed actor Cory Monteith. Philip Seymour Hoffman died of an overdose involving heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines and amphetamines. No matter how you cut it, mixing a drug with alcohol or with any other drug can have unpredictable and deadly consequences.

F. Finds hiding places for drugs or alcohol

An addict may feel panicky without drugs or alcohol nearby, which can lead them to hide stashes in unlikely places. They may bring alcohol in a coffee container to work or keep prescription opiates in an aspirin bottle. They will find unique ways to hide drugs and drug paraphernalia. Parents with teenagers who are using are often dismayed upon finding drugs and drug-related items such as cigarette paper, glass pipes, bongs, baggies, syringes, needles, etc. hidden in their child’s room.

G. Goes on using although drugs have proven harmful

Drug and alcohol abuse bring on many harmful physical and mental effects; they wreak havoc in someone’s life, yet the person goes on using no matter what. These effects include:

• A broken home 
• Loss of friends 
• Loss of employment 
• Estrangement from family, parents, spouse, or children 
• Incarceration 
• Depression, paranoia, intense mood swings 
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis 
• Abscesses 
• Organ (liver, kidney, stomach, etc.) damage 
• Brain damage 
• Diseases like HIV/AIDS, lung disease, or severe gum disease 
• Seizures 
• Coma 
• Death

With certain drugs – heroin, meth, desomorphine (aka “Krokodil”) – an addict may begin to look like a real-life zombie. Drug addiction can trigger psychosis and dangerous behavior such as that associated with alcohol, speed, cathinones (aka “Bath Salts”) and many other substances, both illicit and available with prescription. Even with such horrific consequences, the addict continues to use their drug of choice, often mixed with other mind-altering substances and in too many cases to the point of death.

H. Hope!

There is ALWAYS Hope

Addiction can cause complex emotional changes, erratic ups and downs, theft and criminal activity, changes in morals, social alienation and many other unpleasant and unbearable phenomena. These issues boil down to the intense feeling of need – physical, mental, spiritual – the addict feels and the desire to escape or erase their increasingly difficult existence.

The best way to help an addict is to get him or her into an effective detox and rehab program which will not only get them safely off drugs, but will address why they began using in the first place, as well as the many factors that contributed to protracted substance abuse.

With the proper tools, changing addictive behavior becomes a responsibility – a task borne by those willing and able to do something about it. There is hope and there are solutions!

I am living proof there is always hope. Read more about my journey from addict to entrepreneur. 

 

Sources:

Nlm.nih.gov 
Indiana.edu 
ASAM.org

What is Detox?

The detoxification of drugs and alcohol is a method of treatment for those who have developed a physical dependency on either drugs or alcohol to the point where cessation would cause serious complications during a period that is called withdrawal. A rehab will provide care under medical supervision during this withdrawal period to help stabilize patients and treat the unbearable symptoms. A detox can also be used for a drug that has created psychological dependencies by providing a structured environment.

Is Supervision Necessary?

For most addictions, it is absolutely critical to have an inpatient setting and to avoid self-detox. For example, withdrawal symptoms from drugs like alcohol or heroin can be deadly if attempted alone without medical supervision. During detox, patients will be monitored for complications about to emerge.

When admitted to an inpatient facility, counselors will work with the person to create a treatment plan depending on the general health of the patient, the kind of addiction he faces, and a number of other factors. This plan will then be used to help the patient adjust to the cessation of the addiction and cope with symptoms that can be dangerous.

Typically, detox occurs in a secure inpatient treatment where patients are not permitted to have access with the outside world. They are monitored every hour of the day by medical staff and trained personnel. Some may also be given counseling as a part of treatment, but this is not always beneficial during the initial period of treatment as the patient may be unaware of his own surroundings.

When it comes to treating an addiction, going to an inpatient clinic is the first step. When the patient is capable enough and medically stable after experiencing the withdrawal process, then other treatments like counseling could be explored. Some facilities provide an inpatient setting and offers both detox and counseling under one roof while others may also provide aftercare services for patients who are now comfortable enough to leave the clinic.

How Long Does Detox Last?

 

It's very important to remember that addiction can only be managed, never cured. For example, once someone becomes an alcoholic, he always will be one, but he can choose to always avoid alcohol thanks to substance abuse treatment. There are various plans available for those who have completed detox, and what works for some may not work well for others; however, it's always possible to explore other options.

Depending on the number of resources available, the level of cooperation of the addict and how long the addiction went on, the process of detoxing can considerably vary in length. Detoxing can be as short as three days as the introductory procedure, but the programs that follows will require a lifetime commitment in order to successfully remain free from the addiction. The general rule to follow is that it takes "as long as it takes," which will vary depending on each individual situation. One addict might recover in 30 days while others might need to stay at an inpatient clinic for over a year.

The fastest kind of rehab will only last as long as the body needs to fully flush out the drug from its system. In a medical setting, the addict will detoxify his body while medical professionals can assist with symptoms and overseeing the patient. With alcohol addictions, this just takes a couple of days, but drugs like methamphetamine and heroin will need a week. Typically, detoxing is just step one of a major life plan.

 

Different Inpatient Facilities

 

Short-term programs typically will provide treatment to a patient for a predetermined amount of time. In this setting, the addict will commit to remaining at the inpatient center for one, two or three months, after which period of time, he will be discharged from the facility.

During the time spent at the facility, he will learn about how to manage stress, how addiction affects relationships and other aspects of the situation. Some of these programs are typically covered by insurance but will generally only last about a month, though this can vary depending on how long the patient requires. Typically, an addict can see the greatest success when he has had enough time to address any mental illness, addiction, housing issues, or employment issues.

There is also an option for long-term inpatient housing in a semi-structured environment for a longer period of time than a typical residency, such as about nine months or even a full year. This is a good choice for those who have gotten into legal trouble due to the addiction or are in danger of becoming homeless or cannot maintain a job due to the addiction.

Understanding the Cycle of Addiction

Alcohol and drug addictions are not a matter of choice and willpower. Despite the negative effects drugs and alcohol has on the body and despite the fact that most people do not expect an alcohol or drug addiction to happen because they use them, it oftentimes does happen. To understand the forces behind addiction, we have to first understand the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.

When someone starts taking drugs or drinking alcohol, the compounds in the drugs and alcohol change the chemical composition in the brain. Both drugs and alcohol cause a release of endorphins from the brain. The endorphins are the agents that make us feel pleasure. Consequently, the person feels “high” and loses his or her inhibitions.

The process of addiction is full of peaks and troughs. When the intoxication begins wearing off, feelings of depression and let down occur. The person begins automatically craving the next fix because his or her body needs it. His or her focus becomes one single thing – the next rush or high. The person then spends a lot of time and energy finding the drug or alcohol they need. Nothing else in life matters.

Addiction is Not a Matter of Choice

 

Being addicted to drugs or alcohol is not a matter of choice. It goes beyond having the willpower to just say no. When a person becomes addicted, willpower weakens and using the drug or alcohol becomes a conditioned reflex. Almost every single person is at risk of addiction; however, some people have a greater risk than others. Many factors are considered with addictions:

• Genetics – If a substance or drug abuse runs in the family, there is naturally a greater risk of someone in the family becoming addicted due to the chemically altered nature of the person’s brain being potentially hereditary.
• Low Self-Esteem – A person with depression or low self-esteem tendencies is more inclined to become an addict. Why? People who suffer low self-esteem and lack of confidence might search for outlets to make them feel better. Alcohol and drugs will give the person the high feeling they need and makes that person feel that they are good enough or better than they perceive before using these substances.
• Emotional Factors – For a person who has not felt loved, known unconditional love or never had their needs met, there is a higher risk of them becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some children want to feel loved and needed. When they do not get that affection at home, they seek this from their peers. In many cases, just to feel that they fit in with friends or to please their friends, they get involved in alcohol and drugs. Oftentimes, this leads to an addiction.

 

 The Dangers

 

An addiction is a serious problem that is capable of ruining an intelligent person. Drug and alcohol addiction requires treatment just like other serious diseases and illnesses. In many cases, the patient is not aware of his or her addiction and might deny it. With the right inpatient treatment center for drugs and alcohol addictions, the person can have his or her life put back in order.