[Comparative study on effects between electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture for methamphetamine withdrawal...

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome presents significant challenges in patient recovery.
• Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities during methamphetamine detoxification.
• Effective non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture in treating methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome.
• To evaluate the impact of these acupuncture methods on associated anxiety and depression symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Ninety male patients with methamphetamine addiction were randomized into three groups: electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, and a control group.
• Specific acupoints were selected for electroacupuncture (PC 6, HT 7, ST 36, SP 6, EX-B 2) and auricular acupuncture (AH(6a), TF4, CO14, CO12).
• Treatment was administered three times weekly for a total of 12 sessions, with symptom scores assessed over four weeks.

Main Results:

• Both electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture significantly reduced methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome, anxiety, and depression scores compared to the control group.
• Electroacupuncture demonstrated superior efficacy over auricular acupuncture in reducing withdrawal syndrome scores by week 4.
• Electroacupuncture also showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety and depression scores at multiple time points compared to auricular acupuncture.

Conclusions:

• Electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture are effective therapeutic options for methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome, anxiety, and depression.
• The therapeutic benefits of electroacupuncture at body points increase with longer treatment durations.
• Electroacupuncture appears to be more effective than auricular acupuncture for certain withdrawal and mood symptoms.