Laser Therapy for Alcohol Cravings: How It Works and What the Research Says
By the NuLife Team · Reviewed by a certified specialist · Last updated November 2026
Short answer: Our drug-free program uses low-level laser therapy with one-on-one support to help reduce cravings while you cut back or quit. Research on acupuncture for alcohol dependence shows it may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, though the studies are small. It works best alongside counselling and a clear plan, and it is not a replacement for medical detox.
Am I drinking too much?
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, released in 2023, puts it simply:
- 1–2 drinks a week: low risk
- 3–6 drinks a week: moderate risk
- 7 or more drinks a week: the risk keeps rising with every drink
It also advises no more than 2 drinks on any one day. A standard drink in Canada is about one 341 ml bottle of 5% beer, one 142 ml glass of 12% wine, or one 43 ml shot of 40% spirits.
Many people who reach out to us aren’t in crisis. They work, they look after their families, and they’ve noticed the evening drink has turned into three or four. If that sounds like you, it’s a good time to make a change.
Why cutting back is hard
Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system. Over time, your brain starts to expect a drink at certain times, like after work, with dinner, or to wind down. Those expectations turn into cravings. Stress, poor sleep and social situations make them stronger. Willpower alone often isn’t enough because the cravings keep coming back.
What is laser therapy for alcohol?
At NuLife we combine traditional acupuncture technique with low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation). A painless low-level laser is applied to specific points, with no needles and no drugs, and it helps your body release endorphins, natural chemicals that ease cravings, withdrawal and stress. It’s combined with one-on-one counselling, and the device we use is FDA cleared and Health Canada approved. Most people find it relaxing.
The laser is used to help ease cravings and the restless, on-edge feeling that can come with cutting back. On its own it isn’t a cure, so every program also includes one-on-one counselling, a plan for your triggers, and follow-up support.
What the research says
A 2016 systematic review in Chinese Medicine looked at 15 randomized trials with about 1,400 people. Acupuncture reduced alcohol cravings compared with control groups, and in the smaller number of trials that measured it, it also reduced withdrawal symptoms. The authors called acupuncture “potentially effective” and suggested it could be offered as an add-on treatment, but noted that many of the studies were small or of lower quality.
In other words: the research is encouraging, but it supports acupuncture-based treatment as part of a wider plan, not as a stand-alone fix. That’s how we use it.
Thinking about cutting back?
We’ll talk about your drinking and your goals, and see if the program is a good fit.
Free 15-minute phone assessment
Is it safe for me?
If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal, including shaking, confusion and seizures. Please talk to your doctor before you stop. NuLife is outpatient support for adults who can cut back or quit safely at home. It is not medical detox, and it works alongside your doctor’s care, not instead of it.
Options for cutting back or quitting
| NuLife Laser Program | On your own | Support groups (like AA) | Medication from your doctor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug-free | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Medication side effects | None | None | None | Possible |
| Help with cravings | ✓ | ✕ | Partial | ✓ |
| One-on-one counselling | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Personalized treatment plan | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Works if you want to cut back, not quit | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
Medications for alcohol use, such as naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram, can cause side effects like nausea, headache, dizziness and tiredness. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
Many people combine options, for example laser therapy and counselling with a support group or their doctor’s care.
What to expect at NuLife
- A free phone call about your drinking and your goals.
- An assessment with a certified specialist.
- Your plan: low-level laser therapy and one-on-one counselling, whether you want to cut back or quit.
- Follow-up support to help the change last.
We have clinics in Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Woodbridge and Oakville. Learn more about our program to quit or cut back on drinking. If you also smoke when you drink, read Drinking and Smoking: Why They Go Together and How to Quit Both.
Frequently asked questions
Does laser treatment for alcohol addiction work?
Research on acupuncture for alcohol dependence shows it may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Results are best when it’s combined with counselling and a plan, which is how our program works.
Do I have to quit completely?
No. Many of our patients want to cut back, not quit. Your plan is based on your goals.
Does it hurt?
No. The laser is cold and painless, and there are no needles.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Your visits and your information are kept private.
Is it covered by insurance?
It’s covered by most benefit plans, and everyone is welcome with or without insurance. Call us and we’ll go over your coverage on the phone.