How Can Acupuncture Therapy Help Treat Addiction?

There’s no one definitive way to treat addiction, and recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. In addition to evidence-based treatment methods, therapies like acupuncture have the potential to greatly assist patients. People need to realize the role that acupuncture therapy can have in the treatment of drug or alcohol addictions.

Understanding Acupuncture Therapy

Throughout Asia, acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. It works by using a series of needles to prick the skin, and it was designed as a way to balance the body’s chi and restore overall wellness. In recent years, acupuncture therapy has become better known in Western medicine. Even the World Health Organization listed 64 problems that can potentially be alleviated through acupuncture treatment, and drug abuse and addiction was one that made the list.

Acupuncture isn’t actually painful, although tingly or itching might be common. Acupuncture can be performed on the entire body, but many acupuncturists focus on specific body parts depending on the condition that needs to be treated. In cases of addiction, many facilities emphasize ear acupuncture for its targeted effectiveness, as well as the smaller surface area.

Acupuncture Therapy Can Potentially Reduce Tension and Anxiety

During a detox from drugs or alcohol, and throughout the rehab process, many patients report tension and an increase in stress levels. In some cases, patients begin to struggle with things like anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture can often reduce this physical tension that can be so frustrating and uncomfortable to patients in addiction recovery. Reducing tension and alleviating stress can be important in the prevention of relapse. Those who are less stressed and less anxious may also be less inclined to give in to their cravings and return to their addictions.

Acupuncture May Alleviate Withdrawal Symptoms

Arguably the hardest part of recovering from an addiction is the detox. This withdrawal lasts an average of one week, and it can include a number of side effects that are unpleasant or uncomfortable. Implementing acupuncture therapy during withdrawal may help to alleviate some of the most common symptoms.

Through acupuncture, things like nausea, muscle aches and even abdominal cramping might be lessened. By making the withdrawal phase more comfortable, more patients can complete the entire process and then move onto rehab to continue their journeys to lasting sobriety.

Acupuncture Could Improve Sleep Patterns

A major benefit to trying acupuncture therapy during addiction treatment is that it has the potential to improve sleep. Many individuals struggle during recovery to fall asleep and then stay asleep for hours at a time. Through acupuncture, these same patients may be able to lessen their insomnia.

Acupuncture is also linked to temperature regulation. This can be incredibly helpful during addiction recovery, because overheating and sweating is a major issue for many patients. Temperature regulation can also make it far easier for patients to sleep well without waking during the night.

Acupuncture is Quick and Affordable

Worth noting is that acupuncture therapy is a relatively inexpensive process, and it takes just minutes at a time for patients. In addition, acupuncture is suitable for virtually all candidates, including pregnant women and the elderly.

Compared to many other more expensive means of treating addiction, acupuncture is straightforward, effective and inexpensive. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly popular in addiction treatment facilities. Furthermore, there are virtually no side effects, excluding the potential for mild itching during the procedure. With so many benefits and few downsides, acupuncture is a logical addition to a comprehensive addiction treatment plan.

To begin the journey to recovery through acupuncture, therapy and a range of other treatment methods, contact Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida. Call 866.605.0532 to get answers to your recovery questions and embrace the life of sobriety that you deserve.