Patients’ experience of auricular acupuncture during protracted withdrawal

• Over the last decades interest in using auricular acupuncture for substance dependence care has increased. The specific auricular acupuncture protocol used follows the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) definition. This paper describes patients’ experiences of receiving auricular acupuncture during protracted withdrawal. Interviews were conducted with fifteen patients treated at an outpatient clinic for substance dependence. Content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. The analysis resulted in eight categories of positive experiences and five categories of negative experiences. The positive experiences were: Relaxation and wellbeing, Peacefulness and harmony, New behaviours, Positive physical impact, Importance of context, Anxiety reduction and Reduced drug- and alcohol consumption. The negative experiences were: Nothing negative, Disturbing context, Short term effect, Depending on someone else, Time consuming, Physical distrations and Remaining cravings. The conclusion of this study is that all respondents appreciated NADA treatment. This study supports further research on using NADA in addiction treatment to reduce suffering during protracted withdrawal and in other contexts.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Auricular acupuncture

Substance dependence

Auricular acupuncture

Substance dependence

Psychiatry

Psykiatri

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