All sessions of training are required.  A required Zoom session will also be held April 1 from 9 a.m. to Noon.  Utah licensees are eligible to be reimbursed for training fees once all requirements are completed.

Acupuncture is a method of treatment that has been used in China for over 3000 years for a variety of ailments. Auricular acupuncture for the treatment of addiction is a relatively recent development in the history of this ancient art. In 1972 a neurosurgeon in Hong Kong discovered that acupuncture alleviated withdrawal symptoms in opiate-dependent patients who were undergoing surgical analgesia for other disorders. Over the next twenty-five years, this treatment was extensively studied, expanded, and improved and is now used successfully in the treatment of all types of drug addictions as well as other behavioral health issues including trauma.

Benefits include reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine; minimization of withdrawal symptoms; increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation; relief from stress and emotional trauma; discovery of inner quiet and strength; easier connection with counseling; and an intention for recovery.

This training offers professionals working within their current scope of practice in Utah to become competent in the provision of the 5-Needle Protocol (5-NP) ear acupuncture. Licensed acupuncturists, physicians, chiropractors, nurses, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, substance use disorder counselors, and clinical mental health counselors are eligible to provide the 5-NP ear acupuncture under Utah HB 0195-2022. For more information see: https://www.utahacudetox.com/process-for-hcps

The training cost will be $410: $360 for the training, plus $50 for required membership at the Punk Level (https://pocacoop.com/join/punk-member/) in the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA). You must join POCA at the Punk Level before you can register for any training. Some prework and outside classroom work will be required. You must complete all the pre-work, classroom training, clinical practice, meetings, and homework to attain a certificate of training as an Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT) through POCA.  All sessions are required to complete the training.  

Through a grant from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Utah licensees will be reimbursed for the $410 after completing all training requirements, obtaining an AAT certificate from POCA, and submitting the certificate to Utah DOPL and the trainers.

The number of trainees is limited, so please get your application in as soon as possible.