1. Alcohol dependence and NADA
protocol A reflective discussion
By - Dr Gargi Sinha
An initiative of -
http://www.arvindam.com

2. Objective
To learn what is NADA stands for?
What are the advantages of NADA protocol
in clinical setting
What current evidence based trials missing
in dealing with alcohol users and how
practically these treatment are useful ?

3. What is NADA?
It is a acronym for
• National
• Acupuncture
• Detoxification
• Association
White, A., Cummings, T., & Filshie, J.,2008

4. How Ear acupuncture use for addiction
treatment
Needles are placed in five
points ,while patient
comfortably sits on the chair
Importantly, other factors and
treatment options are necessary for a
complete absenteeism from alcohol .
White, A., Cummings, T., & Filshie, J.,2008

5. What famous books are saying about NADA and
Dr. Michael O. Smith
• “The place of this treatment has always
been clearly elucidated by Michael
Smith, who was responsible for
introducing it.”(White, A., Cummings,
T., & Filshie, J.,2008)
Clearly, the leadership of Dr Smith
help young acupuncturist to
understand the role of ear
acupuncture in addiction treatment .

6. Advantage of NADA Protocol
Clinical importance:
Can be given in a clinical setting
Easy to use technique
Treatment can be given in sitting position

7. Advantage of NADA protocol
Usefulness in real scenarios:
Alcohol users are reluctant for treatment ,hence, dropout rates are high
However, best role of acupuncture is that it help patient to calm down when he/she first
visit the health provider. Further , it help patient to become more acceptable towards
treatment and they willingly involve in the treatment plan.
(White, A.,
Cummings,
T., & Filshie,
J.,2008)
Even current Cochrane trials are missing these points of
drug/alcohol rehabilitation while showing the findings.

8. Limitation of NADA
• Like any other treatment option available for alcohol rehabilitation ,
NADA protocol need collaboration from other sectors to deliver its
benefit to the society.
• The patient of alcohol is difficult to treat as it involves multiple
dimensions such as social ,mental and physical .
Dr Smith emphasised that NADA protocol can attract the
addicts to relax and further trust in health care system for
treatment (White, A., Cummings, T., & Filshie, J.,2008)

9. References:
White, A., Cummings, T., & Filshie, J. (2008). An introduction to
western medical acupuncture. Edinburgh: Churchill
Livingstone/Elsevier.

10. Thank you
In the photo left to right Mr.
Alexander Daniel IPS ex
ADG BSF, Dr. Michael O
Smith, Dr. Arindam Sinha
Co founder Sinha Medical
Acupuncture & Arvindam ,
Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan
chairman NADA India, Dr.
Rajeev Srivastav founder Raj
Derma Clinic and program
head Arvindam