Acupuncture Center Chicago Square Logo

Call (312) 863-0731 For An Appointment

17 N. Wabash Ave. Ste 678 Chicago, IL 60602

Acupuncture Center Chicago Square Logo

17 N. Wabash Ave. Ste 678 Chicago, IL 60602

Acupuncture for Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Can Acupuncture Help Treat Drug Addiction?

Overcoming a drug addiction undoubtedly an extremely difficult journey. To be successful, it can require various different methods and approaches. An increasing number of studies are showing that acupuncture could be an effective component in treating drug addiction and aid in the detoxification process. Used in conjunction with mental health treatment, such as counseling and group therapy, acupuncture can help patients with an addiction find relief and successfully live a life of sobriety.

Acupuncture is gaining popularity in treating a variety of ailments, including those who suffer from addiction. Acupuncture treatments can help subdue substance cravings while also helping the patient feel calm and find relief from their withdrawal symptoms. How acupuncture is effective in the treatment of drug addiction in not fully known. Some research demonstrates that acupuncture raises endorphin levels which are the body’s natural painkillers. Chinese medicine explains the efficacy of acupuncture as a way to balance the yin and yang energies. Acupuncture works for substance abuse patients by nourishing the yin energy and bringing back a balance of natural energy.

Acupuncture sessions consist of the acupuncturist inserting tiny needles into five different points of the ear. The needles are typically placed within one to two minutes. The patient will then sit and relax for 30-45 minutes in a comfortable environment. It’s not uncommon for patients to fall asleep. This creates a peaceful environment and helps the patient feel calm and relaxed. Patients who deal with drug withdrawal symptoms often report feeling relief following their treatment.

While it is still considered to be alternative medicine, many drug rehabilitation centers and treatments are incorporating acupuncture in their programs for treating drug addictions due to the success rates. In study conducted in 1989, 80 alcoholics were treated. One half of the patients received counseling and acupuncture, while the other half received only counseling. Patients who received both acupuncture and counseling were twice as likely to stay sober. In 1974, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, which was the first acupuncture detoxification clinic in the U.S., found the acupuncture treatment results to be so effective that they dropped all methadone treatments which were previously being used.

Methadone is an incredibly addictive substance on its own and commonly used as a substitute for heroin. Methadone is used to increase functionality and curb withdrawal symptoms. Many who use methadone for treating an addiction often find they become addicted to the methadone instead. As a result, acupuncture treatments are far superior in comparison to methadone treatments as there are no side effects or risks of addiction. Acupuncture treats a variety of addictions such as cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and psychedelics.

Lincoln Memorial Hospital now includes acupuncture as part of their comprehensive drug rehabilitation program. The program also includes mental health treatment, urine testing, and a 12-step group therapy. The patients who receive acupuncture treatments reported a substantial reduction in drug cravings, relief from withdrawal symptoms and overall feeling more relaxed. The increasing popularity of acupuncture has even led some courts to order acupuncture as part of a comprehensive drug rehab program.

Acupuncture continues to show great potential for patients who struggle with addiction. It is important to note, that acupuncture is not a cure for addition. Mental health treatment is necessary in order to fully overcome addiction. Acupuncture treatments should be considered as a beneficial tool, in addition to mental health treatment, for overcoming an addiction.

Services We Offer : Conveniently Located in the Chicago Loop

Sunae Son, L.Ac, M.S.O.M. has spent much of her life exploring and researching western and eastern medicines, combining these practices over a decade of field and laboratory studies into mindful patient care in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Chinese Bodywork

Bodywork helps to reconnect the body with the mind, which in turn improves chi and overall wellness.

Acupuncture

This ancient treatment has helped people for literally thousands of years to relieve a variety of different conditions.

Moxibustion & Infra-Red Therapy

The therapy involves the stimulation of acupuncture points in the body to increase the flow of chi.

Herbal Medicine & Dietary Counseling

Through gathering of different plants, our ancestors were able to decipher what these plants could be used to treat.