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Hi Jackie I have to say, I would push back a little on the way you describe your task! Seeking studies that support the validity of a treatment does not suggest an academic open mind on this! If we are to continually improve the quality of treatment services we need to be able to take a hard look at the evidence and see how this evolves over time - even if this runs counter to our pre-existing expectations and preferences. There was a surge of interest in auricular acupuncture about 20 years ago and it has been very popular in the field. Of course, when it all started there was very little evidence because there was little research. Over the years a number of studies has slowly built up - but my understanding of these is that when taken as a whole, there is no substantive evidence it actually does any good. There have, for example been studies randomly assigning clients to get 'real' NADA protocol treatment or one with 'fake' points - with no differences between the two groups. I certainly don't claim to know all the research and could not quote it, but amongst the substance misuse research community in the UK my impression is that the consensus is that the better studies have shown no evidence of therapeutic effect. Others might remember better, but I *think* one of the NICE reviews considered auricular acupuncuncture - if you can track this down you will see an incredibly thorough evaluation of available research. For a period, many UK commissioners took the view that there was little evidence this treatment made a difference, but felt that if clients reported it useful it might increase 'stickiness' of services. My impression is that even this level of interest has wained and though still used it no longer has momentum. To declare my own interest, I trained in NADA protocol in roughly 1995 and had 15 or so key workers I was managing trained up as well - we thought it worked but I have to say I now think we were wrong. There are so many interventions available that have a robust evidence base, I question why we would spend money, staff time and indeed client time on something with such a weak evidence base! My 2 1/2 pence worth..! R ---------------------------- Richard Phillips ---------------------------- On 6 February 2011 17:58, Jackie Gallacher <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Hi everyone, > > I am a 4th undergraduate student at Stirling university studying in > criminology > and sociology. I am currently doing my dissertation on the allievation of > withdrawal symptoms using auricular acupuncture in relation to heroin, I am > presently trying to access an organisation which uses this treatment and > for > their clients to fill in a short questionaire. Also if any one can suggest > recent studies supporting its validity it would be greatly appreciated. > Many thanks > Jackie >