In this study, 54 English-speaking, hospitalised women were randomly assigned to receive (i) daily therapeutic touch over a 7-day period for 20 min each day, (ii) shared activity with a registered nurse for 20 min over a 7-day period or (iii) standard ward care. Anxiety was measured using Spielberger’s STAI. Withdrawal symptoms were measured using a standardised symptom checklist. Anxiety scores were significantly less on days 1, 2, and 3 for the group receiving therapeutic touch.