Training Center for Auricular Acupuncture – NADA Protocol

Since 2004, we have trained more than 60 professionals in the NADA protocol developed by Michael Smith, MD, L.Ac. Several addiction treatment and criminal justice programs in the US utilize auricular acupuncture using the NADA protocol. The federal goverment, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is currently developing a guide for integrating acupuncture into addiction treatment programs. Homeward Bound, Inc has been integrating auricular and body acupuncture in each of our residential and outpatient programs since 2003.
An individual that wish to practice in the STATE OF TEXAS, must hold one of the following licenses in order to be accepted for training and to practice legally in any setting: RN, LVN, MD, DO, LMSW, LPC, CI, LCDC, L.Ac. If the candidate will use the NADA protocol in other state beside Texas,he/she will have to follow the guidelines from the state licensing boards, where they wish to practice.

The state of Texas requires 70 hours of training with a National Registered NADA trainer. Forty (40) treatments must be done under supervision during the training.

If you are an Acupuncturist Certified by: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, at the end of the full training you will be granted 40 PDA.

We have five residential units with at least 95 patients, and between 30 and 45 patients in our outpatient settings. At the end of the intensive training, you will be able to send your paperwork to NADA and obtain your certificate. After you receive your NADA certificate, you can apply to the TSBME for your license.

Homeward Bound, Inc. will provide the necessary literature and tools in order to practice while you are doing the training.

...I am grateful for what I learned from Dr. Susana Mendez, the patients, and staff during my NADA training at Homeward Bound. The combination of her knowledge, dedication, and - tough love- approach to working with patients in an active in-patient dual diagnosis treatment center exceeded my expectations. It is clear that the NADA protocol works at Homeward Bound. Inc.!!! Evan Shepherd Reiff, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. Santa Cruz, California

...This past December I attended the NADA training at the Homeward Bound facility in Dallas, Texas and I have to say that I am still positively charged up with what I learned and very thankful for having the opportunity to interact with such a diverse population of patients.

I had no idea what to expect upon arrival other than I already knew the simple 5 point protocol from Acupuncture School and was not really sure what more I could learn exactly. Nonetheless, I kept myself open to discover something new, which was a good thing because I gained a ton of experience in just 5 short days. Initially I thought my previous employment in a social services/case work environment as well as my Acupuncture training would have prepared me for what I saw and felt, but I was wrong. This facility challenges you physically and emotionally at a level that is not easily matched.

I am not sure how anyone could go through the program here at Homeward Bound and not be touched and moved to reach out to similar populations upon returning to their hometowns. It is truly humbling.

Moreover, the hands-on guidance and support, kindness, respect and absolute openness and willingness to share that I received from Mr. Douglas Denton [Executive Director] and Dr. Susana Mendez [Assistant Executive Director] is astounding. I felt like I was part of the staff and quite honestly would be honored if I was. Additionally, I would also like to give praise to all of the staff members at Homeward Bound who were also very courteous and professional and went out of their way to make me feel at home. Last but not least, I would like to thank the residents/patients who taught me more lessons about compassion, misfortune and hope than I could imagine.

I will always remember my time at Homeward Bound and hope someday to erect a similar facility in my hometown. I encourage everyone involved in the field of Acupuncture to challenge yourself and spend a week at Homeward Bound, you will not regret it.!!!!!

Training - Auricular Acupuncture – NADA Protocol, 2008

All classes approved by NCCAOM and CALIFORNIA ACUPUNCTURE BOARD.

April 25 & 26, 2008 NADA conference at Dallas

May 12 to 16, 2008

June 9th to 13th , 2008

July 21 to 25, 2008

August 18 to 22, 2008

September 22 to 26, 2008

October 13 to 17, 2008

November 17 to 21, 2008

December 15 to 19, 2008

For more information, Please call Dr. Mendez at (214) 941-3500 x 283.

Recertification requires six hours per year.

NADA Protocol Information

Auricular Acupuncture – NADA Protocol helps people recover from drugs and alcohol dependencies. It is used in clinics through the United States and internationally. Homeward Bound has used this protocol since 1999, in addition to counseling and AA/NA support groups.

Acupuncture can decrease cravings for drugs and alcohol, reduces withdrawal symptoms, relieves tension, and helps people relax. Acupuncture treatments, taken daily for the first 45 days, clear the mind, build energy, and give a sense of well being.

According to Chinese tradition, placing acupuncture needles in the ear affects specific organs (liver, lungs, kidneys) and the nervous system. Western science has confirmed that acupuncture treatments change levels of chemicals in the body, which then act on the nervous system.

History of acupuncture use for drug withdrawal

It all began in the early 1970's when H.L. Wen, MD., a neurosurgeon from South China, was preparing to use electro-acupuncture as surgical analgesia. The patient, who happened to be experiencing withdrawal symptoms from opium at the time, reported his symptoms had disappeared. Wen canceled the surgery and searched in the hospital for other patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms. He performed his pre-operative procedures on them and their symptoms ceased also. Acupuncture for substance dependence/abuse was born. Dr. Michael Smith from the South Bronx utilized the same points and developed the NADA Protocol.