What is AcuDetox, and is it Effective in Treating Addiction?

AcuDetox is gaining footing not only in treating addiction, but in addressing an array of mental health issues as well,  such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. 1 out of 8 adults in the United States has had a problem with addiction at some time in their lives. Drug addiction can occur from environmental and genetic factors. Once addiction takes hold, it can be hard to fight.

There are many ways to battle drug and alcohol addiction before they have the chance to ruin lives. Several holistic addiction treatment methods are gaining traction in the recovery community, such as trauma therapy, mindfulness, yoga, nutritional counseling, and more.  One of these alternative methods is an acupuncture treatment called AcuDetox.

What is AcuDetox? To put it simply, it is the use of acupuncture for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. It is a specific protocol that helps the body to detoxify, as well as regulate the nervous system.

Acupuncture has a very long history of medicinal use that spans back 3,000 years in ancient China. It has long treated physical and mental health conditions that are hard to treat. These include depression, chronic pain, sleep problems, and generalized anxiety.

It may have applications in treating drug and alcohol addiction as well. If you’re interested in recovering from addiction naturally, read more about AcuDetox below.

What Is AcuDetox?

As previously mentioned, acupuncture is a very old medicinal practice. Let’s dive deeper into it, what it is exactly, and how it comes into play in treating addiction.

The method behind acupuncture is that needles targeting points on the body stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS controls the body via chemicals that influence the muscles, brain, and nerves.

If there is any imbalance in the CNS, acupuncture can restore balance. By doing this, the body is able to function in a healthier manner. Traditional acupuncture focuses on the whole body, but this is where AcuDetox differs.

While AcuDetox is a type of acupuncture, it is different from traditional acupuncture in a few ways. The methods of this protocol do not focus on the entire body but instead on five very specific points on the ears. Because of this focus on the ear, auricular acupuncture is another name for the treatment.

These five points have individual names and include the sympathetic, shen men, kidney, liver, and lung points. You may be wondering how pinning needles in certain parts of the ear can make any difference, but in a moment you will see the benefits of this technique.

By targeting these points in the ear, many find that certain adverse symptoms improve. In addition to addiction, this type of acupuncture has other applications in the treatment of stress and trauma disorders as well.

Can Anyone Find Relief With AcuDetox?

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association in 1985 created AcuDetox. The history of AcuDetox is not new and has been tried by many people since its formulation.

Anyone who suffers from stress, anxiety, and fear will benefit from AcuDetox. However, it is especially effective for those that feel these adverse feelings because of a drug or alcohol addiction. These feelings are detrimental to addiction recovery, and by treating them, addicts may recover more easily.

Since it aims to harmonize the body, this harmonization can help people conquer addiction.

How Does AcuDetox Work?

At this point, you may be wondering: how does AcuDetox work? As mentioned before, AcuDetox therapy focuses on five points in the ear. Three points impact the workings of three organs in the human body: the liver, the kidneys, and the lungs.

It is believed that these three organs may be adversely impacted through long-term stress and substance addiction. The other two points on the ear address sleep and the sympathetic nervous system, which is one of the divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS regulates the unconscious functions of the body such as digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Even though AcuDetox involves the use of needles, the treatment should not be painful or stressful. Five needles are used to address the five points in the ear. These needles are fine and sterilized so there is no risk of infection.

After the needles are placed in the five ear points, it may take around 30 minutes to feel the benefits of AcuDetox. According to your preferences, you may enjoy this treatment in a group or on your own.

How Well Does AcuDetox Work?

AcuDetox is an adjunct therapy, meaning it works best when combined with other therapies. It has been researched and, when paired with other treatments such as counseling, has shown to be effective in treating addiction. This is not to mention that AcuDetox is completely natural and drug-free.

Substance abuse problems often arise because people are trying to subdue mental health issues such as PTSD, ADHD, and others. There have been reports that AcuDetox can treat these mental health conditions. By doing this, those suffering from drug and alcohol addictions may be able to recover more easily and without fear.

During an AcuDetox treatment, patients often recount feelings of relaxation and peace. This is because when the five ear points are targeted with needles, the body’s natural response is to release endorphins. Endorphins are molecules produced in the brain that stimulate the body’s pleasure and reward systems.

Addictive drugs also target the body’s pleasure and reward systems but are harmful to the body, especially long-term. However, since AcuDetox takes the place of drugs in stimulating the body’s reward systems, lessens one’s reliance on drugs. Not only that, it can even lessen one’s desire to take addictive drugs and can dampen the withdrawal symptoms.

AcuDetox treatments can be tailored to the individual’s preferences and can be used in almost any situation. While it is often conducted in clinical settings, it can also be used in overall stressful situations such as after disasters.

Who Is Responsible for Administering AcuDetox?

AcuDetox administrators vary, but they often belong to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. However, even if someone does not belong to this organization, they can undergo training to be able to practice this type of acupuncture.

Those that may administer AcuDetox are doctors, nurses, therapists, acupuncturists, and social workers.

People may be trained in AcuDetox in various locations. These locations include acupuncture schools or private or public agencies. It is important to receive these treatments from a trained professional in order for the treatment to work properly.

If you receive treatment from someone who is not a trained professional, your results may not be ideal.

The Benefits of AcuDetox

AcuDetox acupuncture has no shortage of physical and mental health benefits. As mentioned previously, it can help addicts have less of a desire to abuse drugs and can soothe any symptoms of withdrawal. People getting treatment feel sensations of peacefulness, relaxation, and wellbeing.

Insomnia is a common problem that impacts addicts. AcuDetox can help with insomnia as well as correct sleep patterns.

Those who receive AcuDetox often report feeling less irritable and stressed. This increased relaxation and destressing can improve the effects of other treatments such as therapy.

Beyond the lessening of stressful feelings by AcuDetox, patients may feel more in control of themselves. They may also find that they feel stronger and are better able to manage their behavioral faults.

By lessening the symptoms of stress, ADHD, and trauma, addicts will feel stronger in their ability to conquer their addictions. This will allow them to push aside their desire to abuse drugs and alcohol and improve their lives.

Another benefit is that AcuDetox is affordable. When compared to other forms of addiction treatment, you can save a lot of money with AcuDetox.

Are There Any Side Effects to AcuDetox?

AcuDetox has the same side effects as traditional acupuncture which are minimal. As long as a professional administers it, you should experience few side effects.

The most common side effects are minimal and not serious. They can include bleeding and bruising around the five areas where the needles were.

In rare circumstances, patients may have more serious side effects. These include light-headedness, fainting, skin irritation, nerve damage, and convulsions. Sometimes, if for whatever reason the needles used were not properly sterilized, hepatitis B may also be a side effect.

However, AcuDetox is generally a very safe procedure. If you’ve ever received a traditional acupuncture treatment, you know the procedure is nothing to worry about.

Receiving AcuDetox for Free in Boulder, Colorado

If you are interested in this method of support and you are in or around Boulder, Colorado, consider joining us at our free community Recovery Wellness Hour on Monday evenings! This is an event, brought to you as a collaboration between The PILLAR Program at Boulder Community Health, Natural Highs, and Flatirons Recovery, where the community is able to receive AcuDetox free of charge while relaxing with others in the Boulder recovery community.

At our Recovery Wellness Hour, participants are also offered healing herbs, and can choose to receive the treatment in a space where they are able to meditate quietly or in a room where they may socialize with other people in recovery. All we require is 24 hours of sobriety before attending.

Learn more about our Boulder County Recovery Wellness Hour Here! 

Treating Addiction Holistically at Flatirons Recovery

You now know the answers to your questions of what is AcuDetox, what the benefits are, and how it works. Addiction is a serious problem that can take a toll on your health if left untreated. If you are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction and want an affordable, effective treatment option, AcuDetox may be what you need.

To learn more about holistic addiction treatments, contact us here.