Ear acupuncture based alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services in Border Security Force (Punjab Frontier)
Dealing with depressive disorders - Setting up of Peer counseling and ear acupuncture based alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services in Border Security Force (Punjab Frontier)
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders found in the general community and in th workplace. Depression is characterized by sadness, fatigue, a loss of interest in most activities, and lack of energy. Other features, such as insomnia or hypersomnia, loss or gain of appetite, a tendency to blame oneself, and difficulty concentrating are often present. In its most serious forms, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and eventually to suicide (World Health Organization, 2001). Depression can be difficult to diagnose and can manifest as physical symptoms, such as headache, back pain, stomach problems, or angina.
The workshops with BSF personnel were intended to relate to the depression created due to work stress and stigma by branding of alcohol users. The peer group counselors were trained in the workshop to deal comprehensively with the issue through ear Acupuncture – a technique to relax for depression syndrome.
Acupuncture is taught and practiced in many different ways throughout the world, including a number of protocol-based approaches. Developed in response to particular pressing needs, rather than relying on the complex system of differential diagnosis, these models use a simplified protocol approach. The most widespread and successful example, developed by the NADA International, employs Acupuncture Detox Specialists (ADS) http://www.acudetox.com/. In this program substance-abuse Physicians, Nurses, Naturopaths and counselors are trained in a simple ear acupuncture protocol, which they administer throughout the entire treatment continuum: acute withdrawal, the maintenance period, and the extended relapse-prevention phase. This protocol is shown to be effective in reducing the distressing physiologic and psychological symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal in addition to decreasing recidivism.
NADA Alcohol treatment protocol
The NADA treatment protocol can be summarized and defined as follows:
1) Clinicians use three, ear acupuncture points - including sympathetic, Shenmen, and lung.
2) Treatment is provided in a group setting for duration of 40-50 minutes.
(3)Ear Acupuncture treatment emphasis is on Alcoholic Anonymous and other 12- Step activities early in the treatment process.
It is very important to realize that ear acupuncture is only one component of substance (Alcohol) abuse treatment. The value of acupuncture lies partly in the relief of withdrawal symptoms, but the more critical goal is to prepare the client to participate effectively in all phases of before treatment (counseling center level), detoxification, and rehabilitation and after care.
This component aimed to demonstrate feasibility in training medical professionals and staff of BSF to perform basic acupuncture techniques to address the signs and symptoms of those suffering from tobacco, alcohol and drugs addiction as well as to provide relief from stress and general wellbeing.
The Nada India trained the medical staff/ physician in each Sector. The sessions and practical sessions were conducted by NADA registered trainers and Psychiatrist Dr.Roop Sidana. All the successful trainees were also awarded a certificate from National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). They were also provided with literature and ear acupuncture needles for practice and use.
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders found in the general community and in th workplace. Depression is characterized by sadness, fatigue, a loss of interest in most activities, and lack of energy. Other features, such as insomnia or hypersomnia, loss or gain of appetite, a tendency to blame oneself, and difficulty concentrating are often present. In its most serious forms, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and eventually to suicide (World Health Organization, 2001). Depression can be difficult to diagnose and can manifest as physical symptoms, such as headache, back pain, stomach problems, or angina.
The workshops with BSF personnel were intended to relate to the depression created due to work stress and stigma by branding of alcohol users. The peer group counselors were trained in the workshop to deal comprehensively with the issue through ear Acupuncture – a technique to relax for depression syndrome.
Acupuncture is taught and practiced in many different ways throughout the world, including a number of protocol-based approaches. Developed in response to particular pressing needs, rather than relying on the complex system of differential diagnosis, these models use a simplified protocol approach. The most widespread and successful example, developed by the NADA International, employs Acupuncture Detox Specialists (ADS) http://www.acudetox.com/. In this program substance-abuse Physicians, Nurses, Naturopaths and counselors are trained in a simple ear acupuncture protocol, which they administer throughout the entire treatment continuum: acute withdrawal, the maintenance period, and the extended relapse-prevention phase. This protocol is shown to be effective in reducing the distressing physiologic and psychological symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal in addition to decreasing recidivism.
NADA Alcohol treatment protocol
The NADA treatment protocol can be summarized and defined as follows:
1) Clinicians use three, ear acupuncture points - including sympathetic, Shenmen, and lung.
2) Treatment is provided in a group setting for duration of 40-50 minutes.
(3)Ear Acupuncture treatment emphasis is on Alcoholic Anonymous and other 12- Step activities early in the treatment process.
It is very important to realize that ear acupuncture is only one component of substance (Alcohol) abuse treatment. The value of acupuncture lies partly in the relief of withdrawal symptoms, but the more critical goal is to prepare the client to participate effectively in all phases of before treatment (counseling center level), detoxification, and rehabilitation and after care.
This component aimed to demonstrate feasibility in training medical professionals and staff of BSF to perform basic acupuncture techniques to address the signs and symptoms of those suffering from tobacco, alcohol and drugs addiction as well as to provide relief from stress and general wellbeing.
The Nada India trained the medical staff/ physician in each Sector. The sessions and practical sessions were conducted by NADA registered trainers and Psychiatrist Dr.Roop Sidana. All the successful trainees were also awarded a certificate from National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). They were also provided with literature and ear acupuncture needles for practice and use.