Does Acupuncture Work for Florida Addiction Treatment?

There are a variety of therapies that are used to treat addiction at a Florida drug rehab. Among the more traditional treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. A holistic treatment program will also offer some alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga, music and art therapy, and massage. One type of holistic treatment that is finding success in treating substance abuse issues is acupuncture.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that dates back several thousand years. The practice is used to promote wellness and heal various types of ailments by accessing the body’s energy, or qui (chi), flows. Disease, illness, and pain are thought to be caused by a blockage or disruption of the energy flow in the body.

When you receive acupuncture treatment, tiny needles are inserted into the skin at certain anatomic sites, also called acupuncture points, with the goal of bringing the body’s energy flow back into balance. The needles do not hurt and may even relieve long-held physical and emotional pain. Even if you do not believe in the energy theory, modern medicine has spoken about acupuncture’s benefits in the way that the treatment stimulates muscles, nerves, and connective tissue to increase blood flow and trigger endorphins.

Using Acupuncture as Therapy in a Florida Drug Rehab

Research shows that acupuncture can have an effect on the body’s nervous system, digestive system, endocrine and immune system, and cardiovascular system. Acupuncture can also be useful through various phases of addiction treatment. There is even a treatment protocol for its use in detox called the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol.

This five-point targeted treatment is meant to help someone who is detoxing from alcohol or drugs with such things as anxiety, nausea, blood purification, and circulation. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes and is performed by a trained and fully licensed acupuncturist.

Acupuncture is used as a treatment method in a Florida drug rehab for detox as well for those in a treatment program. Some of the main benefits of this treatment include:

• Helps reduce cravings
• Eases physical pain
• Helps regulate emotions
• Decreases stress and anxiety
• Helps regulate sleep

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Opioid Addiction

As the nation continues to battle a massive opioid epidemic, there continues to be a push for different solutions to this problem. The Joint Acupuncture Opioid Task Force along with the American Society of Acupuncturists and the Acupuncture New Foundation wrote a joint letter in January 2016 outlining the ways that acupuncture can eliminate the need for some opioid drugs as well as how it can help treat opioid addiction. Other aggregated studies appear to show that there are benefits to using acupuncture for the treatment of addiction.

There is currently no one-size-fits-all solution to solving the addiction problem. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, the good news is that there is a Florida drug rehab that will design an addiction treatment program according to your particular needs. The Orlando Recovery Center offers holistic addiction treatment that includes traditional models as well as alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Contact us now to find out how one of our programs can help you break free from drugs or alcohol and begin your new life in recovery.