Acupuncture for Addiction: New Hope or Ineffective?

Research shows that acupuncture might help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people dealing with addiction, but the evidence is mixed, and its effectiveness can vary depending on the type of addiction.
Acupuncture is usually seen as a complementary treatment and works best when combined with other methods like counseling or medication.
It’s generally low-risk, but there can be minor side effects like bleeding, bruising, pain, or, in rare cases, infection. That’s why it’s important to have it done by a trained professional.
The cost typically ranges from $75 to $150 per session, and sometimes it’s included in rehab programs.
It can be a good addition to a broader treatment plan, but if someone has a serious addiction or health issues, it’s best to talk to a doctor first.

Addiction is tough. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or even a habit you just can’t shake, breaking free often feels like an uphill battle. That’s why people are always on the lookout for new ways to get help. Lately, acupuncture—a practice rooted in ancient Chinese medicine—has been popping up as a possible option. But does it really work? Or is it just another trend that sounds good but falls short?

Let’s dig into what acupuncture is, how it might help with addiction, and what the science actually says.

close up photo of cigarette ashes — Photo by Basil MK on Pexels.com

Table of Contents

What Is Acupuncture, Anyway?

Picture this: tiny needles poked into specific spots on your body to balance your energy. That’s acupuncture in a nutshell. It’s been around for thousands of years, based on the idea that energy, or “qi” (pronounced “chee”), flows through pathways in your body. By targeting certain points, practitioners believe they can fix imbalances and help with all sorts of issues—like pain, stress, or, in this case, addiction¹.

Traditionally used for things like backaches or migraines, acupuncture has caught attention as a possible tool for people trying to kick addictive habits. But how exactly does sticking needles in your skin help with something as complicated as addiction? Let’s break it down.

How Could Acupuncture Help with Addiction?

The idea here is pretty intriguing. Addiction messes with your brain and body in big ways—think intense cravings, withdrawal jitters, and stress that won’t quit. Acupuncture steps in by targeting points that might calm things down. Here’s what some experts suggest it could do:

Ease Withdrawal Symptoms: Those shaky, sweaty, can’t-sit-still feelings? Acupuncture might help take the edge off².
Cut Down Cravings: That nagging urge to use again could feel less overwhelming³.
Boost Mood and Sleep: Feeling less anxious and sleeping better might make recovery a little easier⁴.

Think of it like hitting a reset button on your body’s stress system. Some even say it tweaks the brain’s reward pathways—like the ones that light up when you use drugs or alcohol. Sounds promising, right? But before you book a session, let’s see if the evidence holds up.

acupuncture might help reduce pain and improve shoulder movement for people with frozen shoulder

What Does the Research Say?

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. The science on acupuncture for addiction isn’t black-and-white—it’s more like a gray area with some hopeful spots and plenty of question marks. Researchers have been studying this for years, and the results are… well, mixed.

A 2016 systematic review looked at acupuncture for opioid addiction. It found some evidence that it might help with withdrawal symptoms, but the studies weren’t strong enough to say for sure. Weak evidence isn’t the same as no evidence, but it’s not a slam dunk either.
Back in 1990, a meta-analysis checked out acupuncture for smoking, alcohol, and heroin addiction. The verdict? Limited effectiveness. It didn’t seem to make a big difference for most people.

The takeaway? There’s some potential, but it’s not solid enough to call acupuncture a game-changer. Experts like those at the National Health Service (NHS) say it might help certain conditions, but addiction treatment isn’t a clear win yet. More high-quality studies—like the kind you’d find in journals such as The Lancet or JAMA—are needed to settle the debate.

But at least, this is not such an unimaginable thing. The “root” of acupuncture and addiction is in the same place – our brain itself. This means that acupuncture can directly affect the source of our “anxiety” with a high probability.

Are There Risks or Costs to Worry About?

Good news: acupuncture is generally pretty safe when done by someone who knows what they’re doing. But it’s not risk-free. Here’s what you might run into⁵:

Minor Bleeding or Bruising: Those needles can leave a mark.
Discomfort: Some people find it a little painful—nothing major, but worth knowing.
Infection: Super rare, but possible if the needles aren’t sterile.

Then there’s the cost. A single session can set you back anywhere from $75 to $150, depending on where you live and who’s holding the needles. If you’re in a rehab program that offers acupuncture, it might be bundled in—but that could bump up the overall price tag. For something that’s not a guaranteed fix, that’s a big factor to consider.

A male patient with sciatica is receiving acupuncture treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

So, When Should You Think About Trying It?

Here’s the deal: acupuncture isn’t a solo act. If you’re curious about it, think of it as an extra player on a team that’s already got some heavy hitters. A solid addiction treatment plan might look like this:

Counseling or Therapy: Talking it out with a pro can get to the root of things.
Medication: Options like methadone or buprenorphine are proven for opioid addiction⁶.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who get it can keep you going.

Acupuncture could tag along as a bonus—like a sidekick, not the superhero. Before you jump in, chat with your doctor. They can help you figure out if it makes sense for you, especially if you’ve got other health stuff going on.

Real Stories: Does It Feel Like It Works?

Okay, I can’t share my own acupuncture story (I’m a writer, not a patient!), but plenty of people have tried it. Some swear it’s a lifesaver—saying it calms their nerves and dials down cravings. Others shrug and say they didn’t notice much. It’s like trying a new workout: some folks love it, others don’t feel the hype. That variability is part of why the research isn’t crystal clear—everyone’s different.

Acupuncture is recognized in most countries in the world, and there are many Chinese medicine clinics where you can easily get this service – it has far fewer side effects than medicine.

The Bottom Line: Hopeful, But Not a Cure

So, is acupuncture for addiction a new hope or just ineffective? Honestly, it’s somewhere in between. There’s enough evidence to suggest it might help with things like withdrawal or cravings, but it’s not strong enough to stand on its own. It’s no replacement for the tried-and-true stuff like therapy or meds. If it sounds intriguing, talk to your healthcare provider—they’ll help you weigh the pros and cons.

At the end of the day, beating addiction takes a toolbox, not a single tool. Acupuncture might be one piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the whole picture.