A Randomized Clinical Trial Utilizing Battlefield Acupuncture to Treat Chronic Pain in Veterans With a History of Substance Use Disorder.
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
Summary
This research study will evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) on veterans with with a history of substance use disorder and chronic pain for 8 weeks. Primary Aim: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using BFA to treat chronic pain in veterans with a history of substance use disorder. Secondary Aim: This study will also evaluate the impact that BFA treatment for pain may have on subjects' stress, mood and sleep patterns over 8 weeks. In addition, each subject will be complete behavioral research tools to measure: depression, anxiety, and substance use at 3 different points in this study. Hypothesis: The use of BFA on veterans with chronic pain will decrease their pain and substance use and improve their quality of life.
Description
Objective(s): This research study will evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) on veterans with with a history of substance use disorder and chronic pain for 8 weeks. Primary Aim: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using BFA to treat chronic pain in veterans with a history of substance use disorder. Secondary Aim: This study will also evaluate the impact that BFA treatment for pain may have on subjects' stress, mood and sleep patterns over 8 weeks. In addition, each subject will be complete behavioral research tools to measure: dep…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: Eligibility criteria include: * they are 18 years or older * they have a history of substance use disorder, * history of chronic pain * availability to participate in the study for 16 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * female veterans who are pregnant. * history of bleeding disorders or currently on older blood thinning medications that cause excessive bleeding. * currently being treated for an active infection of the outer ear (relative contraindication). -- currently have a PICC line in their body or are receiving IV antibiotics. * fear of needles/tacks, and/or * undiagnosed…
Interventions
- OtherBattlefield Acupuncture
5 points of acupuncture treatment in each ear weekly for 8 weeks
Location
- Bedford VA Healthcare SystemBedford, Massachusetts