Auricular Acupuncture to Facilitate Outpatient Opioid Weaning

N/ATerminatedNCT02882048

Vanderbilt University Medical Center16 enrolled

Overview

This study is to compare two groups undergoing opioid weaning as ordered by their referring physicians. One group will undergo the standard opioid weaning process and the other group will have the addition of the NADA Protocol to the weaning process.

The NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Protocol is a standardized acupuncture technique in which five designated points in the ear are needled (+/-beads/seeds at points for home acupressure therapy in between treatments). The NADA Protocol is indicated for treatment of the following conditions: detoxification, withdrawal, emotional trauma, craving, stress syndromes, relapse prevention, rehabilitation \& recovery maintenance. It is also commonly used for PTSD and addiction; however it has not been studied as an adjunct to outpatient opioid weaning protocols for pain. It is cited in the literature as yielding improvements in engagement, retention, decreased cravings, anxiety, and physical symptoms. Given these documented results, it seems feasible the outpatient opioid weaning patient would likely benefit from this procedure.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Narcotic Addiction

Interventions

NADA ProtocolPROCEDURE

NADA Protocol is a standardized acupuncture technique in which five designated points in the ear are needled.

Medication managementOTHER

Standard of care medication management defined by an opioid weaning protocol with specific, symptomatic medication regimens.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 and older * Referral to the VUMC Interventional Pain Clinic for opioid weaning and discontinuation. Exclusion Criteria: * None

Locations (1)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from baseline in clinical institute narcotic assessment scale (CINA) for withdrawal

Time frame: time from beginning of opioid withdrawal intervention to opioid cessation(approximately 6 months)

Secondary Outcomes

Off-opioids rate

Time frame: time from beginning of opioid withdrawal intervention to opioid cessation(approximately 6 months)

Change from baseline assessment of psychological distress of weaning, assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

Time frame: 9 months

Time to cessation of opioids

Time frame: time from of beginning of opioid withdrawal intervention to opioid cessation (approximately 6 months)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.