So, can neurofeedback help treat addiction? The answer is a positive ‘maybe’. Research continues on neurofeedback’s ability to treat drug and alcohol addiction, but the results that have been found look promising. It has continued to gain the attention of both the scientific and medical communities.
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that allows people to see what’s going on inside their brains in real-time. It does this by showing people how their brain waves are changing. This information can help people learn how to control their brain waves and, as a result, their thoughts and emotions.
What Have Past results Shown?
Past studies show that neurofeedback may be a helpful treatment for alcohol addiction. Alcohol-dependent participants who received neurofeedback therapy had significantly lower levels of cravings and anxiety, and higher levels of self-control, than those who didn’t receive neurofeedback therapy.
Neurofeedback may help to reduce drug cravings in people with addictions to drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
What Are The Benefits of Treatment?
When a patient undergoes neurofeedback treatment for addiction, they can expect to experience several benefits, including:
– A decrease in cravings for drugs or alcohol
– A reduction in drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms
– An improvement in impulse control
– A reduction in anxiety, stress, and depression
Why Is Neurofeedback Good For Addiction?
Neurofeedback works by teaching patients how to control their brainwaves through real-time feedback. This brain training helps them to manage both cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increasing their ability to achieve and maintain sobriety.
In addition, neurofeedback is a drug-free treatment option. The lack of use of drugs in treatment is a major factor in successful recovery for many people, especially addicts who have been abusing the same substance for a long time.
For example, some patients may find it difficult to stay focused enough to reap the maximum benefits of neurofeedback therapy. But with the use of neurofeedback, patients can take control of their thoughts and focus on recovery.
What Are The Drawbacks?
Most people don’t have side effects, but some may experience headaches and/or sleep problems. In rare cases, there may be anxiety or depression. The cost of neurofeedback may also be prohibitive. Neurofeedback therapy can be expensive, running $100-$200 per session or more.
Additionally, while neurofeedback is generally regarded as an effective treatment option for addiction, there are not enough studies on the subject to say with absolute certainty that the treatment is effective.
Who Is It For?
Due to these restrictions, it’s not yet clear who neurofeedback is best suited to treat, although research indicates that it may be most beneficial for those with chronic addictions. You don’t only have to use this treatment for addiction. Neurofeedback therapy can also help with conditions such as ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, and migraines.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to determine the full efficacy of neurofeedback for addiction treatment, the early results are promising. This drug-free, non-invasive treatment option may help to reduce cravings and improve impulse control in people with addictions to drugs or alcohol.
If you or someone you love needs help battling addiction, consider The Process Recovery Center. Neurofeedback and other holistic options are available at our treatment center to get you on the safe road to recovery.