Non-pharmacological approaches to the treatment of drug abuse

As a result largely of dissatisfaction with existing treatment methods for narcotic addiction, there has been considerable recent interest in various non-pharmacological approaches to treatment. Acupuncture, transcendental meditation, electrosleep, biofeedback and hypnotism all have generated considerable interest and seem to be effective in a number of cases. Although apparently quite different, all of these approaches seek to induce a state of relaxation which in turn appears to exert specific neurophysiological changes in the brain. These treatment methods not only help for some addicts, but should contribute to our overall understanding of the addiction process.