Acupuncture For Addiction Recovery: The NADA Protocol
By Dr. Lexi Streu
The NADA Protocol
A simple, standardized auricular protocol that involves the placement of up to five small sterilized needles at specific points on each ear. The needles are left in for a retention period of 30-45 minutes. Because treatment is limited to the ears, it is an incredibly versatile procedure and can be performed virtually anywhere, as long as proper sterilization tools are in place. NADA Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a universally useful intervention in the treatment of addictions and behavioural health. It is recognized as a best practice in the treatment of substance use disorders. Integrative recovery programs using the NADA protocol are likely to see improvements in engagement, retention, decreased drug cravings, anxiety, and less physical symptoms. (1)
History of NADA Protocol
In 1973, a Chinese Doctor and Neurosurgeon working in Hong Kong, Dr. H L Wen, was the first to report the mitigation of withdrawal symptoms and addictive cravings by Acupuncture treatment. He observed that opiate users who had undergone surgery and received Acupuncture for post-op pain relief experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms and cravings. He subsequently conducted clinical studies that established Acupuncture as a valuable treatment for other forms of addiction, and published his findings in the “Asian Journal of Acupuncture”. (2)
After hearing of Dr. Wen’s discoveries, staff at the Lincoln Detox Centre in New York became interested in using Acupuncture in place of methadone for the treatment of substance abuse. They sought Acupuncturists who would be willing to demonstrate the protocol used by Dr. Wen - which began as a single-needle treatment stimulating the Lung point of the ear. Once the efficacy of these treatments was firmly established, many of the Lincoln Centre staff went on to study Acupuncture themselves. Over time, with much experimentation, the current NADA protocol was developed and is still in use to this day.
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association was later developed as a result of these successes, and continues today as a not-for-profit training and advocacy organization, encouraging community wellness through the use of Auricular Acupuncture Protocols. The NADA protocol is commonly used to treat behavioural health, addictions, mental health, and emotional trauma. It is frequently used in those undergoing drug and alcohol detoxification treatments, and has been shown to successfully control withdrawal symptoms and instil a sense of calm and clear- headedness in patients.
Functions of NADA Protocol Points
ShenMen
Regulates excitation and inhibition of the cerebral cortex and produces sedative effects. Also known as “Spirit Gate”; has the capability to reduce anxiety and nervousness through the entire body
LUNG
Heals respiratory disease, induces analgesia and regulates sweating. Emotionally, has a strong association with the grieving process.
KIDNEY
Targets deep-seated trauma, fear based beliefs, and heals internal organs. As a strengthening point it can relieve mental weariness, fatigue and headaches. Emotionally, it boots willpower and coping mechanisms.
SYMPATHETIC
Regulates disruption in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It dilates blood vessels to produce an analgesic and relaxant effect on the internal organs.
LIVER
Supports detoxification and addresses symptoms associated with poor liver functioning and inflammation. Resolves aggression and frustration while purifying the blood.
Clinical Research
A naturalistic study design compared recidivism rates in three outpatient and four residential addiction treatment programs (Shwartz, Shaz, Muvey, & Brannigan, 1999) (3). The study found that addicts undergoing NADA protocol treatment as outpatients were less likely to relapse in the 6 months after discharge than patients who chose residential programs without NADA protocol treatment.
Two controlled clinical trials provide strong support of the NADA protocol as an adjunctive treatment for alcoholics (Bullock, 1987; Bullock, Culliton, & Olander, 1989) (4). The active group receiving the NADA protocol produced significantly better outcomes in measures of attendance and self-reported craving for alcohol. The control group reported more than twice the number of drinking episodes compared with the active group who received NADA acupuncture. In addition, the control group had twice the number of readmissions to treatment centres during the follow-up period.
Effects of NADA Protocol
Mitigation of withdrawal symptoms from a wide range of substances including tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, opiates and recreational drugs
Patients report a sense of overall wellness, including improved energy and agility, feeling of lightness and relaxation
Fosters community and reliable support system
Improved retention in addiction treatment programs along with better attitudes
Reduced affinity for and dependence on substances, lessened anxiety and sleep disturbances
Improved sense of optimism and cooperation in recovery
Addresses conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic attacks and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which in some cases may be precursors to addiction or substance abuse
WHO IS USING NADA PROTOCOL?
NADA has since trained more than 10,000 health professionals in North America to use the protocol, including:
Acupuncturists and TCMD’s
Social Workers, Counsellors, Outreach Workers
Nurses, Medical Doctors
Drug Court Judges, Correction Officers
The road to recovery can be a long one, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Interested in learning more about the NADA protocol, or know someone that could benefit from such a treatment? Book a free 20 minute consultation with Dr. Lexi Streu.
Sources:
(1)https://alliedhealth.ceconnection.com/files/NADAProtocolIntegrativeAcupunctureinAddictions-1419263411853.pdf
(2)http://nadascotland.co.uk/history-nada-5-point-acupuncture-protocol/
(3)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10587932/
(4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3307496/