NADA ACUDETOX TRAINING
AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE TREATMENT OF TRAUMA AND ADDICTION
Dr. Evan Shepherd Reiff, DACM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac.
NADA Registered Trainer
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association
Copyright 2020
The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Protocol
The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Protocol was developed by Dr. Michael Smith of the Lincoln Recovery Center in response to the heroin and alcohol addiction epidemic of the 1970′s. It was later utilized for alcohol addiction as well as in the clinical treatment of crack cocaine addiction in the 1980’s and 90’s. In the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001, NADA was used at Ground Zero for the treatment of trauma and PTSD in 911 First Responders, as well as others affected by the disaster, proving its effectiveness in the field. Since then, the NADA Auricular Acupuncture protocol has been utilized worldwide by practitioners treating trauma, addiction and PTSD.
Among the benefits reported by patients/clients and clinicians:
• improved program retention
• more optimistic and cooperative attitude toward the process of recovery
• reductions in cravings, anxiety, and sleep disturbance
• reduced need for prescription medications
5 Designated Ear Points
Clinicians trained in the NADA technique apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time-use stainless steel needles just under the skin at five designated ear points in each auricle (outer ear). The needles remain in place for up to an hour while (in most circumstances) the client relaxes quietly in a comfortable chair. Ordinarily, groups of clients/patients sit together while undergoing the treatment. Client/patients in all types of settings, inpatient, outpatient, incarceration, shelters, harm reduction and street outreach, can receive and benefit from the treatment.
The Spirit of NADA
Beyond the actual needling treatment, a key element of the NADA protocol specifies qualities of the clinician’s behavior and attitude known as “the Spirit of NADA.” Clinicians who wish to become proficient in the NADA protocol must study under a NADA Registered Trainer, usually by participating in a 30-hour didactic training course followed by 40 treatment hours of hands-on work in a clinical setting.
Clinicians learn the simple ear needling technique as well as methods for integrating the protocol into addiction, behavioral health and disaster response treatment settings. Upon completion of training, the trainee’s documentation is submitted to NADA for final approval and issuance of a Certificate of Training Completion as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS).
In the US, there is a wide range of eligibility for NADA training and clinical use including acupuncturists, doctors (MD/DO), chiropractors and nurses as per their Scope of Practice regulations. Others certified and or licensed in the field of addiction treatment may be able to add Acu-Detox to their skill base in accordance with their state’s ADS laws.
24 States Practicing NADA
Currently, NADA has documented the following 24 states, reservations and provinces as allowing some type of ADS practice: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Native American (Indigenous Peoples) Reservations, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
About Dr. Evan Shepherd Reiff, DACM, L.Ac.
Dr. Evan Shepherd Reiff, DACM, L.Ac. has been studying Chinese Medicine since 1993 and was licensed in 1999 after graduating Meiji College of Oriental Medicine in Berkeley. He became certified in the NADA protocol upon completing a 70-hour training program at a dual diagnosis treatment center in Texas in 2007 later becoming a NADA registered trainer in 2013.
Dr. Evan’s work with NADA includes the Santa Cruz Mountain fire base camp, Stand Down Homeless Veterans Camps in 2011 and 2013, the Veterans Home in Yountville, the BAYVAC Veterans Acupuncture Center, and SF Jail’s COVER project for incarcerated veterans where he treated inmates and Deputies. Outside of the United States, Dr. Evan has provided trauma care in Nepal to orphans, monastic refugees from Tibet and women rescued from the sex trade in India.
He has presented on the topic to The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) conference, the John F. Kennedy University conference, “Front Line to Home Front: Promoting Recovery from PTSD & TBI”, Foundations Recovery Network’s “Freedom and Recovery”, the California Peer Support Association Conference, in addition to other trauma and addictions training events.
Dr. Evan practices compassion through offering NADA ADS training at VA Medical Centers and at detox/treatment/medical facilities throughout the world. Please contact us for more information.