Acupuncture and PTSD

A hopeful note in the September 2006 issue of Guidepoints, the monthly newsletter of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), asserts that a trial currently underway at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on acupuncture for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may elevate the respect for NADA's ear acupuncture protocols. The project is led by researcher Roger Lore. The article also notes that "in the aftermath of 9/11, the American Red Cross added acupuncture to their list of 9/11 mental health and substance abuse program reimburseable services, alongside psychotherapy and other traditional mental health services." Now there is a good example of war assisting us in technology advances ... Meantime, according to a release from NADA published in the e-news of the AOM Alliance, a new "Treatment Information Protocol" (#46) from the US Center for Substance Abuse Treatment describes more expansively than in the past the potential benefits of acupuncture, noting its adjunctive value with not only alcohol addiction treatment but also treatment of cocaine and opiod disorders. Copies are available for free through calling 800-729-6686 and asking for DHA Publication No. (SMA) 06-4131.