According to Dr. Likens, a Community Care provider for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “One of the most gratifying aspects of my life’s work is to be able to help the veterans of my community live fuller lives, with less pain of course but also with the best quality of life possible. Unfortunately, addiction often goes hand in hand with veteran issues.
“Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Yes, pain medication might be a current addiction for someone after injury. But people cope with all kinds of trauma throughout their lives with harmful habits. We have to identify and expose the initial reason for someone’s addiction, the root cause of why someone ever felt the need to turn to any harmful method of coping,” Dr. Likens explained.
Dr. Likens focuses on pain relief, “But we don’t stop there. The beauty about acupuncture is that it relieves pain along with restoring your mental balance, like resetting a circuit breaker. It interrupts the mental loop of addiction,” he said.
Acupuncture gently stimulates specific points on the body with hair-thin needles, often leaving patients relaxed or even asleep. Battlefield (auricular) acupuncture (BFA) is particularly effective for pain relief, PTSD and addiction recovery. Tiny needles are placed around the ear and left in to extend the effects.
Dr. Likens combines acupuncture with visualization, guiding patients to focus on calming images or positive thoughts. This pairing helps the body and mind respond differently to cravings, teaching the brain to associate comfort with healthy behaviors instead of substances. “Before they know it, a patient who was numbing themselves all day with vodka, for example, stops feeling as much compulsion to do it,” he said.
Chronic pain affects over half of U.S. veterans in VA care, leaving some addicted to opioids even when prescribed only short term. About 14% struggle with drug abuse, and 25% binge drink. Suicide rates among veterans remain over 50% higher than the general population. Traditional treatments don’t always fully address these overlapping issues.
Dr. Likens fills the gap with “complementary and integrative care,” combining chiropractic techniques, dry needling, shock wave therapy, myofascial release, neuromuscular reeducation, massage, spinal decompression and more. His approach reflects 1,000+ postgraduate hours of training, a Doctorate of Chiropractic Medicine and 22 years of practice. He holds certifications in whiplash, brain traumatology, disability impairment, acupuncture and applied kinesiology and will soon become a diplomate of the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders.
“No single system works the same for every patient,” Dr. Likens says. “Similar injuries or conditions affect each of us differently. That’s why knowing multiple treatment methods and how they work together is essential.”
Dr. Likens is a VA Optum provider and his treatments are referred and covered by the VA for veterans with a 50% or greater disability.
Dr. Llaird Likens
Navarre Chiropractic Center
1816 Alpine Drive
850-939-3339
What are his patients saying?
“The fact that I’m not in pain most days allows me to enjoy my daily activities more to include exercise.” —RJ, Veteran
“I love that I have been able to get relief and start enjoying my daily activities. My mood has greatly improved as well.” —MH, Veteran
“I feel instant relief after my visit, and I am able to manage my pain with treatments instead of pain medications.” —AW, Veteran
“Better range of motion and less pain.” —BW, Veteran
** “The specialty recognition identified herein has been received from a private organization not affiliated with or recognized by the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine.” Section 64B2. For Dr. Likens’s current and properly cited Curriculum Vitae, please get in touch with Dr. Llaird Likens’s office at 850-939-3339.