Akpûnktûr. Current scientific evidence indicates that acupuncture is no more effective than a placebo in helping with cocaine withdrawal. This statement is based on four randomized, placebo-controlled studies published between 1999 and 20025-8 . One of these studies involved 620 adults addicted to cocaine5. According to our research, a therapeutic effect was observed only during one study, which involved 82 dependent people.9.