A pilot randomized controlled trial of acupuncture and relaxation response on homeless veterans with substance abuse

Objectives: To review the feasibility and preliminary data of a trial of acupuncture and the relaxation response (RR) for reducing substance craving among veterans.

Methods: Study participants were recruited from a Veterans Administration residential, homeless rehabilitation program. Enrolled participants were randomly assigned into one of the three study groups: acupuncture (ACU), RR, and usual care (UC). The acupuncture group received twice per week treatments and the RR group attended a weekly group to learn RR techniques. We conducted an interim analysis on substance craving ratings using a 7-point scale (0-6).

Results: We enrolled 56 veterans (mean age 46 years, 79% white, one female) in a 6 month period. All of the veterans who identified themselves as having a substance abuse problem and were screened to be eligible decided to enroll. The three study groups (n=19 ACU, n=19 RR, n=18 UC) were similar in age and race, but differed in baseline craving ratings. The intervention attendance rates were 74% and 75% for the ACU and RR group respectively among 24 veterans who completed the study as of 5/04/07. The baseline adjusted change scores in craving rating were significant for both ACU (-1.34, p=.001), and RR (-1.21, p=.01), but not the UC (-.51, p=.18) groups.

Conclusions: Although it is premature to make definitive conclusions before we complete the trial in 3-4 months, our preliminary data suggested the feasibility of the trial and interim analysis provided promising results in demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture and the RR on reducing substance craving.