This article first appeared at Ear To The Granite, written by MAS staff acupuncturist Elizabeth Ropp

Last week, we wrapped up a 5NP ear acupuncture training at Live Free Recovery’s new location in downtown Manchester.

This was a significant milestone: it is the first substance misuse treatment program to ask us to train their staff exclusively.
A huge thank you to Jennifer Houston for making the arrangements. We trained eight members of the Live Free Recovery staff, and everyone in the group caught on quickly. By next week, everyone will have completed their clinical practice hours.

I took some photos to share with all of you.



Registered Nurse Brekke Best took our very first ADS training in September 2024 and has been offering ear acupuncture at both the Keene and Manchester locations of Live Free Recovery.

During our session, many trainees remarked on how well the clients responded to Brekke’s treatments. They specifically noted how effective the protocol is during detox and how quickly ear acupuncture can de-escalate a panic attack.

We discussed how ear acupuncture works best when fully integrated into a recovery program. Ideally, it is offered daily or even twice a day during the detox phase. Treatments can then continue several times a week throughout the rest of the program to support clients navigating the intense anxiety and stress that often accompany early sobriety. Ear acupuncture is versatile and can be adapted into a variety of settings.



During the clinical supervision, a group of clients joined us in the media room for treatments. Once everyone settled into their chairs and their ears were needled, a group meeting began. A staffer named Bridget gave us a great talk about spirituality and our connection to something bigger than ourselves. It was lovely.



What really stood out to me during this training was how eager the clients were to try the treatment. Some had tried it before, and many more had heard of its benefits. I credit this to Brekke’s dedicated work across both locations over the last year and a half, the staff and volunteers at Hope for NH Recovery who offer 5NP ear acupuncture throughout the week at their recovery community center, and other New Hampshire programs like the Process Recovery Center in Nashua that integrate ear acupuncture into all levels of care. I discovered just how much word travels fast among people who are seeking services.

Keep poking ears, keep changing lives.