Randomized Clinical Trial of Battlefield Acupuncture for Chronic Pain in Veterans With a History of Substance Use Disorder

What this Trial Is About

This research study focuses on veterans with a history of substance use disorder and chronic pain. It aims to evaluate how effective Battlefield Acupuncture BFA is in treating chronic pain over an 8-week period. The study also looks at how BFA might affect stress, mood, and sleep patterns, as well as measures of depression, anxiety, and substance use at three points during the 16-week study. This is a randomized clinical trial recruiting 60 veterans to compare treatments. Participants are randomly assigned to either a waitlist control group or an immediate treatment group. Those receiving treatment will have weekly 15-20 minute sessions for 8 weeks, during which up to 5 acupuncture tacks are placed in each ear. Pain levels are recorded before, during, and after the treatment at each visit. The waitlist group receives no treatment for 8 weeks and then begins treatment, followed by 8 weeks of follow-up. Throughout the study, participants complete questionnaires on pain, stress, mood, sleep, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Data will be securely stored and analyzed later. The primary measurement is chronic pain level assessed by the acupuncture questionnaire during treatment and follow-up. Secondary measurements assess mood, stress, sleep, and behavioral factors monthly. The total time commitment for participants is approximately 16 weeks, including treatment and follow-up phases.

Utilizing Battlefield Acupuncture to Treat Chronic Pain