Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction and Alcohol Use Disorder, is a medical condition that is primarily characterized by an inability to stop drinking. People with AUD will have an uncontrollable compulsion to drink alcohol.
It doesn’t matter if they suffer social, legal, or health consequences as a direct result of their drinking; they will be unable to stop or even reduce alcohol intake. Their alcohol dependence is their top priority, and they may neglect other responsibilities such as work, school, and family in favor of continuing alcohol abuse. It’s a condition that can lead to or exacerbate depression.
Even with alcoholism treatment, it’s easy to relapse with this form of substance abuse, not just because of continued cravings but also because alcohol is not a controlled substance. Unlike in drug addiction, alcohol is freely available in restaurants, bars, and dedicated liquor stores, so anyone with money and proof that they’re over the age of 21 can obtain it.
But, while alcoholism can be difficult to overcome, recovery is possible. At Luxe Recovery, we employ a variety of methods to help reduce cravings and maintain sobriety.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine in which a trained specialist sticks sterilized needles into certain parts of a person’s body. While the process may seem painful and invasive, patients typically feel only a slight pinch or pressure.
Acupuncture is predicated on the belief that there is a flow of energy or Qi in the body, that this energy travels along pathways known as meridians, and that many ailments can be attributed to a disruption of this energy flow.
By stimulating specific body parts with needles, acupuncture may help restore the natural flow and heal these ailments.
How Acupuncture Helps with Alcoholism
While it’s not a frontline treatment, acupuncture treatment can complement a patient’s treatment program. The benefits of acupuncture for addiction include:
Stress Relief
Stress is a major trigger for substance use. The use of acupuncture has been known to help relieve stress, which can lead to a reduction in alcohol consumption.
Managing Withdrawal
Another way that acupuncture can help in addiction recovery is that it can manage some alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture has been known to help some people relax, making it effective at alleviating withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia. It can also help with nausea and irritability, making them an effective treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Manage Cravings
Aside from managing a significant trigger for alcohol use, it’s also believed that acupuncture works to manage alcohol cravings by targeting specific acupuncture points that are associated with addiction and appetite control. Auricular acupuncture, also known as ear acupuncture, is particularly effective.
Mood Enhancement
Acupuncture can also potentially stimulate an endorphin release. This can help in addiction recovery, as low moods can often be a significant trigger for using substances, including alcohol.
It has to be said that acupuncture alone will not be enough to help patients with alcohol dependence achieve long-term recovery. However, it can be a complementary form of treatment that can help treat addiction.
What to Expect During Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be an effective supplementary therapy for alcohol addiction. While the insertion of needles is the central part of an acupuncture session, there is a lot more to it than that. Here’s what to expect when integrating acupuncture in the treatment of alcohol dependency:
Assessment
As with any form of addiction treatment, a qualified practitioner will consult the patient before including acupuncture in addiction treatment.
During this initial consultation, the practitioner will discuss the patient’s health history, health concerns, and goals for the recovery process. They may also check the pulse and tongue, both of which are important in Chinese medicine.
Preparation
The patient will lie on a treatment table at this point in the session. Clothing may need to be removed, but practitioners generally provide sheets or towels for modesty. Depending on the treatment area, patients will lie on their front, back, or side.
Needle Insertion
The crux of an acupuncture session is needle insertions. While the needles are quite long, the process is generally painless, though some users may feel a slight tingling or pinch.
The practitioner may also manipulate the needles by twisting them, applying heat or a low electrical charge to enhance treatment.
The needles will not be removed immediately. Instead, they will remain in place for 15 to 30 minutes. During this period, some patients can relax and become drowsy.
After this, the practitioner will remove the needles carefully. This process is also typically painless.
The Importance of Alternative Treatments in Recovery
Some people can be somewhat skeptical of alternative treatments such as acupuncture. However, alternative therapies can be beneficial in treating addiction. Some of the benefits include:
Holistic Healing
Some alternative recovery practices, such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation, can help people heal their spirits as well as their minds and bodies.
Improved Physical Health
Addiction, including AUD, can impact a person’s physical health. Alternative therapies can help people rebuild their physical strength and promote overall wellness.
Complementary Care
Alternative therapies can be used to complement conventional treatment practices and can sometimes enhance their efficacy.
Get a Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment at Luxe Recovery
For numerous reasons, people who get a big promotion at work may pop open a bottle of champagne. When they have dinner with friends, they may pair their food with wine, red if it’s meat and white if it’s fish. However, some people can drink to excess, lose control of their drinking, and develop AUD.
AUD is a prevalent condition in the United States. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that more than 10 percent of all people over the age of 12 in America had AUD in 2023. This represents nearly 29 million people in the United States who struggle with alcohol addiction.
But, while many people struggle with alcohol addiction, numerous treatment options can help address it, with acupuncture being one of them.
At Luxe Recovery, we personalize our treatment to each patient, ensuring that we use the approaches that best encourage long-term recovery. Contact us now, and we’ll help you initiate your road to recovery.
