Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Early Phase 1 Interventional Ages 12 to 99

Using Emotional Freedom Techniques to help smokers quit

Official title: The Effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in Smokers Failing a Smoking Cessation Program

Run by Soul Medicine Institute · NCT00981396 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if Emotional Freedom Techniques can help smokers with anxiety and cravings quit smoking better when combined with therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorSoul Medicine Institute
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ormskirk, Lancashire)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 20, 2009
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedApril 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT00981396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are smokers experiencing high anxiety, intense cravings, and low confidence in their ability to quit.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not experience anxiety or cravings related to quitting smoking may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in improving quit rates among smokers who struggle with traditional smoking cessation programs. It targets individuals with high anxiety, cravings, and low confidence in their ability to quit smoking. Participants will receive EFT alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address their unique challenges in quitting. The study is conducted at the NHS Central Lancashire Trust, which has a strong track record in smoking cessation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve quit rates for smokers who have previously struggled to quit.

How similar studies have gone: While EFT is a relatively novel approach in smoking cessation, similar psychological interventions have shown promise in improving quit rates.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* High anxiety related to the quit attempt
* Cravings which sabotage the quit attempt
* Low confidence at their ability to quit and remain quit

Exclusion Criteria:

* None, all NHS clients are eligible

Where it's running

  • NHS Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust
    Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.