Complimentary alternative medicine refers to diverse health and medical care systems which are integrated thus becoming a component of conventional medicine. This study is aimed at illuminating health conditions that conventional western medicine has failed to address.
Bickel et al (1988, p.72) dutifully look at the efficacy of using buprenorphine and methadone in detoxification of side effects of heroin amongst the addicts. The study involved forty five participants. The participants were selected at random and received either sublingual buprenorphine or oral methadone. The process was conducted under double dummy and double blind conditions. This was supposed to help studying the pharmacology of buprenorphine within the 90 days of detoxification. The participants were either given 2mg of buprenorphine or 30 mg of methadone for a period of 21 days. One month after expiry of the 3 weeks, doses of methadone and buprenorphine were significantly reduced. Six weeks after dose reduction was marked with placebo medication. During this period no considerable changes were noted between factions in respect to the use of drugs, symptoms and treatment retention. This did not trigger those already taking buprenorphine into taking illicit opioid drugs. According to Bickel et al (1988, p.78) clinical trial showed that buprenorphine is liked by patients and can also be used in detoxifying heroin addicts.
Smith and Khan (1988, p. 5) explore acupuncture program that can be used in treating drug addicts. Smith and Khan further assert that acupuncture has been utilized by Lincoln Hospital to treat individuals from drug addiction for the last thirteen years. The acupuncture program received over 200 drug addicts that were later subjected to acupuncture. Acupuncture calmed withdrawal symptoms which reduces the patients crave for drugs. It also helped in increasing patient’s participation in the long term treatment program. Patients were treated in open-group setting. Acupuncture points were put in the external ear. In addition, electrical stimulation was avoided. The same points were used in subsequent visits by the addicts with disregard to the drug they were addicted to. Acupuncture is thought to help in reducing drug abuse when used in conjunction with other drug demand reduction programs.
Unutzer et al (2000, p. 1856) study intended to examine relationship between mental disorders and use of CAM. Data was obtained from national household telephone survey that was done between 1997 and 1998. A total of 9585 participants who exhibited varying indicators of mental instability were involved in the study. Structured diagnostic screening method was used in an effort to identify probable mental disorders. CAM therapy was mainly used in treatment of patients suffering from intense depression and panic disorders compared those suffering from mental disorders. Respondents suffering from mental disorder and were earlier using alternative medicine also incorporated conventional interventions just like those who were suffering from the disorder and earlier utilized conventional health. Mentally challenged individuals highly regarded the use of complimentary alternative medicine. The study recommended that practitioners in alternative medicine field should be keen in diagnosing disorders in their patients. On the other hand, practitioners dealing with conventional medicine should conduct a comprehensive analysis of their patients in order to determine the possibility of using alternative medicine.
A study conducted by Margolin et al (2002, p. 56) in an effort to investigate effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in cocaine addiction treatment used randomized, controlled, single -blind clinical trials that were done between 1996 and 1999. The study was one in six community based clinics, three of which were hospital affiliated and the other 3 for methadone maintenance. Participants were 620 of which 222 received auricular acupuncture, 203 needle insertion control condition, and 195 relaxation control condition. There was significant reduction in cocaine use from urine analysis.
Conventional medicine can be used in conjunction with alternative medicine eradicate the effects of drug abuse among drug addicts.
Reference List
Bickel, W.K. et al. (1988). A clinical trial of buprenorphine: Comparison with methadone in the detoxification of heroin addicts. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vol.43,pp. 72-78.
Margolin, A. et al. (2002). Acupuncture for the treatment of cocaine addiction. JAMA, 287(1), 55-53.
Smith, M.O., and Khan, I. (1988). An acupuncture program for treatment of drug addicted persons. Geneva: UNAIDS.
Unutzer, J. et al. (2000). Mental disorders and the use of alternative medicine: results from national survey. Am J Psychiatry, 157, 1851-1857.