Simultaneous Processes
In narcotics abuse cases, counselling with a psychiatrist and acupuncture therapy can be performed simultaneously, as an overall effort to stop substance addiction. According to dr. Irma, acupuncture has several modes that can be used for this purpose, including acupressure, laser puncture, and electro-acupuncture. The acupuncture points that will be stimulated to stop addiction are found in the ears and several other places on the body.
All’s well and good, but what if the patient fears the needle?
“Acupuncture needles are one tenth the size of ordinary sewing needles. Other than using physical needles, acupuncture can use laser beams or electromagnetic waves. Laser acupuncture does not cause pain or heat, and it’s usually used to stimulate points in the ears or head. Electro-puncture uses three electromagnetic waves that are adjustable to the patient’s individual condition. The effect of these therapies is also immediately felt,” dr. Irma said.
Using acupuncture, patients can feel more relaxed and revert to a better mood. This will help them comply with the program to sever their connection with narcotics. However, it takes longer for acupuncture therapy to normalize a body that has been damaged because of the addiction. “A therapy series is divided into 12 sessions, or maybe fewer maybe more according to the patient’s condition. If the patient becomes anxious and needs constant stimulation after two days, they can use acupuncture plaster that can be used for 5-7 days. After that, it can be replaced with anew one. However, it’s just an example. Acupuncture therapies are usually tailor made,” dr. Irma said.
As narcotics addiction is extremely hard to get rid of, people – especially teens, who are vulnerable to peer pressure and bullying – should not try dangerous things out on a whim. “We must save the nation’s future generations from the trap of narcotics. We can begin by creating a healthy and harmonious family from the start. Good communication; mutual care, protection, and acceptance among family members can create the harmony that serves as the fortress that keeps our teens away from narcotics,” dr. Yiyi said. (est)