| Acupuncture can hel By Ricarde 8. Serrano Contributing Columnist AS an acupuncture detox specialist, I would like to address the aico- hol and drug addiction problem: in our commu- nity with relevant his- torical information on how it is treated from an acupuncture perspec- tive. In my opinion, acupuncture is 2 much-needed adjunctive therapy to the existing coun- selling and self-help groups that we have now here in Vancouver. The following information also explains why acupuncture would be one hesith service option as an availabie resource that could be integrated with existing alcohol and drug pro- ‘grams or counselling centres. Let me quote a Chinese proverb: “The method used by one person maybe faulty, the methods used by iwo peopie will be better.” Almost 400 detoxification program in the U.S. and wrope have een modelled after the one at Lincoin Hospital, New York City where psychiatrist Dr. Michael Smith lating, points on the car. Smith has observed thar withdrawal symptoms and crav- ings abate within minutes of the treatinent. Equally important, says Smith, is reduction in panic and hostility commonly seen in drug-treatment settings changes that make addicts more amenable to counselling. “We're not chiming. thar acupuncture is a magic bullet,” he points out. “We're claiming it’s valuable in combination with counselling.” In 1985, the Nationai Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) was founded by clinicians who wanted to extend the example of Lincoln Hospital’s experi- ence into other treatment set- tings. NADA sets standards of cer- tification for acupuncture detox specialists that are widely accepted in the field of chemi- north shore news FJEALTH cal dependeney. Lam one of the firss NADA certified acupune- turists here in B.C. where acupuncture is a legalized health proiession. In the US.A,, chemical dependency professionals in both the private sector and the criminal justice system have taken a keen interest in the work done at Lincoin Hospital and other NADA-affiliated programs. The introduction of an acupuncture component to an existing program provides a cost-efficient method for pro- viding non-residential treat- ment to large numbers of deug- dependent people, — while increasing the effectiveness of existing services. Regardless of the setting, and substance — abused, acupuncture treatment aids in patient detoxification. It does so by supporting the main organs of elimination in the body, speeding the body’s abil- DR. BART FicROBERTS DR. DEBRA ROVINELLU DR. CORIMINE KNIGHT DR, NANCY HARDIN ity to rid itself of toxins. ‘Treatment improves mental clarity and ability to focus. It “We’re not claiming that acupuncture is a magic bullet. We’re claiming it’s valuable in combination with counselling.” also provides the patient with a sense of calmness and serenity. This creates a greater receptivi- ty to the counselling process Sunday, August 15, 1999 — North Shore News — 17 pin drug & and decreased instances of clients’ “acting our. One of the non-criminal- justice speakers at the 1991 NADA Conference was Robert Olander, Chemical Hennepine Minnesota. He suggested thar there have been three “benchmarks” in the history of alcohol and drug treatment in the United States, three things that have revolutionized the way we do alcohol and drug therapy: first was the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935; second was the development of phar- maccuticals in the late 1950s and early °60s, and the third is acupuncture. Health for County, As shown in the epidemic of drug addiction-related prob- Commissioner of lems such as increased cases of HIV infections, increased crim- inal offences and increased number of mental health dual diagnosis clients, traditional chemical dependency treat- ment, unassisted, is a bleak landscape. Its proven effectiveness depends most upon clients remaining in treatment for a long time, and yet treatment drop-out is too often the norm. Some fong-tcrm follow up studies have found that even lengthy treatment stays ulti- mately produce low success rates. Help is needed, and acupuncture has much to offer. ‘Ricardo B. Serrano is an Acupuncture Detox Specialist. He can be reached at . IF: you have moderate wo severe rosacea, (redness and flushing of the central part of your face, formerly known as “Adult acne”) please contact us. We are comparing the effectiveness of two topical creams: Metronidazole cream and topical Azelaic acid cream. REQUIREMENTS: + That you noc be currently under a doctor's care for your rosacea + Not pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant in the near future + Able to attend 5 visits over a 15-week period. + Males and females over 21 years of age | WEST VANCOUVER OPTOMETRY CLINIC 925-2525 1069 24th Street (24th & Haywood) Saturday and evening appointments available. and his staff treat 250 addicts 2 day with auricular acupuncture. The theory behind - that ractice holds that the entire iy can be affected by stimu- Reimbursement for qualified volunteers upon study completion Contact Dr. Maddin’s office: 875-5555 extension 63712 Location: Fairmont Medical Building ee Organic and Natural Food Store Effective Dates Aug. 16 - 22/99 STORE HOURS MON TO FRI SAM TO SPR SAT &SUN SAM TO 7?M TEL? 987-6644 3030 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver - rax: 987-6155