|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 6 July 2003 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Acupuncture helps to reform drug addicts An internationally renowned Sri Lankan acupuncturist had claimed that drug addicts could be treated successfully through a natural healing method which assists the spiritual development of the victims. Dr. Henry Jayakody, whose ability to treat, patients with chronic disorders with acupuncture was appreciated by the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, USA, said that the acupuncture treatment would help drug addicts to quit the habit in a short period. "This is because this therapy produces a sense of relaxation, well-being and relief from intense craving and other withdrawal symptoms," he said. Dr. Jayakody was an integral member of the 'Substance Abuse Treatment Program' for drug addicts held in Baltimore, where young and old addicted to cocaine, heroine, crack, methadone and alcohol were treated with acupuncture. "First, we have to select a certain number of drug addicts to the program which will be the pilot project. There, they will be given acupuncture treatment. Unlike in other rehabilitation centres where the addicts are detained, here, they can come to the centre from their homes, daily", he explained. Dr. Jayakody said that "during treatment, the craving for drugs will gradually ease. The most important point here is we do not give them doses of pharmaceuticals to ease the craving", he added. Dr. Jayakody had also made several proposals to the Minister of Health and also to the Prison Commissioner General to commence such a program to rehabilitate drug addicts, which had now become a serious social problem in the country. (SS) |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
