NADA had its beginnings after a young psychiatrist, in New York’s South Bronx, read of the work of a Hong Kong neurosurgen Dr. Wen.
Doctor Hsiang-Lai Wen began researching the connection between ear acupuncture and addiction treatment. When in the early 1970s, he had stuck an acupuncture needle in the lung point of a client and added electrical stimulation. The purpose being for the client to lose sensation in his skull, so the surgeon could perform brain surgery while the client was awake.
Dr. Wen did not know that the client was addicted to opium. After a time, the client confessed with great delight to the nurse that his withdrawal symptoms were disappearing. The nurse reported this to Dr. Wen who then began his research, working on rodents and later on humans. He received grants for his this from the World Health Organisation and in 1972 he spoke and published his work.
The American directed a hospital-based methadone clinic for heroin addicts and was looking for an alternative to methadone. At the time, a collective of gangs – The Young Lords and The Black Panthers – had been doing acupuncture. Doing this on their own for some time, at the clinic, buying needles in Chinatown and using them on the countless addicts from the ghetto neighbourhood who wanted help.
The authorities shut down the initiative of the gangs and the situation deteriorated. The young white doctor who supported the efforts of the gangs was murdered and found stuffed in a closet.
Dr. M.O. Smith
Dr. Michael Smith, a young doctor fresh out of psychiatric training arrived. He wanted something quick and useful for the many people afflicted to addiction through methadone at this clinic, who wanted help getting off of the drug.
Dr. Smith brought to Lincoln Hospital the electrical stimulating machine and needles Dr. Wen was using in Hong Kong and began treating heroin and methadone addicted clients in the South Bronx. Eventually, the machine’s batteries died. This clinic was in the ghetto of the Bronx and received little funding, so replacement batteries were not attainable.
Smith, who had been studying Chinese medicine, soon realised that not using the electrical stimulation worked better. The stimulation was too intense for the yin deficient clients. Through trial and over time he added four more acupuncture points. Eventually he was able to use the protocol on his clients. All of whom were abusers of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs. He standardized the formula to make it efficient to perform and readily reproducible.
Over time ear seeds, beads, magnets, and a six-herb formula of his own – now called Sleepmix Tea – were added.
At some point articles about the South Bronx clinic began appearing in the popular press and like the ‘Lame to Lourdes’, acupuncturists, counsellors, and others trudged through the litter and discarded syringes of the ghetto; leading up to the clinics front door, ignored the cacophony of dealers peddling drugs along the route, and learned this wondrous technique to bring it back to their place of employment.
NADA Organisation
In 1985 social workers David Eisen and Ruth Ackerman, acupuncturists Carol Taub and Patricia Culliton, and others combined forces and formed NADA, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, as a 501c3 non-profit professional organisation.
NADA is a non-profit organisation. The goal is to expand awareness of acupuncture as a valuable treatment for addiction. Including recovery, enrol members, provide reference materials, develop and update a standardized training curriculum, and develop a system for registering trainers and delivering training. Those who finish the training with the approval of their Registered Trainer receive a certificate of completion from NADA. They are then allowed to use the title Acudetox Specialist.
Today there are over 25,000 trained associates and Acudetox Specialists (ADS’s) and over 2,000 clinical sites worldwide. Of which 1,500 practitioners are in the United Kingdom alone, working in 500 treatment sites including 130 prisons where guards as well as other prison staff have become ADS’s, providing treatment for prisoners.
In the United States there are 21 states where ADS’s have legally recognition to treat clients in agencies treating addiction, mental health, and post traumatic stress disorders. There are also two states where nurses may provide the NADA 5-point Acudetox protocol.
The NADA office is located at the university in Laramie, Wyoming, USA. For more on NADA see www.acudetox.com
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This post offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of alternative treatment methods for addiction, particularly through the lens of acupuncture. Dr. Wen’s initial application of ear acupuncture during a procedure unintentionally opened a door to a revolutionary approach in addiction therapy. It truly underscores how serendipity can lead to significant advancements in the medical field.
It’s fascinating how Dr. Wen’s accidental discovery led to a significant breakthrough in addiction treatment. His journey highlights the unexpected ways in which medicine evolves and how sometimes, the most profound insights come from moments of serendipity. I often think about how alternative therapies, like acupuncture, are gaining more recognition today, especially in integrative health approaches.
It’s fascinating to see how Dr. Wen’s serendipitous discovery unfolded into something so impactful. The idea that a surgical procedure could reveal a potential treatment for addiction highlights the interconnectedness of health fields. I can’t help but think about the broader implications of integrative medicine.
It’s fascinating how Dr. Wen’s initial foray into acupuncture amid a surgical procedure led to such significant advancements in addiction treatment. This underscores the serendipitous nature of medical discovery—how a simple act in a high-stakes environment can lead to transformative breakthroughs.
This is a fascinating dive into the origins of NADA! It’s incredible to think that what started as a surgical procedure to numb a patient’s skull turned into a groundbreaking method for treating addiction. It makes you wonder how many accidental discoveries have shaped the landscape of medicine—like penicillin or the microwave!
It’s interesting how some of the biggest advancements in medicine come from unexpected places. The story of NADA is a great example, showing that necessity and curiosity often lead to breakthroughs we didn’t initially anticipate. The accidental nature of discoveries like penicillin or even the microwave really highlights just how unpredictable the journey of scientific discovery can be.
The origins of NADA, as you’ve outlined, present a remarkable intersection of medical innovation and cultural practices, highlighting how traditional healing methods can find new relevance in contemporary healthcare. Dr. Hsiang-Lai Wen’s initial foray into using acupuncture for addiction treatment underscores the serendipitous nature of scientific discovery—how sometimes, the most profound impacts come from unexpected places.
You’ve touched on something really important—the connection between traditional healing and modern medicine can lead to innovative approaches that might otherwise be overlooked. Dr. Hsiang-Lai Wen’s work illustrates how drawing from diverse practices can create real change in people’s lives, especially when it comes to something as challenging as addiction.
It’s fascinating to see how a pioneering moment in medicine can lead to such significant advancements in treatment options for addiction. Dr. Hsiang-Lai Wen’s experience really highlights the serendipitous nature of scientific discovery. The fact that a simple act—placing an acupuncture needle—yielded unexpected benefits for a client in withdrawal speaks volumes about the complexity of the human body and mind.
The NADA protocol really does present a fascinating shift in how we approach healing and wellness. It’s interesting to think about non-verbal methods of treatment, especially in a world that often prioritizes medication and quick fixes. The barrier-free aspect is particularly compelling—when you consider how many people may feel intimidated or disenfranchised by conventional healthcare systems, having an approach that feels more accessible can be a game changer.
You’ve raised some crucial points about the NADA protocol and its broader implications for healing. The move towards non-verbal methods definitely feels like a breath of fresh air in a healthcare landscape that often prioritizes pills and quick solutions. It’s almost like a reinterpretation of what we consider “treatment.”
You’ve raised some crucial points about the NADA protocol and its broader implications for healing. It really is fascinating to see how non-verbal methods are emerging as valuable alternatives in a healthcare system that often favors quick fixes. It makes me think about the ways we traditionally view treatment; there’s so much emphasis on medication and immediate responses, but healing is such a layered process.
It’s great to hear your thoughts on the NADA protocol. You’re right; the shift toward non-verbal methods of treatment is a refreshing perspective in a healthcare landscape that often feels bogged down by the expectation of immediate solutions through medication. The idea of healing without prescriptions can feel almost radical in a society that pulses with urgency, where quick fixes dominate our approach to health.
I really appreciate your perspective on the NADA protocol. The shift toward non-verbal methods can feel so necessary in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment. It’s interesting how much emphasis is placed on quick fixes, often overlooking the deeper, more holistic aspects of healing.
I found an interesting piece that explores how AcuDetox offers a thoughtful, non-verbal approach to addiction recovery, challenging our reliance on quick fixes in healthcare.
‘AcuDetox: A Pathway to Overcoming Addiction’
https://www.acudetoxcapetown.co.za/acudetox-a-pathway-to-overcoming-addiction/.
You’ve touched on a really critical point about the healthcare landscape today. The hustle and bustle often pressure us into seeking quick fixes, which can overlook the deeper connections and healing processes that many individuals actually need, particularly in areas like addiction recovery. Non-verbal approaches like the NADA protocol and AcuDetox open up pathways for individuals to engage with their healing journey in a more profound way.
You’ve touched on an important aspect of the NADA protocol that often gets overlooked. The urgency that permeates our healthcare system can make it difficult to explore alternatives, which is a missed opportunity for many individuals seeking deeper healing. Relying heavily on medication often results in treating just the symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of distress.
You’ve hit on a really important point about the NADA protocol and its potential to change the way we think about healing. It’s easy to get lost in medication and quick fixes, especially with how fast-paced life can feel these days. What I find particularly compelling about non-verbal methods like NADA is that they invite people to engage with their healing process in a quieter, more introspective way.
The NADA protocol really highlights the diversity in approaches to wellness, doesn’t it? Its non-verbal and drug-free aspect is interesting, especially in a world that often leans heavily on pharmaceutical solutions. I think there’s something powerful about alternative methods that focus on connection and presence rather than intervention.
I really resonate with your thoughts on the NADA protocol and its emphasis on non-verbal and drug-free approaches to wellness. There’s definitely something refreshing about strategies that prioritize connection and presence. In a society often fixated on quick fixes through pharmaceuticals, it feels liberating to explore modalities that engage with our innate ability to heal.
It’s fascinating how alternative approaches like acupuncture can foster a sense of presence and connection, complementing the diverse strategies for achieving wellness.
‘AcuDetox For Addiction Recovery’
https://www.acudetoxcapetown.co.za/acudetox-for-addiction-recovery/.
The NADA protocol is interesting in that it emphasizes a non-verbal and drug-free approach to healing. It’s refreshing to see methods like this gaining traction, especially as more people are exploring holistic options for health and wellness. In a world often dominated by quick-fix solutions and pharmacological answers, the NADA protocol seems to encourage a deeper connection with ourselves and our bodies.
The NADA protocol really does stand out in a landscape flooded with quick fixes. The focus on non-verbal communication and a drug-free approach aligns with a growing desire for people to delve deeper into holistic healing. This method not only invites us to engage with our bodies but also encourages self-reflection, which many find missing in conventional treatments.
You’ve touched on something really important with the NADA protocol. It does feel like there’s a growing shift toward practices that focus on non-verbal connections and the body’s innate wisdom. In a culture where we often seek immediate relief through pills or quick fixes, taking a step back to explore methods that engage us on a deeper level can feel both challenging and liberating.
The NADA protocol certainly stands out as a straightforward and accessible approach to holistic health. Its non-verbal and drug-free nature makes it appealing to those who might be hesitant about conventional methods. It’s fascinating how this technique emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself, which can resonate deeply with many individuals seeking alternatives.
It’s great to see interest in the NADA protocol. This approach truly stands out because of its simplicity and accessibility. By using acupressure points without the need for drugs or complex procedures, it opens doors for many people who might not otherwise seek help.
I completely agree; the NADA protocol really does offer a refreshing perspective on wellness. Its emphasis on simplicity and accessibility is so important, especially in a world where many feel overwhelmed by complicated medical systems. It’s fascinating to think about how practices like acupressure can empower individuals to take charge of their own health.
You’ve hit on something really interesting with the NADA protocol. It’s refreshing to see a method that strips away all the noise and gets back to basics. The non-verbal approach is a game-changer for so many people who might feel overwhelmed by traditional routes.
You’ve really captured the essence of the NADA protocol and its impact. It’s true that in our fast-paced, often overwhelming world, simplifying things can actually lead to significant breakthroughs for many. The non-verbal approach is fascinating—I like how it allows individuals to connect with their feelings and experiences without the pressure of conventional dialogue.
It’s really fascinating how the NADA protocol has evolved since its inception in the 1970s. The idea of using non-pharmacological approaches to support individuals with addiction resonates deeply, especially in a time when society is exploring more holistic and integrative health methods.
The evolution of the NADA protocol is quite remarkable, isn’t it? When you look back to its roots in the 1970s, it’s interesting to see how far we’ve come in our understanding of addiction and recovery. The shift towards non-pharmacological approaches really speaks to the growing recognition that healing isn’t just about eliminating symptoms but also about addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
I really appreciate your perspective on the evolution of the NADA protocol. It’s fascinating to think about how much our understanding of addiction has shifted since the 1970s. That era was marked by a certain rigidity in treatment approaches, often focusing solely on the elimination of symptoms rather than fostering holistic healing. The shift you’ve mentioned towards non-pharmacological methods truly highlights a broader cultural recognition of the importance of addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
I’m glad to see your deep understanding of this topic! The shift in our approach to addiction treatment really reflects larger changes in society’s attitudes toward health and wellness. Back in the 1970s, the focus was often on just getting rid of the symptoms, but as you’ve pointed out, the conversation has really moved toward a more comprehensive approach.
It’s interesting to reflect on how the NADA protocol aligns with the broader shift towards holistic health. I think many of us are starting to recognize that addiction is not just a physical issue, but also deeply intertwined with emotional and social factors. The integration of practices like acupuncture into treatment offers a unique perspective that conventional medicine sometimes overlooks.
It’s fascinating to see how the NADA protocol has evolved since its inception in the 1970s. Many people might not realize that acupuncture can serve as a supportive tool in addiction recovery. By focusing on specific points in the ear, it seems to aid in reducing cravings and anxiety.
You’re spot on about the NADA protocol’s origins in the 1970s. It’s fascinating to see how this approach has evolved over the decades, right? It wasn’t just about addressing addiction but also providing a holistic method that promotes overall well-being. Many people find that the calm and balance that acupuncture can bring helps with so much more than just cravings. There’s a sense of community that forms in those group settings, which can make a big difference for folks going through tough times. Have you come across any particular stories or examples that highlight its impact?