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

Substance-use disorders (SUDs) and drug addiction are not only national, but also global health concerns that have worsened during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Acupuncture augments the endogenous opioid system and, therefore, has a theoretical basis as a treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs). The basic science of acupuncture, its clinical research in addiction medicine, and decades of success of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol offer positive findings supporting this protocol's utility for treating SUDs. Considering the mounting opioid/substance-use concerns and deficiencies in SUD treatment availability in the United States, acupuncture can be a safe, feasible treatment option and adjunct in addiction medicine. Furthermore, large governmental agencies are lending support to acupuncture for treating acute and chronic pain, which, in turn, could translate to prevention of SUDs and addictions. This article is a narrative review of the background, the basic science and clinical research, and future direction of acupuncture in addiction medicine.