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EAR ACUPUNCTURE, COUNSELING AND ADDICTION TREATMENT- AN INTRODUCTION





EAR ACUPUNCTURE, COUNSELING AND ADDICTION TREATMENT- AN INTRODUCTION
MICHAEL O. SMITH, MD, Dac**SUNEEL VATSYAYAN MSW, ADS (NADA)***

http://ncdap.nisd.gov.in/articles2.php
More than 100 counselors, Social workers, Doctors, Yoga therapists and Peer Support Counselors from different parts of India have been trained to use ear acupuncture for addiction treatment and Rehabilitation as per NADA five-point treatment protocol. These people who are already working in different addiction treatment settings have completed seventy hour apprenticeship training as Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS). The model put forth by NADA allows an ADS to practice the limited, pre-defined five point needle protocol for the treatment of addictions. The ADSs do not do differential diagnosis or treatment; their role is somewhat analogous to a technician, although the word specialist more accurately captures the clinical reality of providing addiction treatment. As stated in the NADA brochure, "If ADS training and practice were restricted to acupuncturists and physicians, a very few treatments would be done and a great resource would be lost." These ADS are using ear acupuncture in therapeutic community (T.C.) based Drug treatment programs, Drug Counseling centers, Govt. run Beggars Homes and Workplace Alcohol and Drug prevention program and Govt. funded De-addiction and Counseling centers......
...............The paper was presented jointly by Dr.Michael O. Smith and Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan at 4th FINGODAP Conference funded by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, UNDCP and UNAID at Kolkotta, India, held from 3rd Jan-5th Jan 2003.

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