By Nikki Baker
Think back to the first time you learned to ride a bike. You probably remember some feelings you were experiencing – fear, excitement, maybe a little trepidation. What you weren’t aware of is how your brain was responding to this new activity, which requires an incredible amount of mental focus and balance. Gravity is sending feedback to the brain, which causes it to self-regulate its state of balance. The more you ride the bike, the better you get. Your balance improves. Your confidence improves. Just like that, there’s no real thought that goes into it. Your brain is used to this new activity and as the old saying goes, once you ride a bike, you never forget.
The same principles apply in the brain’s response to substance abuse. The most powerful organ in our body, the brain is constantly taking in feedback from our environment. Excessive drug use changes the brain because the unnatural high produces 2-10 times the amount of dopamine. The user is always looking to achieve that new level of high and when they can’t, they spiral into a state of depression.
Utilized for decades to help individuals with mental health disorders like PTSD, ADHD, depression and anxiety, Neurofeedback or EEG Biofeedback Therapy has been gaining ground as an effective method of treatment for substance abuse. JourneyPure is proud to offer Neurofeedback Therapy as a complementary treatment modality. Dr. Tamara Roth, clinical director, has seen the benefits first-hand.
“I have witnessed hundreds of people reach a state of calm they have never felt in their life without drugs or alcohol, she said. “I’ve seen insomniacs get a full night of sleep and have their entire outlook changed. I’ve witnessed people with chronic seizures never experience another one again. I’ve seen chronic migraines go away.”
How does Neurofeedback Works with Addiction?
A session may look a like scene from an old science fiction movie but there’s nothing to fear. Neurofeedback Therapy is conducted using a software that conveys information, sounds and visuals to a patient’s brain by way of sensors attached to the scalp. Using brain maps, the software identifies dysfunctional patterns in the brain and aids in its natural ability to self-regulate. When a patient undergoes addiction treatment, their brain is either in a state of over-arousal or under-arousal based on the drug of choice. The software provides rewards to the brain when it responds in a calm, rational manner. Over time, this helps the patient reduce impulsive and reactive behavior during stressful situations, which for an addict, can signal relapse.
Why Choose Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback Therapy is non-invasive, non-drug-induced and produces no negative side effects. Research indicates an 85 percent success rate for patients in terms of improvements in their ability to focus, regulate behavior, reduce impulsivity, which all help in reducing relapse.
If you are a loved one could benefit from Neurofeedback Therapy for addiction treatment, contact our admissions department today.
Sources:
[1] www.neurofeedbackdefined.com
[2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction
[4] http://www.aboutneurofeedback.com/conditions/addiction/
From the JourneyPure team where we get to explore a wide variety of substance abuse- and mental health-related topics. With years of experience working alongside those suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues, we bring important messages with unparalleled knowledge of addiction, mental health problems, and the issues they cause.