Auricular Detox
Auricular Acupuncture Detoxification is the specific application of Acupuncture techniques to five points on the ear for the purpose of treatment of substance use disorders. One may be certified in this technique without becoming a Doctor of Oriental Medicine or a Licensed Acupuncturist.
Why is it called “auricular detoxification”?
The technique was originally discovered and developed for heroin detoxification. Hence, the protocol was named acupuncture detoxification and the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association ( NADA)was founded in 1985.
That ear acupuncture was effective for heroin detoxification was discovered in China in 1972. In 1973, Lincoln Hospital located in the Bronx of New York City was primarily a methadone clinic. Dr. Michael Smith, reading of the effectiveness of ear acupuncture in China for heroin addiction, began to experiment with different auricular point combinations at Lincoln Hospital. By 1975, the present day protocol of 5 auricular points was developed and being used daily. In 1985, Dr. Smith founded the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). Nationally, the treatment became known as the NADA 5 needle technique or NADA protocol, also known as acupuncture detoxification or AcuDetox for short. In the years since its early use for detox, it has been shown to be effective for treatment, relapse prevention, and harm reduction at all stages of substance use/abuse. Lately, it has been used to treat PTSD for rescue workers of 9/11 in NYC, in post-Katrina New Orleans, and in international disaster recovery efforts. It has also proved to be an effective strategy for retention and treatment in drug courts, and domestic violence and parenting classes, also for the treatment of ADHD and autism.
Is this legal in New Mexico?
In NM, by law, the treatment is called “auricular detoxification.” In 2003, the NM legislature added two new levels of acupuncture professionals to the Board of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Practice Act. They are: certified auricular detoxification specialists (CADS) and Auricular Detoxification Specialist (ADS) Supervisors. That allowed an “approved training program” to train staff of “treatment programs for disease prevention, harm reduction or the treatment or prevention of alcoholism, substance abuse or chemical dependency.” Staff that have been trained and certified can offer the service in the treatment program where they are employed. The ADS Supervisor, who is a DOM, will provide direct supervision at “program site at intervals of not more than six (6) weeks” (at least one time every six weeks), and be available by telephone (Quotes are from the law and rules).
Who can be trained and deliver this treatment?
Complete training includes didactic (30 hours) and clinical training (40 supervised treatments with clients). It leads to state certification with the New Mexico Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (BAOM) as a Certified Auricular Detoxification Specialist (CADS), possibly a certificate from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS). Staff, counselors, social workers, nurses working in prevention, treatment, recovery, relapse prevention or harm reduction of addiction, substance abuse, or chemical dependency may be trained in the NADA technique, and then certified by the (Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (BAOM), in order to provide the treatment in their program or agency. This treatment has been shown to be highly effective when offered in conjunction with other services such as self help groups, education, and counseling. It is cost effective and advantageous to your entire program to have staff trained and doing the treatment. In 2003, the New Mexico legislature included new levels in the Scope of Practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to define and include an auricular (acu-detox) detoxification specialty.
How can I become a Certified Auricular Detox Specialist?
In order to be certified, a candidate must:
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Hold a HS diploma, GED, or better
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2 years free of convictions for drug, alcohol related offenses
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Complete a BAOM approved training program or NADA training
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Pass two examinations. On is a Jurisprudence test (familiarity with the laws governing the procedure). The other is in Clean Needle Technique.
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May not have any delinquency in child support payments.
Practice standards require that:
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The practitioner must be obtain supervision by a qualified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) Supervisor every 6 weeks
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Acudetox may not be used within a private practice unless you are a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
What if I am already a NADA Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist?
Get CADS Application at website, take Jurisprudence and Clean Needle exams
Read Rules, etc & contact BAOM at link below or AcuOrMedBoard@state.nm.us, PO Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM 87504, 505-476-4630 with your questions
What if I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) and I would like to an ADS Supervisor?
DOM's are encouraged to complete a BAOM approved training or submit 3 letters of reference testifying to treatment of substance use disorders. DOMs may work as CADS without further certification and without supervision.
Auricular Detox law and Rules can be accessed at www.rld.state.nm.us/B&C/acupuncture/ click Rules and Law, click part 16 for Detox Rules, 10 for Fees, 14A for law at bottom of page.
Questions about auricular detoxification law and rules, certification in NM, your particular situation should be addressed to the Board of Acupuncture & OM through website.
Fees associated with certification and practice
Caterina Di Palma, DOM, Trainer, drcat@zianet.com, 505-583-2908
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