Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is often one of the most physically and emotionally intense phases of recovery. Many individuals experience heightened anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and powerful cravings as their bodies begin to adjust.
AcuDetox offers a gentle, holistic approach to easing symptoms and supporting emotional regulation during this critical time. By integrating ear acupuncture into treatment plans, many programs have found that AcuDetox helps individuals feel more grounded, focused, and receptive to the recovery process.
Is AcuDetox safe, and who is it for?
One of the reasons AcuDetox is so widely used in treatment centers, hospitals, and community health programs is that it’s considered very safe. The needles are sterile, single-use, and the procedure is gentle and non-invasive. It doesn’t involve medication and has very few side effects. Most commonly, there is a little soreness or slight bleeding at the needle site, which usually goes away quickly.
AcuDetox is often a good fit for:
- People detoxing from drugs and/or alcohol
- People in a residential treatment program
- Individuals experiencing anxiety, insomnia, or agitation
- Those who prefer non-verbal, body-based healing approaches
- People in recovery who are looking for holistic, medication-free options
- Individuals dealing with co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD or depression
According to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, studies have found that participants receiving AcuDetox report improvements in sleep, mood, and overall emotional well-being, helping people not only manage symptoms, but feel more connected to their recovery journey. (1)
How does AcuDetox work?
AcuDetox is a holistic ear acupuncture technique designed to help regulate stress, reduce cravings, and support emotional balance – making it a valuable tool for people in addiction recovery, mental health treatment, or simply looking for a calmer state of mind.
It’s based on a protocol created by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) and involves placing five tiny needles in specific points on each ear. These points are linked to different parts of the body and help calm the nervous system, reduce cravings, and ease symptoms that often come up during detox.
The five ear points used in AcuDetox are:
- Sympathetic Point – Promotes relaxation and stress relief
- Shen Men – Helps calm the mind and ease anxiety
- Kidney – Supports physical healing and reduces fear or fatigue
- Liver – Helps with anger, irritability, and the detox process
- Lung – Supports breathing, grief processing, and immune health
AcuDetox sessions are simple and quiet. There’s no talking required – just a peaceful space to rest and reset. It’s a non-invasive, medication-free way to feel more grounded during one of the most challenging parts of recovery.
What are the benefits of AcuDetox?
AcuDetox offers real, noticeable relief during one of the most difficult parts of recovery: detoxing from drugs and/or alcohol. When someone is coming off substances, they often face physical discomfort, emotional swings, and intense cravings.
AcuDetox is a gentle way to help the body and mind begin to settle.
Some of the key benefits of AcuDetox include:
- Reduced cravings for substances like alcohol, drugs, and nicotine
- Less anxiety, stress, and agitation during detox
- Improved sleep and increased energy levels
- Relief from physical symptoms like headaches, body aches, and digestive issues
- A greater sense of calm and emotional balance, which can help people stay present in the recovery process
Most people describe feeling deeply relaxed after a session – a moment of peace when everything else feels heavy. While AcuDetox isn’t meant to replace medical care or therapy, it can be a powerful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan.
What can you expect during an AcuDetox session?
An AcuDetox session is simple, quiet, and calming. It typically takes place in a group setting, where individuals sit together in a peaceful room while the treatment is administered.
A trained professional gently places five small, sterile needles into specific points on each ear. Once the needles are in, there’s nothing else you need to do. Most people rest quietly for about 30 to 45 minutes while the treatment takes effect.
The experience is often described as grounding or meditative. Many people leave the session feeling calmer, clearer, and more centered than when they arrived. For those navigating the emotional weight of early recovery, that sense of peace can make a big difference.
Can AcuDetox support detox from drugs and alcohol?
The effectiveness of AcuDetox isn’t just anecdotal – though many people do report feeling calmer, more focused, and less overwhelmed after a session. There’s also growing clinical evidence to support what people in recovery have been saying for years: AcuDetox makes a difference.
Backed by Clinical Research
In a randomized controlled trial of the NADA protocol, participants who received AcuDetox experienced reduced cravings and anxiety. They were also more likely to stay engaged in treatment compared to those who didn’t receive acupuncture. (2)
These findings align with additional research across addiction treatment settings. A 2014 systematic review published in Medicine found that auricular acupuncture significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms and cravings in individuals undergoing opioid detox. (3) The review reinforced its value as a supportive, non-pharmacological option for people in early recovery.
A Complement to Evidence-Based Care
While AcuDetox isn’t meant to replace clinical or therapeutic care, it can be a powerful addition to a full continuum of treatment. When paired with a personalized treatment plan, AcuDetox helps people feel more emotionally regulated and physically grounded – which often makes it easier to engage fully in recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about AcuDetox
What does AcuDetox feel like?
Most people describe AcuDetox as calming and peaceful. The needle insertion is quick and typically painless or only mildly uncomfortable for a second.
Once in place, many people feel a deep sense of relaxation and some even fall asleep during the session.
Does AcuDetox hurt?
No, AcuDetox is not painful. The needles used are very thin and inserted gently. Some people may feel a quick pinch or slight pressure, but the discomfort is minimal. Once the needles are in, most individuals don’t feel them at all.
How long does an AcuDetox session last?
A typical AcuDetox session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, participants sit quietly in a group setting while the treatment takes effect.
Can AcuDetox be used with other treatments?
Yes, AcuDetox is most effective when paired with evidence-based care. AcuDetox works alongside medical detox, therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other forms of holistic support. It’s designed to complement your overall recovery journey, not replace any part of it.
Is AcuDetox just for people in addiction treatment?
Not at all. While it’s commonly used in substance use recovery, AcuDetox is also helpful for individuals experiencing high stress, anxiety, trauma, or sleep issues. It’s a versatile tool for emotional regulation and nervous system support.
How is AcuDetox used at Sana Lake Recovery?
At Sana Lake, we recognize how overwhelming detox and early recovery can be, and AcuDetox gives our members a way to feel calmer, more centered, and more connected to their healing process and recovery journey.
Sessions are offered in a quiet group setting and members are encouraged to rest while Moni, wellness director at Sana Lake, gently places five acupuncture needles.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re just beginning your recovery journey or looking for holistic ways to support long-term healing, AcuDetox can be a powerful addition to your treatment plan.
At Sana Lake Recovery in Dittmer, Missouri, we’re here to walk with you through every stage with compassion, evidence-based care, and tools that support both your body and mind.
We offer a full continuum of care including:
- Medically Monitored Detox
- Holistic Approaches including AcuDetox
- Inpatient Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- General Outpatient Program
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Recovery Supportive Housing
- Alumni Support and Extended Care
Find out how AcuDetox fits into your personalized treatment plan. Contact us today to get started on your recovery journey.
References
https://acudetox.com/resource/evidence-for-the-nada-protocol-summary-of-research/
Stuyt, E. B., & Voyles, C. A. (2016). The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol, auricular acupuncture to support patients with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders: current perspectives. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 7, 169–180. https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S99161
Yeh, M. L., et al. (2014). The effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms: A systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore), 93(28), e321. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25546679/
