Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jul 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Glenda Luymes
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ACUPUNCTURISTS SEE POSITIVE RESULTS IN TREATING ADDICTS

In a light, spacious room high above Hastings Street, Bronwyn 
Melville battles injury, tension and drug addiction with tiny 
surgical-steel needles.

Melville is one of a handful of acupuncturists who have seen the 
positive results of treating people in Vancouver's poorest 
neighbourhood. Now, a recently published study by University of B.C. 
assistant professor Patricia Janssen confirms that acupuncture can be 
used to reduce substance abuse among addicts.

"Acupuncture shows real promise," she said yesterday. "A reduction in 
symptoms can provide a window of opportunity for users to become 
engaged in long-term approaches to addressing their addiction."

In 1999, Janssen led a team that offered acupuncture to residents of 
the Downtown Eastside. Over three months, 2,700 treatments were 
administered. Most participants reported a reduction in the severity 
of withdrawal symptoms, such as shakes, stomach cramps and suicidal 
feelings, while those who attended treatment at least four times 
reported a dramatic decrease in drug use.

According to Louise Demorest, an acupuncturist involved in the study, 
the treatment was also effective in terms of harm reduction.

"Acupuncture can also be used to manage an addiction," she said. 
"When the symptoms of an addiction are reduced, addicts are able to 
participate in other kinds of treatment."

Now the research team is preparing for a new study to help 
drug-addicted women reduce drug use during pregnancy. The trial, 
which will take place at B.C. Women's Hospital, is funded by the 
Toronto Sick Kids Foundation.

Since Janssen's study was completed in 1999, acupuncture has become 
available to most residents of the eastside. Maxine Dennis visits 
Melville whenever she can. Yesterday, she wanted treatment for a sore neck.

"When I come in I'm all knotted up and sore, and when I leave I can 
move again," she said.

Melville probes Dennis's back before inserting seven slender needles. 
Then, using a burning herbal stick, she draws circles in the air 
around them, heating the metal.
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MAP posted-by: Beth