Today, there appears to be new  hope for those who suffer from addictions to substances harmful to their  health. Acupuncture is rapidly increasing in popularity as an effective aid in  the control of many addictions—from serious ones involving alcohol and hard  drugs to relatively less serious ones involving nicotine and overeating.

There is strong physiological  evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in this area. Research has shown  that acupuncture can raise the level of endorphins in the nervous system.  Resembling opiates in structure and function, endorphins are the body's natural  pain killers. Their level is also increased by endurance exercises, and they  are responsible for the phenomenon called "runner's high", a feeling  of euphoria experienced by long-distance runners who have crossed the five-mile  line. It seems that the cravings and withdrawal symptoms experienced by people  giving up smoking or drugs can be alleviated by raising the level of endorphins  in the nervous system. Some researchers also believe that the desire to eat is  also mediated by the endorphin level in the brain, which would explain why acupuncture helps dieters to control their appetites.

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