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The 5-point ear protocol established by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) has been used successfully across all populations with alcohol and other drug problems, and there are no "special populations" for which it is contraindicated.

The NADA protocol has also been found to be a very effective and appropriate entry into HIV/AIDS treatment, and has been incorporated in many infectious disease clinics throughout the world. One program provides the treatment in the waiting room of the local public health clinic.

Programs able to provide adjunctive full-body acupuncture and other forms of Chinese medicine such as herbs have found that these additional therapies can be very helpful in the treatment of infectious diseases. As with all disorders, acupuncture and Chinese medicine should be seen as complementary, however, and never used as alternatives to other medical care.

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How many clients can be treated at once?

How often do clients need to be treated?

How long to clients have to keep having treatments?

Does it matter what time of day the acupuncture is provided?

What national organizations support acupuncture in treating addiction? What resources are available to support us if we decide to do it?

Won't adding "alternative medicine" such as acupuncture make our program seem experimental or "fringe" with our referral sources, funders, or potential clients?

Can I start an acupuncture treatment program if I am not currently an alcohol and other drug treatment provider?

Does the acupuncture program have to include herbs or nutritional supplements?

What is the history of how acupuncture began to be used in chemical dependency treatment?

What does the acupuncture clinic look like exactly?

How much space and extra equipment will we need to do it?

What staffing is required?

How do we get the needles?

How do we clean or dispose of the needles after they are used?

What about medical liability?

How does acupuncture fit with drug testing?

How do we find and train people to do the needling?

Could we just try it experimentally to make sure it's a good fit for us?

What technical assistance will be required to start and maintain an acupuncture component?

Is it compatible with harm reduction?

Is it compatible with 12-Step or abstinence-based treatment approaches?

Is it appropriate for mandated or court-referred clients?

Is it appropriate for adolescents?

Is it appropriate for pregnant women?

Is it appropriate for people with co-morbid psychiatric problems?

Is it appropriate for people with HIV/AIDS?

Is it appropriate in methadone programs?

Is it appropriate in residential programs?

What training is required for current program and administrative staff?

What are the steps we should take to add an acupuncture component?

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