J Altern Complement Med. 1996 Spring; 2(1): 149-59; discussion 161-5.

Overview of substance abuse acupuncture treatment research.

Culliton PD, Kiresuk TJ.

Hennepin Faculty Associates, Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine Program, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

The research on the efficacy of acupuncture substance abuse treatment is generally still in an early stage. The methodological weaknesses found in the acupuncture research can be found in most substance abuse research. Sufficient early trial, empirical findings suggest that there are positive treatment effects. Certainly, use of the treatment is popular and widespread. Overall, the research has progressed beyond early clinical trials, and the method has been documented to be safe and potentially useful.