Lack of evidence for the use of ear acupuncture in alcohol treatment

Abstract

71% of the Danish municipal alcohol treatment centres use NADA acupuncture. This status report based on recent reviews of the effect and risks of using auricular acupuncture in alcohol treatment shows that the available studies do not have sufficient strength and methodological quality to draw conclusions about effectiveness on craving, alcohol-related outcome measures or withdrawal symptoms. The results warrant a reassessment of the use of NADA in publicly funded alcohol treatment.