If you or someone you know is currently struggling with substance abuse, and you would like more information please contact me to learn more about treating addiction with acupuncture.

1. Treating Addiction with
Acupuncture
by Cara Dinote, L.Ac.

2. Table
of
Contents
Acupuncture for Substance
Abuse
Physiological Basis for
Drug Addiction
NADA Treatment Protocol

3. Acupuncture for
Substance Abuse

4. Treating Addiction With
Acupuncture
• Acupuncture combined with substance abuse counseling and group
therapy programs is effective for treating drug and alcohol users
• Acupuncture provides a foundation for recovery and psycho-social
rehabilitation
• Acupuncture is a supportive component of a substance abuse
treatment as well as in enabling job readiness.

5. • As a non-verbal intervention, it helps in reaching resistant patients
• It reduces anxiety and agitation while facilitating calm and receptive
behavior
• It helps develop an inner meditative core in even the most troubled
and fearful persons
Acupuncture Enhances
Overall Functioning

6. The Physiological Basis
of Drug Addiction

7. Role of Dopamine
• The mesolimbic dopamine system originates in the ventral
tegmental area (VTA) and projects to regions that include the
nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex
• Dopamine is believed to be the final common pathway for drugs
such as cocaine, morphine and alcohol.

8. • Studies show that acupuncture directly or indirectly affects the
mesolimbic dopamine system
• These results suggest that acupuncture helps to maintain the
homeostasis and balance between positive and negative
processes involved in drug addiction
Role of Neurotransmitters in the
Action of Acupuncture

9. NADA Treatment
Protocol

10. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association auricular
acupuncture protocol is used around the world to help people deal with
and recover from substance abuse.
The NADA protocol has been shown in a variety of clinical settings to be
beneficial in the process of detoxification from substance abuse as well
as to help with the emotional, physical and psychological attributes
involved in addictions.
Auricular Acupuncture

11. The NADA Protocol
At five designated ear points in each auricle (outer ear), NADA-trained
clinicians apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time use stainless steel
needles just under the skin, where they remain for up to an hour while
the patient (in most circumstances) relaxes quietly in a comfortable
chair.

12. If you or someone you know is currently struggling
with substance abuse, and you would like more
information please contact me.
Cara Dinote, L.Ac.
• Acupuncturist
• Herbalist
• Owner of Intuitive Healing Acupuncture
www.intuitivehealingacu.com