Active Health Chiropractic

Acupuncture can be very helpful in the treatment of addictions by reducing the frequency and intensity of cravings.  Research also shows that people who are treated with acupuncture for addictions during the rehabilitative phase of a treatment program, are more likely to succeed in completing the rehabilitative program(1).
Acupuncture is mostly pain-free, in fact, most patients report that they don't even feel the needles going in!  The approved acupuncture protocol by the ACACD (American College of Addictionology & Compulsive Disorders), includes acupuncture points that are located in the ear.  After the in-office treatment, “ear seeds” or “ear tacks” are placed in the ear for up to several days between treatments to help increase stimulation to the acupuncture points and decrease the frequency and intensity of cravings of the addictive substance.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique used to treat all types of pain and disorders.  According to Chinese medicine, it is the constitution of the person that needs to either be supplemented or suppressed in order to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.  This is accomplished by inserting thin needles into points located along the meridians of the body that influence the essential fluids and energy flow.  "Acupuncture's role in suppressing the reinforcing effects of abused drugs takes place by modulating mesolimbic dopamine neurons"(2).
The best success for treating addictions is a combination of rehabilitative treatment programs, counseling, and supplemental acupuncture.
Resources:
1) Acupuncture for addicted patients with chronic histories of arrest: A pilot study of the Consortium Treatment Center
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 19, Issue 2, Pages 199-205 (September 2000) Lisa C Russell, Ph.D, Boyd Sharp, M.S.,L.P.C, Barbara Gilbertson, D.O
2) A possible mechanism underlying the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 Sep;5(3):257-66