Auricular Acupuncture in Substance Abuse: Effects on Anxiety, Sleep, Drug Use.

RCT of Auricular Acupuncture in Substance Abuse: Effects on Anxiety, Sleep, Drug Use and Use of Addiction Treatment Services. A Randomized Controlled Study

Background. A common alternative treatment for substance abuse is ear acupuncture. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short and long-term effect of auricular acupuncture on anxiety, sleep, drug use and addiction treatment utilization in adults with substance abuse. Method. Adults with substance abuse and psychiatric comorbidity were randomly assigned to either of two variants of auricular acupuncture - The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol (NADA) or a local protocol (LP) - or relaxation training (controls). Primary outcomes were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) with assessment before treatment and follow-ups after five weeks and three months. Secondary outcomes were drug use and addiction service utilization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ongoing patients status at the clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Nickel-allergy
• Ear infection
• Heart disease