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We read with interest the randomized controlled trial by Avants et al¹ suggesting that auricular acupuncture may reduce cocaine dependence. The authors made a laudable effort to develop adequate controls for auricular acupuncture treatment in a series of trials.^2-4 We would like to suggest a sham acupuncture method that offers the advantage of patient-blinding and avoidance of needle insertion (which some authors believe has physiological effects and therefore is an "unfair" placebo).⁵

The blunt telescoping sham needle method was introduced in body acupuncture with 2 different methods for retaining the needle.^5-6 One involves the purpose-designed Park tube and the other an O-ring and adhesive cover. The former method could also be used in auricular acupuncture by shortening the needle and slightly modifying the Park tube (Figure 1). We believe that a sham needle on sham points is even less active than a real needle and therefore would constitute . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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