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AcuDetox auricular acupuncture for women in Golden, CO

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This five-point ear protocol provides a nonverbal, quiet complement within comprehensive substance-use treatment. Women exploring care in Denver can decide whether it feels comfortable while recognizing that meaningful recovery support involves broader, individualized care.

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To talk it through, call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 or visit 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210.

For residents of Golden, CO. Women’s Recovery lists its physical location in Denver, CO.

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What is AcuDetox?

AcuDetox and auricular acupuncture: Auricular acupuncture support may use the standardized AcuDetox protocol, with fine needles placed at designated outer-ear points as participants sit quietly in a group. It is a complementary practice within comprehensive substance-use treatment, not a substitute for that care. Women arriving from Golden, CO should not interpret AcuDetox as medical detox, independent treatment, or an efficacy promise.

Supporting guidance: Acudetox for Addiction Recovery in Denver | Women’s Recovery

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What is AcuDetox?

AcuDetox / auricular acupuncture for Women in Denver is a standardized, nonverbal form of ear acupuncture used as a complement to behavioral health and substance use treatment. It may accompany options such as group therapy for women and mindfulness for women, but it does not replace comprehensive care.

01

AcuDetox is also called the NADA ear protocol, the five-point protocol, or 5NP.

Some settings use the related name AcuWellness. These terms refer to a structured approach in which designated points on the outer ear are used. Because participation does not depend on conversation, you can sit quietly rather than explain personal experiences during the practice. That nonverbal structure may matter when you want a calm complementary activity within a broader plan addressing substance use and behavioral health needs.

02

The word “detox” in AcuDetox can be misleading.

This practice is not medical detoxification, and it cannot assess or manage withdrawal by itself. Women’s Recovery uses AcuDetox within comprehensive substance abuse treatment for women rather than as an independent intervention. Its appropriate role is therefore supportive: it may be included beside established treatment activities, while your overall care addresses the wider emotional, behavioral, and substance-related concerns that brought you to seek support.

What happens during an AcuDetox session?

During a standard AcuDetox session, fine needles are placed at designated points on the outer ear while participants sit quietly together for about 30 to 45 minutes. The group setting may feel different from conversational group therapy for women, while the quiet attention may share qualities with mindfulness for women.

01

The standard format is simple and consistent: ear-point placement followed by a period of quiet sitting.

You are not expected to tell your story or discuss your recovery in order to participate in the protocol. This can make the experience more accessible on days when speaking feels tiring or uncomfortable. Although several people may receive the protocol in one room, each participant can remain focused on her own experience rather than taking part in a facilitated verbal exchange.

02

AcuDetox should be understood in relation to the rest of care, not judged as a complete treatment session on its own.

Quiet participation does not replace assessment, counseling, behavioral health support, or medical attention when those are appropriate. Its structure can offer a defined pause within comprehensive treatment, while other parts of care address your goals, circumstances, relationships, and substance use concerns more directly. You retain the choice to discuss whether this complementary practice suits your preferences.

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What is the NADA ear protocol, and how does it relate to AcuDetox?

The NADA ear protocol is the standardized ear-acupuncture approach commonly called AcuDetox. It developed through community-based substance use work and later expanded into broader behavioral health settings. It can complement accepted treatment, including trauma-focused therapy for women or yoga for women, but it is not an independent treatment.

01

NADA refers to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.

Its standardized protocol generally uses three to five points on the ear and grew from community substance use work at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx during the 1970s. It spread through grassroots practice into substance use and behavioral health programs. That history helps explain why you may encounter several labels for a similar practice, including NADA, five-point protocol, 5NP, AcuDetox, and sometimes the related term AcuWellness.

02

Standardization describes the protocol’s structure, not a promise that everyone will experience the same benefit.

The approach has been used across addiction, mental health, and trauma-related settings, yet researchers emphasize that it should augment accepted care rather than function independently. For you, the useful distinction is practical: NADA identifies the ear-point protocol itself, while comprehensive treatment includes the wider therapeutic and psychosocial support needed to understand your concerns and pursue personally meaningful recovery goals.

What could a woman from Golden, CO expect when considering outpatient treatment in Denver?

Care for women from Golden at our Denver program can involve recurring care at a Denver, CO treatment location followed by a return home. Reviewing location and travel information can help you consider access, while a clinical conversation can help identify the treatment intensity and structure that may best support your needs.

  1. 01

    Standard outpatient care may include individual or group counseling, office visits, medication support, or coping-skills education

  2. 02

    An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more coordinated, recurring care while allowing you to live at home, while partial hospitalization or inpatient care offers a higher level of structure

  3. 03

    The right setting depends on your individual needs, home stability, and ability to participate consistently

  4. 04

    A clinical conversation can help you understand which level of care may support you best

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Common questions

Explore therapies for women in recovery and give yourself permission to ask for help for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

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01 Is AcuDetox the same as medical detox?

No. AcuDetox is an ear-acupuncture protocol used as a complementary behavioral health practice. It does not evaluate withdrawal, provide medical stabilization, or replace comprehensive substance use treatment. If withdrawal may be a concern, appropriate medical care has a different and essential role from the quiet, supportive AcuDetox session.

02 Do I have to talk during AcuDetox?

The standard protocol is nonverbal. Participants generally sit quietly together after fine needles are placed at designated outer-ear points. You do not need to disclose personal experiences to take part in that structure. Other parts of comprehensive care may involve conversation, but the AcuDetox practice itself centers on quiet participation.

03 Are AcuDetox and the NADA protocol different?

They generally refer to the same standardized form of auricular acupuncture. You may also hear five-point protocol, 5NP, or the related term AcuWellness. NADA identifies the organization and standardized ear protocol, while AcuDetox is a commonly used name for that practice in substance use and behavioral health settings.

04 What travel connection is listed between Golden, CO and Denver, CO?

RTD reports that the W Line extends from Denver Union Station to Jefferson County Government Center and traverses Denver, CO, Lakewood, CO, and Golden, CO. This establishes the named transit relationship between Golden, CO and Denver, CO only. It does not establish an itinerary, frequency, accessibility, or transportation to the Women’s Recovery address.

05 How does Jefferson County describe peer support for substance use, recovery, or mental health concerns?

Jefferson County Public Health invites people struggling with substance use, exploring recovery, or facing mental-health concerns to contact its peer-support program at a Lakewood, CO address. It describes peer coaching as low barrier and low commitment. This support is not clinical treatment, emergency response, a Golden, CO facility, guaranteed availability, or affiliated with Women’s Recovery.

Evidence behind this page

Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

01 Acudetox for Addiction Recovery in Denver | Women’s Recovery womensrecovery.com View source 02 The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol, auricular acupuncture to support patients with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders: current perspectives - PMC pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov View source 03 Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety | NCCIH nccih.nih.gov View source 04 Treatment nida.nih.gov View source 05 Women and Mental Health - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) nimh.nih.gov View source 06 Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol: How to Ask For Help? samhsa.gov View source 07 RTD W Line between Golden, CO and Denver, CO rtd-denver.com View source 08 Jefferson County peer support for substance use and recovery jeffco.us View source 09 Treatment Types for Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol | SAMHSA samhsa.gov View source 10 Managing Life with Co-Occurring Disorders | SAMHSA samhsa.gov View source 11 Get help: Mental health, drugs, or alcohol | Behavioral Health Administration bha.colorado.gov View source
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