THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. DRUG ADDICTION Addiction is a chemical, physical, or psychological dependency on drug use, often leading to compulsive use which sometimes dominates the individual's existence and can be fatal if not treated. The symptoms of addiction are compulsion, loss of control, and continued use in spite of adverse consequences. Drugs represent an intrusion into the body that forces it totally out of balance. Acupuncture can be especially helpful in treating drug dependency on narcotics and other addicting drugs, including heroin and cocaine, by helping the body to regain it's equilibrium. Acupuncture provides a rapid means of fighting drug hunger by stimulating production of the same peptides we get from running and other physical exercise. Patients who come in agitated or tremulous often fall asleep during treatment and are visibly more relaxed, alert, and confident. The "crack" user is particularly receptive to acupuncture treatment for several reasons. Violent and bizarre acts are regularly associated with crack use. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for even psychotic aberrations. The crisis for crack users consists of an extremely intense craving rather than any pattern of physical withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture has been shown to be a specific and effective treatment of craving, giving the patient a sense of relaxation and well-being and reducing their desire for drugs. Six to ten acupuncture treatments are usually enough for treatment of drug addiction. These should be given on a daily basis, at least for the first week. Some patients may have to return for a few more treatments after several weeks or months to maintain abstinence from the drug. next