Chinese Medicine has much to offer in the field of addiction treatment.  The most well known acupuncture therapy for the treatment of addiction is called the NADA protocol (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association), which approaches the acupuncture treatment of addiction from a very Western Medical perspective.  It utilizes the same five auricular (ear) acupuncture points for every patient, and has been found to be quite effective in helping addicts develop sobriety.  Although this model is quite effective, it does not take into consideration the theoretical basis of Classical Chinese Medicine, in which treatment is always custom tailored to the individual.  The wisdom of Classical Chinese Medicine has the capacity to broaden the potential and effectiveness of acupuncture addiction treatment, addressing the intricacies of each addicts experience, worldview, view of self, and the devastating consequences that addiction so often leads to in all areas of ones life.
 The initial psychotropic (consciousness altering) effects of drugs and alcohol are generally perceived as highly euphoric and exhilarating.  Most drugs and alcohol, from a Chinese Medical perspective create a tremendous amount of heat in the body, which tends to affect the heart, which is said to house the spirit.  Continued use leads to excessive heat in the heart which in turn disturbs the spirit, creating restlessness/anxiety and possibly depression as well.  As the addict starts to develop tolerance to their drug of choice, they start to need to use more and more to get the desired effects, and often get to the point where they experience physical symptoms of withdrawal without continued use of the drug.  The withdrawal symptoms, from a Chinese medical perspective have more to do with the energetics of the liver, but suffice to say, a vicious cycle of pathology is set in motion as the addict’s life starts to revolve around obtaining and using the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
 The emotional disharmonies which are often at the root of addictive behavior also tend to create heat in the body, so unfortunately, the combination of the drug use and emotional stagnation create a lot of taxation of the body's resources.  The mental fixation on the drug also inhibits the free flow of qi in the addict, as the addict is constricted in their experience of life.  They have in a very real sense lost the ability to ‘go with the flow’ and this causes friction and more heat.  On a physical level, the prolonged heat starts to burn up the humors of the body- this can lead to blood deficiency, and what we call yin and yang deficiency, as well as essence deficiency.   All these factors of addiction feed into each other and slowly (or quickly) start to break down ones will and sense of purpose in the world.  Another factor which is equally as damaging is the self-hatred that tends to arise with addiction- the addict loses respect for themselves and the ability to love themselves, which in turn supports the continued self-destructive behavior.  In chronic addiction, a sense of apathy and hopelessness can develop.
          There are three main areas in which Classical Chinese Medicine can support the healing of addiction.  First of all, in the early stages of sobriety, it can help relieve the intense anxiety, cravings, stress, as well as the physiological counterparts- insomnia, restlessness, night sweats, etc...  Second, it can help re-establish the health of the body by clearing the heat and starting to build back up the resources that have been damaged due to abuse.  Thirdly, and most importantly, it can address the underlying emotional and spiritual emptiness which led the person to abuse drugs in the first place. At this point, the healing process can be very profound as it can help facilitate an awakening within the patient to let go of the anguish and suffering they have been through, and help raise their consciousness to a new level where they can experience joy and purpose in the world without the aid of drugs or alcohol.  This third phase of treatment will likely last some time, and all of these require a sincere desire within the patient to be free from the addiction and a strong support structure in place in his or her life. 
 A large part of the process of healing addiction is coming to peace with the radical change in lifestyle that is often necessary, and letting go of the sense of personality/ self that was developed as an addict.  One of the true gifts of Classical Acupuncture is its ability to give the person an experience of clarity and health, even if its only momentary, to help the patient develop a new response to the same stimulus.  Once the patient has had the opportunity to see their life and the world from a different perspective, a seed is planted that can re-instill hope and faith that life can be different.  With this renewed sense of hope, there is a concomitant strengthening of the will to take the steps necessary to realize a better life.   
           I hope this info may be illuminating and helpful to those who may struggle with addiction, or whose loved ones may.  Lastly, although this article has focused on recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, it should be mentioned that there are many forms of addiction, such as addiction to food, to sex, to a certain body image, to the internet, etc...  Even though these other forms may not always present with such obvious signs of dysfunction in the life, any mental fixation can ultimately compromise our health and keep us from living a life of vibrant joy, peace, and meaning.  Classical Acupuncture is one of many effective tools for the unraveling and healing of addiction.

To Your Good Health and Happiness,