Addiction

Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a valuable complementary therapy in the treatment of addiction. Whether someone is recovering from substance use (such as alcohol, nicotine, opioids, or stimulants) or behavioural addictions (like gambling or emotional eating), acupuncture can provide meaningful support throughout the recovery process.

Rather than replacing medical or psychological treatment, acupuncture works alongside it.

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How Acupuncture Helps with Addiction

From a TCM perspective, addiction is often seen as a disharmony between the organs, emotions, and spirit (Shen). Acupuncture aims to rebalance these systems by:

  • Regulating the nervous system: reduce anxiety, agitation, restlessness, and insomnia

  • Managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms: ease symptoms like nausea, sweating, irritability, and pain

  • Supporting detoxification and liver function: encourage the clearing of toxins from the body

  • Improving mood and emotional regulation: promote mental clarity, emotional stability, and inner calm

  • Strengthening the willpower (Zhi) and calming the mind (Shen): support long-term recovery and resilience

 

The NADA Protocol

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, is a standardised five-point ear acupuncture method, has been utilised as an adjunctive therapy in addiction treatment since the 1970s (Stuyt & Voyles, 2016).

​Where did it come from?  Well, the connection between ear acupuncture and relief from drug withdrawal symptoms was first observed in 1972 by a surgeon in Hong Kong, who noted its positive effects in patients recovering from heroin and opium addiction. Since then, ongoing research has supported its role in supporting addiction recovery.​

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) developed a standardised 3–5 point ear acupuncture protocol at Lincoln Hospital in New York. Established in 1985, NADA has trained thousands of practitioners in this gentle, non-verbal approach to support individuals through withdrawal, cravings, and emotional regulation.

 While originally developed to aid addiction recovery, the NADA protocol is now widely used as a complementary therapy for a range of mental health challenges—including stress, trauma, anxiety, and sleep issues. It has also been successfully used to support veterans experiencing PTSD, substance dependence, and insomnia.

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Current Evidence Supporting the NADA Protocol

  1. Reduction of Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings: A systematic review by Baker & Chang (2016) found that the NADA protocol significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms and cravings in individuals undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Some studies within this review also reported decreased methadone dosages following NADA sessions .

  2. Improvement in Treatment Retention and Emotional Well-being: Research indicates that incorporating the NADA protocol into treatment programs can enhance patient retention and emotional regulation. For instance, a study highlighted its effectiveness in supporting individuals with borderline personality disorder during a 90-day inpatient program (Carter et al., 2017).

  3. Adjunctive Role in Comprehensive Care: The NADA protocol is most effective when integrated into a holistic treatment approach. It serves as a complementary therapy alongside counselling, medication, and other interventions, rather than as a standalone treatment (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, 2024).

  4. Global Adoption and Training: The NADA protocol has been adopted in over 40 countries, with more than 25,000 trained providers worldwide. Its application spans various settings, including addiction treatment centres, mental health facilities, and disaster relief programs (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, 2024).

Benefits of Acupuncture for Addiction Recovery

  • Non-invasive, drug-free support

  • Promotes overall physical and emotional well-being

  • Can be integrated at any stage of recovery—detox, withdrawal, maintenance, or relapse prevention

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Is It Right for You?

Acupuncture can be a supportive part of a holistic recovery plan. If you’re currently in recovery or looking to begin, we’re here to work with you—alongside your medical or mental health team—to provide safe, compassionate, and individualised care.

Sources

  • Baker, T. E., & Chang, G. (2016). The use of auricular acupuncture in opioid use disorder: A systematic literature review. The American Journal on Addictions, 25(7), 592–602. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12456

  • Stuyt, E.B., & Voyles, C.A. (2016). The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol, auricular acupuncture to support patients with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders: current perspectives. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 7, 169-180. https://doi.org/10.2147/sar.s99161.

  • Carter, K., Olshan-Perlmutter, M., Marx, J., Martini, J. F., & Cairns, S. B. (2017). NADA Ear Acupuncture: An Adjunctive Therapy to Improve and Maintain Positive Outcomes in Substance Abuse Treatment. Behavioral Sciences, 7(2), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs7020037

  • National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. (2024). Evidence for the NADA protocol: Summary of research. Retrieved from https://acudetox.com/resource/evidence-for-the-nada-protocol-summary-of-research/

  • Cowan, D. T., & MacIntosh, H. (2017). The effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of chemical dependency: A review of the literature. Journal of Substance Use, 22(6), 613–618. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2016.1271044

  • Landgren, K., & Downey, L. A. (2017). Auricular acupuncture for alcohol dependence: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy, safety, and acceptability. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 82, 48–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2017.08.003

  • Moran, C., & Glover, L. (2017). The effectiveness of the NADA ear acupuncture protocol for clients with a dual diagnosis: A pilot study. Behavioral Sciences, 7(2), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs7020037