Implementation of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Protocol in a Community Mental Health Setting.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' satisfaction with National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) acupuncture services in two community mental health settings. Cross-sectional, mixed-methods study. Participants who had participated in acupuncture services were given a survey that contained both quantitative and qualitative items. Participants were recruited from two community mental health centers in the New England area. Fifty patients enrolled in community mental health centers. They were eligible to participate in the study if they had attended at least one acupuncture session. Twenty-five percent of the sample comprised monolingual Spanish-speakers. Participants had received at least one session of auricular acupuncture according to the NADA protocol. Participants completed a satisfaction survey that contained 10 items in English or Spanish. On a 5-point Likert scale, participants reported that they found acupuncture beneficial (mean, 4.35; standard deviation, 0.78). Data from the qualitative items were analyzed and revealed two prominent themes: (1) relaxation and (2) improved focus and concentration. Eight percent of the sample reported no benefit of acupuncture during the session. Overall, the patients reported high satisfaction with the acupuncture services received, as well as a variety of benefits (relaxation, improved focus and concentration, improvement in psychiatric symptoms or substance use craving, and somatic benefits).