Acupuncture-related therapies as an adjunct to opioid agonist therapy during active dose reduction in adults with opioid use disorder: protocol for a scoping review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Study Protocol
Abstract: Opioid agonist therapy (OAT), most commonly methadone or buprenorphine, is the standard pharmacological treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Although many patients undergo dose reduction during treatment, this process is frequently complicated by withdrawal symptoms, psychological distress, and opioid craving. Acupuncture-related therapies have been used as adjunctive interventions during OAT for more than two decades and have been evaluated in both Chinese- and English-language clinical studies. However, existing reviews have focused on specific clinical populations, restricted study designs, or predated recent trials. The available evidence regarding acupuncture-related therapies during active OAT dose reduction has not been comprehensively mapped.
Source: BMJ Open
Authors: Chen Chen, Xiao-Juan Li, Baochao Fan, Yi-Ming Chen, Yanzheng Xie, Yun Li, Bin Shen
Institution: Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W7221533616