In Rhode Island, community acupuncture is gaining traction as an accessible support for anxiety and addiction treatment. At CODAC, the state’s oldest nonprofit addiction center, healthcare professionals are training to perform a five-needle ear acupuncture protocol (5NP) designed to alleviate stress and addiction symptoms. Trainees must complete supervised sessions to earn certification from the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA), which has trained around 3,000 non-acupuncturist professionals nationwide. About 300 Rhode Islanders have been certified through POCA, with additional certifications from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.

Ear acupuncture is praised for its calming effects, helping patients manage anxiety and trauma without traditional talk therapy. Practitioners report patients often experience relief from stress and emotional pain, sometimes noting unexpected benefits. CODAC staff, including clinical supervisors and outpatient directors, incorporate ear acupuncture alongside meditation and therapy to improve patient outcomes.

This expansion became possible after 2016 legislation, co-authored by licensed acupuncturist Cris Monteiro, legalized ear acupuncture by non-acupuncturists in Rhode Island. Trainers from Providence Community Acupuncture emphasize its practicality in regulating nervous systems and enhancing overall health, making it a growing complementary tool in addiction and mental health care.