A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF ACU-DETOX USED IN AN ARIZONA REHABILITATION FACILITY

Abstract

Acu-detox is a procedure that is offered in a variety of healthcare settings across the nation and locally, in Arizona. The goal of acu-detox is to reduce withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and drugs including cravings, body aches, headaches, nausea, sweating and muscle cramps (NADA, 1999, p.2). The procedure is simple, safe, and affordable. It consists of placing five acupuncture needles in each ear for 40 to 45 minutes, in zones that have been standardized by the National Association of Detoxification Acupuncture (NADA) (NADA, 1999, p. 11) (Appendix A). It is suggested that this procedure is done in a group setting in a non -verbal way (NADA, 1999, p. 20). Urine drug screens are used in conjunction with the treatment to objectively document drug usage (NADA Conference). The treatment is to be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as counseling and 12 -step meetings (NADA, 1999, p.11). An herbal tea, called sleep -mix tea, is generally offered to the clients after the treatment, or to take home and drink before bedtime (NADA 1999, p. 35, see Appendix B). The materials are estimated to cost $.88 per treatment (Appendix C). Risk of infection is minimal as the needles are sterile and disposable. Occasionally there is a drop of blood when a needle is removed, however, the client is encouraged to hold a cotton ball at the location where the needle was removed to stop the bleeding (NADA, 1999, p.34). The acupuncture detoxification specialist, who inserts the needles, would not come in contact with the blood (NADA, 1999, p.34). Acu-detox is also used to reduce stress, to prevent relapse, and to decrease depression, anxiety and insomnia (National Association of Detoxification Acupuncture, 1999, p. 16). The research goal of this project is to examine where acu-detox is available, to look at research that has been done in a variety of settings to validate its efficacy, and finally to analyze its use in a local inpatient rehab setting.