Addiction takes a physical toll on the body, especially the brain. The brain’s normal activity can be negatively altered when substance abuse is left untreated. Neurofeedback therapy works to identify these abnormalities and reform them back to a healthy brain pattern. Discover the process of neurofeedback therapy and how it is a safe treatment for those struggling with their mental health and addiction.
What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?
By the name alone, neurofeedback therapy may seem like an intimidating or complicated treatment. Yet, the process is relatively simple. Neurofeedback therapy strives to alter how a patient’s brain reacts to particular stimuli. The device will digitally represent a patient’s brain activity through the use of electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes attached to the head.
The trained therapist will assess the patient’s brain activity and see whether mental health or addiction causes abnormal patterns. By showing how their brains respond to different triggers, neurofeedback treatment aids in teaching patients how to manage their brain activity and creating a unique treatment plan with their therapist.
Patients gradually develop the ability to identify certain brain states. The goal of this treatment is for patients to increase positive emotions, like calmness, or avoid negative feelings and symptoms, such as anxiety, anger, or cravings. The program employs audio or visual cues to assist patients in recognizing and changing their cognitive habits.
Clients may learn to control and enhance their brain function through this method, which will ideally ease symptoms of mental health conditions and other health concerns.
What Does Neurofeedback Therapy Treat?
As a safe and non-invasive treatment, neurofeedback therapy is an excellent option for various conditions. While neurofeedback therapy is often used for patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is also beneficial for other mental health disorders, including:
- Addiction or substance use disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia
- Migraines and headaches
Our brains are naturally malleable and able to restructure themselves; this treatment is considered a safe and attainable option for those needing to retrain their mind due to addiction or poor mental health. However, it is understood that neurofeedback therapy is most effective when paired with other forms of therapy rather than a single treatment alone.
Neurofeedback Therapy for Addiction
NeuroImage: Clinical has demonstrated that neurofeedback therapy can aid in lessening substance abuse-related cravings in the brain. This research explicitly details the benefits of this treatment for nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine addictions. Substance abuse can affect the mind’s reward system, which releases dopamine during stimuli such as eating when hungry.
As the addiction continues, the mind’s reward system and subsequent dopamine levels will lessen, which causes the cycle of addictive behavior. When undergoing neurofeedback therapy, patients can examine their brain activity and see how they can regulate any affected reactions.
In a study conducted by European Addiction Research, 52 alcohol-dependent participants who had recently finished a detoxification program were randomly split into two treatment groups: one with neurofeedback therapy added to regular rehab care and the other with standard care alone. Those who underwent neurofeedback therapy were taught to decrease cravings in the presence of alcohol cues and increase frontal activity in response to stimuli of positive goals.
At the study’s completion, it was concluded that the majority of patients who participated in neurofeedback therapy adjusted their brain pattern in the intended directions, with lower activity in reaction to alcohol cues and more activation in response to positive ideals and goals.
Addiction Treatment at Avalon Malibu
Neurofeedback treatment is a secure and efficient method we utilize at Avalon Malibu to assist patients in overcoming addiction and other issues. Our skilled therapists collaborate closely with each person to create a treatment plan that is personalized to their requirements, ensuring the most significant results from this cutting-edge therapeutic approach.
At the root of addiction are emotional issues or trauma that need to be healed before recovery can be complete. At Avalon Malibu, we strive to treat not just your addiction but your mind and body. With our holistic approach and therapeutic treatments, patients can overcome ingrained negative behaviors and thrive in their journey through sobriety.
Whether you decide to join our detox, residential treatment, or intensive outpatient program, you will have access to our stunning Malibu facility and various therapeutic programs. Overcoming addiction is no easy task. That’s why it’s best to coincide your rehabilitation with multiple treatments such as neurofeedback, cognitive behavioral, and art therapy.
For neurofeedback therapy to be as effective as possible, it should be paired with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy. Our neurofeedback therapy treatment here at Avalon Malibu is best suited for those open to the process and willing to work hard to reframe their addictive mindset. Of course, this attitude, in general, is required to reach sobriety successfully.
Neurofeedback therapy may be the right path for those seeking treatment alongside rehabilitation. Substance abuse is a dangerous condition that can damage your health and relationships. If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction in any form, our trained staff of mental health professionals at Avalon Malibu can help. We aspire to guide our patients through addiction recovery and find which treatment is right for them. At Avalon Malibu, we know that holistic treatment controls symptoms and provides recovery for underlying causes of addiction and mental health disorders. Call our compassionate staff at (844) 857-5992 to learn more about the services we provide and if they could be the right choice for you.
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