What is Alcohol Support?
Alcohol use disorder (alcohol addiction) is a medical condition in which a person finds it hard to control drinking, continues despite negative consequences and experiences withdrawal symptoms when stopping. It has serious effects on the liver, heart, nervous system and mental health.
Treatment of alcohol addiction is provided by psychiatrists and alcohol and substance addiction treatment centres (such as AMATEM in Türkiye), with medication and psychotherapy where needed. After long-term heavy use, stopping alcohol suddenly can lead to potentially life-threatening withdrawal states such as seizures and delirium.
The programme at our clinic does not replace this treatment. It is a complementary approach that aims to support craving and stress management and overall wellbeing in addition to the main treatment.
How does it work?
Acupuncture, especially ear (auricular) acupuncture protocols, is used in addiction treatment programmes to support the management of anxiety, restlessness, sleep problems and cravings. Its effect varies from person to person and should be assessed alongside the main treatment.
Long-term alcohol use can lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as B vitamins (especially B1/thiamine), magnesium and zinc. After the relevant tests, intravenous or oral vitamin and mineral support, together with changes to diet and sleep, aims to support general health.
When is it used?
- People receiving specialist treatment for alcohol addiction who want complementary support
- People looking for support to reduce the risk of relapse after stopping alcohol
- People experiencing stress, anxiety and sleep problems while cutting down
- People with nutritional deficiencies due to long-term use (confirmed by tests)
How is it done?
- 1Assessing your alcohol use history and general health.
- 2Referral first to the relevant specialist or addiction centre if needed.
- 3Creating a complementary support plan (acupuncture, vitamin support) compatible with the main treatment.
- 4Regular follow-up and relapse prevention advice.
- Share openly how long and how often you have been drinking; this information is kept confidential and is necessary for your safety.
- If you are followed by a psychiatry or addiction centre, bring your reports and medication.
- Do not come to a session under the influence of alcohol.
- At the first consultation your use history, general health and the necessary tests are assessed.
- If needed, you are first referred to the relevant specialist.
- In line with your main treatment, acupuncture sessions (20–30 minutes) and, if needed, IV vitamin support are planned.
- Continue your main treatment and medication without interruption.
- Stay away from settings and situations that trigger the urge to drink as much as possible; ask for help from support groups and those close to you.
- Regular sleep, nutrition and physical activity are important parts of recovery.
Possible side effects
- Small bruises or tenderness at acupuncture sites
- Temporary dizziness or tiredness
- Mild tenderness at the IV site during drips
Who is it not suitable for?
- Active withdrawal symptoms (tremor, sweating, agitation, hallucinations) — urgent medical assessment is needed
- Plans to stop alcohol suddenly without medical supervision
- Certain IV ingredients in severe liver disease (after medical assessment)
Sources
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health. Regulation on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices. Official Gazette, 27 October 2014, No. 29158.
- World Health Organization. Global status report on alcohol and health and treatment of substance use disorders. Geneva: WHO; 2024.
