Drug Addiction and Acupuncture - the Effect of Acupuncture as Treatment for Drug Addiction

Running head: Drug Addiction and Acupuncture

The effect of Acupuncture as treatment for drug addiction

Drug Addiction and Acupuncture

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to provide a critical literature review with a proposed research design for acupuncture as a treatment for drug dependency. The relationship between acupuncture as a treatment for drug dependency has puzzled many. The paper will begin with how addiction occurs within the body. I will then go on to describe the variables that a being tested and theory that Health Belief Model that drove me to do research on this particular topic. The paper will conclude with the contributions the research will provide for future studies.

Introduction and Statement of the Problem

Statement of Interest

I first came up with the idea when I noticed that it have become a craze for people to undergo acupuncture for weight loss. I decide to do more research acupuncture as a treatment for drug dependency. I began to do research and come up with idea to a critical research review with a proposed research design. I would like to use a within-subjects research design to research this experiment, since research in the drug the addiction area have been limit and the reliability have been questioned. While many argue that acupuncture may not produce a physiological cure for drug addictions, it does provide a soothing and relaxing effect that can be helpful to individuals changing their lifestyles.

Survey of Literature

When it comes to addictive disorders it is no known cure for every person or the majority of people who suffer from it. (Boucher, 2005). Scientific investigations have provided information that addiction occurs when an individuals endorphin receptor sites is filled with exogenous opioid peptides instead of endogenous opioid peptides. (Scott & William, 1997)By filling the endorphin receptor sites with endogenous opioid peptides, it causes an individual to experience a feeling of warmth and well being. Therefore, cravings for an addictive substance will not occur. (Scott & William, 1997 P.3) However, when an exogenous opioid peptide attaches to the endorphin receptor site it cause withdrawal symptoms to the body and continued abuse. (Scott & William, 1997) In previous research practitioners and researchers have been curious about the relationship between drug addiction and the effects of acupuncture as a treatment. As a result clinicians and researchers are still searching for strong therapies to use as treatment for addiction.

Problem Statement

Researchers have not been very successful in providing a lot of clinical trial for this type of research. Therefore, I would like to expand research on acupuncture and how stimulating certain parts of body can help drug users that are addicted to various drugs. (Boucher, 2005). Acupuncture was first found by the Chinese about five hundred years ago. It is described as a` procedure, in which fine needles are inserted in skin to control different symptoms such as asthma, arthritis, nausea, and morning sickness. (Boucher, 2005).

Research Questions and Hypothesis

The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture as a means of treatment for drug dependency. My hypothesis is that acupuncture cause a decrease in addiction among drug users.

Definitions of Theoretical Constructs

The Health Belief Model has inspired me to conduct a study on acupuncture. The health belief model attempts to explain and predict the health behaviors of individuals based on the attitudes and beliefs of the individual. The health belief model was developed in the 1950's by social psychologists Hochobaum, Rosenstock, and Kegel. The Health Belief Model is based on the notion that an individual health-related action if the individual feels that the negative condition can be avoided, has a positive expectation by taking the recommended action or believes that he or she can take the recommended action successfully. Four constructs that represent the Health Belief Model is susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived barriers. The Health Belief model was used for this particular study because addiction to control substances has many health risks. One must used the risk involved in drug addiction and how serious it can become. Therefore, individuals should be aware of treatments such as acupuncture that will allow them treatment to prevent them from harming other individuals.

Method

Participants

All patients in 50-bed rehabilitation drug center will be given an ASSIST questionnaire, to determine if they qualify for treatment. The Structured Addictions Assessment for Selecting Treatment is appropriate for testing this theory. ASSIST is designed to determine the symptoms of the patient and severity of the dependency. It aid in the selection process for different treatment plans of drug addictions." The ASSIST test assesses four different categories which include alcohol use, drug use, physical and emotional health, and 'other life' areas."(Addiction Research Foundation, 1984) Areas such as family issues, social issues, education/training, work, financial, leisure, and legal concerns are also took into consideration."(Addiction Research Foundation, 1984) By accessing these items case managers and administrators will be able to determine the appropriate treatment for patients. Since acupuncture is very intense, it is important to establish it the correct treatment for the patient. Also all patients that have medical problems, in which acupuncture will cause harm will not prohibited in the study.

Vulnerable