Acupuncture in Addiction Medicine: Its History, Evidence, and Possibilities

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Addiction Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Substance-use disorders (SUDs) and addiction are significant global health issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The endogenous opioid system provides a theoretical basis for acupuncture's efficacy in treating opioid use disorders (OUDs).
• Existing research and the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol show promise for acupuncture in managing SUDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific basis and clinical evidence for acupuncture as a treatment for SUDs.
• To explore acupuncture's role as a feasible adjunct therapy in addiction medicine.
• To discuss the potential of acupuncture in preventing SUDs, supported by governmental interest in pain management.

Main Methods:

• This article is a narrative review.
• It synthesizes basic science principles of acupuncture related to the opioid system.
• It examines clinical research findings in addiction medicine and the NADA protocol.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture shows theoretical and empirical support for treating SUDs, particularly OUDs.
• The NADA protocol has demonstrated success in various addiction treatment settings.
• Governmental support for acupuncture in pain management may indirectly benefit SUD prevention and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture presents a safe and feasible complementary treatment option for SUDs.
• Its ability to modulate the endogenous opioid system makes it a promising adjunct in addiction medicine.
• Further research and integration of acupuncture could address treatment gaps in SUD care.