craigdailypress.com

More than a year ago, when Doug Seward approached the Communities Overcoming Meth Abuse organization with a proposal, he was welcomed -- although many had never heard of auriculotherapy, a new technology that helps meth addicts kick their habit.

At Thursday's monthly meeting of COMA, the organization presented Seward with a certificate of appreciation award for the things he has accomplished in the past year.

Visiting the Moffat County Jail for more than a year, Seward said he has seen the results, and clients thank him for his help.

Auriculotherapy includes stimulating acupoints in the outer ear with a low voltage electrical current. The procedure takes only 20 minutes.

The theory behind this form of Chinese medicine is that it gives the brain a break and a chance to repair itself, Seward said.

"Contrary to some beliefs, the brain does regenerate after 90 days off the drug," he said. "This is just one tool to help people with that process."

In the audience was 20-year-old Kassie Dilldine, a client of Seward's.

"He saw me when I was in jail," she said. "I don't even remember the last time I had a craving (for the drug.)"

Dilldine said the key to recovering addicts' success is living without the drug and not needing it.

The technology for auriculotherapy was developed in the 1970s.

Seward said he learned the practice in Greeley, along with acupuncture, acutherapy, and massage therapy.

Walk-in clients to his office can receive the treatment for a $15 charge, but he doesn't want people to shy away because of cost.

"This is the fastest growing technology out there in a prison setting and in the drug courts," Seward said. "There has been definite success here. They get out of jail and come back to me. They thank me, and say they're doing better."

Clients with chronic addictions may take longer to treat.

The process is painless, as was attested to by COMA's Mike Fuller, after undergoing a demonstration of the treatment.

"It just felt like he was poking at my ear," Fuller said. "I was worried about a zap or something like that."

For more information on auriculotherapy, Seward can be reached by calling 819-0602.

Dan Olsen can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 207, or dolsen@craigdailypress.com.