The Implementation and Feasibility of an Auricular Acupuncture Intervention for Smoking Cessation in a Residential, Spiritual Recovery Program

This study examined the feasibility of recruiting of participants and retention to an auricular acupuncture intervention for smoking cessation at a residential spiritual recovery program for a chemically dependent population in the mid-Atlantic region. The association between beliefs about acupuncture and smoking cessation were also assessed. This was an intervention study guided by the principles of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR). The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol was used as part of the smoking cessation intervention (participants received auricular acupuncture for 40 minutes, 3 times per week for 1 month). Smoking cessation, adherence rate to the treatment plan, and percentages of those who decreased in nicotine dependence were measured as well as any associations between acupuncture beliefs and the previously mentioned variables. In this hard-to-reach population of chemically dependent smokers 86 participants were recruited to participate in the study and 47% (n=40) were retained. Two participants achieved smoking cessation. There were no significant associations between beliefs about acupuncture and decrease in nicotine dependence or adherence to treatment. However, 40% decreased in nicotine dependence. This research demonstrated the feasibility of recruitment of participants and retention to an auricular acupuncture intervention for smoking cessation in a chemically dependent population.