Drugs team tests out acupuncture

Flintshire County Council has joined its youth offending team provision for prevention and treatment with its youth service work on education to create a drug and alcohol team for young people.

The team has started giving acupuncture to young people who are trying to quit drugs or alcohol. The aim is to help their recovery and reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Alan Williams, senior practitioner at the drug and alcohol team, said it had just started to practise the method, which involves specifically placing needles in young people's ears. Young people aged 15 to 18 are referred to the scheme by the criminal justice system or can self-refer.

"It's in its infancy," said Williams. "Some young people react by saying 'what's this rubbish?'. Others go through it and say it's good to relax and allows them to deal with some of the things going on in their lives."

The acupuncture is meant to alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as stomach cramps and night sweats. Williams said that the most common substances that young people in the area took were alcohol, cannabis, speed and cocaine.