Acupuncture has long been a recognized supplemental or complementary medical practice, used to treat a wide range of ailments including chronic pain and insomnia as well as mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Since its application as a treatment methodology, acupuncture has taken on a wide variety of forms, including a more recent innovation called AcuDetox. Developed in 1974 by Dr. Michael Smith, AcuDetox is a treatment option shown to aid in the recovery process for a variety of addictions. What are AcuDetox benefits? Through its natural, holistic approach, recovery centers can apply its supportive services to improve treatment outcomes such as:

• Reduce cravings for alcohol and drugs
• Reduce chemical dependency on substances
• Minimize withdrawal symptoms
• Lower anxiety and agitation
• Increase calmness and concentration
• Better sleep

AspenRidge Fort Collins has launched this holistic therapy to our clients. Clinicians, doctors, and therapists are optimistic in AcuDetox’s application and its clinical research has shown that AcuDetox is effective in treating alcoholism and drug addictions. More AcuDetox benefits can be found below.

What is Acudetox?

AcuDetox is a special kind of acupuncture. The process of acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest medical sciences. It was practiced over 3,000 years ago in China. The aim of acupuncture is to harmonize the body’s system. For more information, visit Science Direct’s site to discover the benefits of auricular acupuncture.

In terms of drug addiction holistic therapy, AcuDetox differs from acupuncture because it focuses primarily on five distinct points of the ear. Thus, it is often referred to as auricular acupuncture. In addition, AcuDetox is also more cost-effective than acupuncture since it is concentrated on one aspect of acupuncture in the ear. Acupuncture is often a full-body treatment. For more information about these five points, check out this video.

AcuDetox has been found to be effective in providing relief from specific symptoms. Like acupressure or reflexology, AcuDetox addresses issues in various areas of the body using the ears as entry to those systems.

AcuDetox is a National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol. It is used to treat addiction, trauma, or stress.  It involves the placement of acupuncture needles in strategic spots in both ears corresponding with the aforementioned five-points.

Who Can Benefit from AcuDetox?

Also known as auricular acupuncture, acuDetox has proven effective in easing anxiety and fear that often consumes those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and impedes their recovery.

The procedure was developed in 1985 by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. Its goal was to manage behavioral health symptoms of such problems as addiction, trauma, stress, and insomnia.

How Does AcuDetox Work?

National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) professionals have devised a five-point acupuncture treatment. These five sites correlate with three major organs: lungs, liver, and kidneys. Often, these organs have been found to be affected by stress and ongoing substance use. The other two additional points of placement are for the sympathetic nervous system and sleep.

This procedure called AcuDetox involves gently placing five small, sterilized disposable needles into specific sites on each ear. After the placement occurs, it takes between thirty and forty-five minutes for the treatment to take effect. During that time, clients can sit individually or in a group.

Effectiveness of AcuDetox

AcuDetox is a research based adjunct therapy that is clinically effective and drug-free. When used in combination with counseling, medical support, and 12-step meetings, it can be increasingly beneficial in helping AspenRidge clients recover long-term from substance abuse.  In addition to being inexpensive, effective, and natural, reported clinical benefits to include reducing mental health issues related to

• PTSD
• ADHD symptoms

Feelings of calm and peacefulness are often reported shortly after treatment begins, as the stimulation of ear acupuncture points indicates a systemic release of endorphins. This treatment modality can be used on adults from all cultural and ethnic groups, as well. Lastly, it has shown to reduce craving and decrease overall withdrawal symptoms.

In short, AcuDetox has been proven effective in many clinical research studies.

It has been used in clinical settings as well as in disaster relief settings. It is suitable for use in both individuals and groups, thus making it versatile when taking a tailored approach to treat ongoing addictions.

AcuDetox has been used effectively in combination with such treatment options as counseling, education, and medical support. AcuDetox has been used in self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Click here to see what AcuDetox looks like.

Who Administers AcuDetox?

Members of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association may administer AcuDetox. Members of the following can receive special training to administer AcuDetox:

• Addictions reduction counselors
• Mental health therapists
• Social workers
• Correctional officers
• Drug court personnel
• Disaster relief teams
• Trauma support center staff
• First responders
• Physical and mental health promoters
• Nurses, and EMTs
• Acupuncturists
• Medical doctors

Training in auricular acupuncture may be provided through public and private agencies, acupuncture schools, and individual practitioners. AspenRidge Recovery continues to provide supportive services from experienced, trained, and qualified recovery addiction specialists. Many of our staff members have the necessary training to effectively administer AcuDetox to AspenRidge clients.

What are AcuDetox Benefits?

Studies have shown that using AcuDetox as part of a patient’s therapy produces encouraging results.

• AcuDetox eased the cravings for such substances as drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Acudetox minimized withdrawal symptoms.
• Acudetox benefits increased feelings of calm or serenity.
• Those who had AcuDetox reported having better sleep patterns and feeling less agitated.
• Those who received AcuDetox treatment reported greater relief from stress and emotional trauma.
• When patients received AcuDetox, counseling was more effective.
• Patients who had AcuDetox felt inner strength and peace.
• Acudetox assists in managing behavioral health symptoms.

Acudetox Side Effects

As with other types of acupuncture, the risks are low. Our AcuDetox technicians at AspenRidge North are both competent and well trained. They take great pride in using acupuncture capably using sterile needles of the right size for AcuDetox. Patients may experience soreness, bruising, or bleeding in the five points where the needles are inserted.

In very rare cases patients who have undergone AcuDetox may experience fainting, dizziness, convulsions, hepatitis B, dermatitis or nerve damage.

Why Choose AspenRidge Fort Collins?

AcuDetox is an evidence-based treatment modality that has become part of rehab treatments all over the world.

The clinicians, doctors, therapists, and counselors at AspenRidge Recovery are knowledgeable, accredited, and compassionate. AspenRidge offers a wide variety of drug and alcohol treatment programs, which are personalized to the clients’ needs. We offer a ninety-day extended care day treatment program with recovery residences for those with substance use issues. We also offer an evening intensive outpatient program (5-Day IOP) to holistically treat drug addiction, mental health, and complex trauma. The 5-Day IOP program is appropriate for those who require an extended care approach but cannot commit to residential care.

AspenRidge Recovery has two locations: Fort Collins, CO and Lakewood, CO (10 minutes from Denver) ensure that those in need of comprehensive treatment make a better transition back into their home, work, and community life.

Therapists use a variety of evidence-based treatment including individual counseling, psychiatric evaluation, group therapy, twelve-step meetings, life skills, job training, and AcuDetox.

AspenRidge Recovery and Rehab address co-occurring issues of substance use and mental health issues. AcuDetox is one of several strategies that AspenRidge facilities employ in treating the whole patient, not just the substance use associated with addiction.

For more information on the benefits of AcuDetox, contact us at our AspenRidge facilities directly 24/7 at (855) 281-5588.