The NADA Protocol

In the USA, the NADA protocol was first introduced on an outpatient basis in 1974 at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital, a city facility in the South Bronx area of New York City. By the mid 1980’s the success of this unique procedure had become so evident that treatment facilities across the USA began incorporating acupuncture into their treatment programmes.

The NADA protocol consists of the insertion of five, small, fine, sterile stainless steel needles under the surface of the skin on specific sites in the outer ear.  The recipients sit quietly in a group setting for up to 45 minutes, relaxing. These five points are standard points for the treatment of substance misuse and anxiety management. 

Acupuncture treatment for substance misuse has shown to be clinically effective, cost efficient, drug free and compatible across cultures. 

The NADA protocol is most effective when used in combination with other treatment modalities to meet the professional standards of the field. The combined application of acupuncture with counselling and self-help / support groups, etc. enhances treatment effectiveness.

Watch "Unimagined Bridges", a NADA-US produced video to hear people talk about their experiences of recieving NADA treatments, and Practitioners talking about the difference it has made in communities around the world.