Acupuncture as a Treatment for Drug Addiction

Acupuncture therapy has been practiced for over 3,000 years, originating in ancient China as both a diagnostic and therapeutic method described in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine [1]. Over the past four decades, acupuncture has become one of the most widely used complementary and integrative medicine interventions in the United States. Its growing popularity is often attributed to its reported effectiveness in pain management and stress reduction, along with an expanding body of scientific research examining its physiological effects [1].

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body contains more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways known as meridians, through which vital energy, referred to as “qi,” flows. Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and improve the flow of qi when it is believed to be blocked or disrupted [2]. While this explanation is rooted in traditional belief systems, modern research has attempted to understand acupuncture through neurochemical and physiological mechanisms.

In the context of substance use disorders, acupuncture has gained attention as a supplementary treatment option. Currently, more than 700 addiction treatment centers in the United States incorporate acupuncture into their recovery programs. In 1977, the National Institutes of Health acknowledged acupuncture as a valid complementary therapy, and in 1996, the World Health Organization recognized acupuncture as a potential treatment for drug abuse. These endorsements helped legitimize its use alongside conventional Western approaches, such as medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy.

Several studies suggest that acupuncture may influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Research indicates that acupuncture can stimulate the release of enkephalins, endorphins, serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine, which are chemicals involved in mood regulation, stress response, and reward pathways. [2] These neurochemical changes may help reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, anxiety, and depression, all of which are common challenges during addiction recovery. This has led some clinicians to consider acupuncture a helpful tool in managing symptoms associated with substance withdrawal.

However, the effectiveness of acupuncture as a standalone treatment for drug addiction remains controversial. While some clinical studies report positive outcomes, others suggest that the benefits may be largely attributed to placebo effects or the supportive environment in which acupuncture is administered. Many experts agree that acupuncture should not replace evidence-based addiction treatments but may serve as a complementary therapy when used alongside counseling, behavioral interventions, and medical care [1].

In conclusion, acupuncture represents a promising, low-risk complementary approach in the treatment of drug addiction. Although more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish its effectiveness as a primary treatment, acupuncture may offer meaningful benefits in reducing withdrawal symptoms, improving emotional well-being, and supporting long-term recovery when integrated into comprehensive addiction treatment programs.

Review Editor: Matthew Ahlers

Design Editor: Jimin Lee

References

[1] Jishun, J., & Mittelman, M. (2014). Acupuncture: Past, Present, and Future. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 3(4), 6–8. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2014.042

[2] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2025). Acupuncture. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture‌

[3] World Health Organization. (2002). Acupuncture : review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials. WHO.

[4] The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Program: Acupuncture. (2026). Chiro.org. https://chiro.org/acupuncture/FULL/Consensus_Development_Statement.html