Treatment for Substance Abuse
By Dr Mohammed Sarwar Khan.

Chinese medicine helps people rec over from drugs and alcohol problems.  It can decrease cravings for drugs and alcohol, reduce withdrawal symptoms, relieve tension, and help people relax. If the treatments are taken regularly and continuously with acupuncture then it will help to clear the mind, build energy, and give a sense of well being.

Stimulating specific acupuncture point in the ear affect specific organs, such as the liver and kidneys.  Allopathic science has confirmed that acupuncture treatment changes the level of chemicals in the body and it acts on the nervous system.  Acupuncture itself is not a substitute for therapy but is used in addition to counselling and self-help programs

There are many reasons as to why acupuncture is used for detoxification. It:

• Reduces the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
• Relieves depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

The acupuncture detoxification program is an ideal partner with other programs. Hypnosis can be used in conjunction with acupuncture in the detoxification program available at the CHINESE HOSPITAL. Internationally trained Master Hypnotist's are available at all branches of the CHINESE HOSPITAL who can provide a more effective treatment for drug abuse by combining acupuncture and hypnosis to treat the patient both mentally and physically. This combined detoxification programme provides a new level of comfort for the patient allowing better recovery.  It alleviates withdrawal symptoms so mental and physical stability can be quickly achieved. 

In addition, acupuncture:
 

• Can be used safely with any other health condition.
• Does not utilize other abusable, addictive drugs for treatment
• Can be effectively done on an outpatient basis.

Acupuncture Treatment

Ear points are treated for about 20-40 minutes while the patient rests.   This is a good time for the patient to relax, meditate or think about changes to be made in their life.    Once the ear points are stimulated, the patient may feel a tingly or warm sensation in the ear. The acupuncture points stimulated in the ear correspond to specific organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system.  One of the points is for relaxation. Treating these points triggers the release of natural body chemicals, including endorphins, which help reduce cravings for drugs, ease withdrawal symptoms, and increase relaxation.  Some patients fall asleep.  These are normal responses. Some patients feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment, others do not feel much at all. Even if the patient does not feel much they are still getting benefit from the treatment.  Acupuncture is most effective after a series of treatments over a period of time. 

The Detoxification Process

During detoxification, your body filters out the toxins that you have been storing up.  Blood circulation begins to improve. Sometimes during the detoxification period you may feel achy, not sleep well, be cranky, or even have drug dreams. Please let the doctor know if you have any of these symptoms so that additional acupuncture points can be added to your treatment.

How to Receive Maximum Benefit From Treatment

• Treatment time should be used to sit quietly, relax and reflect or meditate.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or drink coffee in the half hour before and after treatment.
• Let the doctor know if you have any health problems.

At the CHINESE HOSPITAL we would recommend daily acupuncture treatments for the first two weeks.  This should then be followed up by three treatments a week for several weeks, reducing it to two treatments per week for several additional weeks.  Final treatments should be once a week. If relapse occurs or something stressful happens in your life, then additional treatments are recommended. The doctors at the CHINESE HOSPITAL will do their best to provide the best and most comfortable treatment to the patients of drug abuse.