Transcranial Mental Stimulation for Addiction

Transcranial Mental Stimulation 

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction is a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, known as TMS for short.

This method is a non-invasive procedure that has shown positive results in treating depression, addiction, and other mental illnesses.

Typically used as a repetitive treatment the procedure occurs where an electromagnet is placed against your head, and small bursts of magnetics forces are released.

It is thought that this affects the parts of the brain that are responsible for mood control and addiction cravings.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction has shown a lot of promise, but often TMS has only been used to treat depression or anxiety.

Despite this, there needs to be more research and studies completed on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction as it is extremely helpful.

What Is Transcranial Mental Stimulation for Addiction or TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction works by targeting the specific part of the brain responsible for mood control and depression.

Because of this, when used for addiction therapy, it is able to target those sections as well.

Basically, most of the time when you suffer from addiction it means part of your brain is not as active or is too active.

The stimulation for the electromagnetic coil activates the part of the brain that needs to perform.

Modifications

There are some modifications in how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction treatment is done.

Typically the strength and frequency of the pulses should be determined based on your motor control.

Your doctor will determine these based on the twitches that occur when performing this therapy.

Who Should Not Participate in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Addiction?

Because Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction treatment is noninvasive and done without sedation, you will be able to drive yourself home, after, and will be able to go about your day normally. The only time you need to worry about whether or not Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction should not be performed is if your doctor tells you this. Be sure to tell your doctor if the following applies to you:

• You have an implant
• You are pregnant
• You are taking medications
• You have a history of seizures or epilepsy
• You suffer from a mental health disorder
• You have a pre-existing medical condition

How to Use Transcranial Mental Stimulation for Addiction

Treatment specialists have started using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction more recently. Because of this, it often begins as a method to help you if you are suffering from depression as a symptom of withdrawal. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for addiction can help to stimulate your brain, and also help you regulate your mood.

Transcranial mental stimulation for addiction is also good at aiding with cravings. In a double-blind study, 11 out of 16 people who received Transcranial mental stimulation for addiction therapy for a cocaine addiction no longer felt addiction symptoms after one month of transcranial mental stimulation for addiction treatment.

These studies are promising, but it is still not the answer to every addicted person’s struggles. Despite this, there is a lot of testing to be done, and every plan should include other therapies as well as medication-assisted treatment if necessary.

Side Effects of Transcranial Mental Stimulation for Addiction

Because transcranial mental stimulation for addiction is a new method, there have been minimal studies on long-term effects. This is a bit dangerous, but because it is non-invasive it minimizes the risk.

It is difficult to understand how transcranial mental stimulation for addiction works because there are no drugs involved, it is simply exterior stimulation. Despite this, Transcranial mental stimulation for addiction has its side effects. Although minimal, they still exist. Common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Discomfort
• Tingling, spasms, or twitching of muscles
• Lightheadedness
• Seizures
• Mania in people suffering from bipolar disorder
• Hearing loss if proper ear protection is not worn

Pros and Cons of Transcranial Mental Stimulation for Addiction

Cons

• You need to visit the hospital every day: Although it can be a bit annoying, transcranial mental stimulation for Addiction does require you to go in very often. Typically it starts at 5 days per week, for at least 6 weeks. Then you will need to do 3 sessions during the 7th week, and 2 sessions on the 8th week. The final week will only require 1 session. You can miss a few days, but it is important to maintain consistency.
• Insurance may not cover it: Although this does not totally pertain to TMS, it does mean that it is something you will need to figure out. Your insurance company is different than that of any other and may have odd requirements. One common requirement is that you must have tried two antidepressants in the past, but some require you must have tried at least four! Therapy should always be involved and is typically a requirement to obtain transcranial mental stimulation for Addiction therapy.
• Discomfort: Unfortunately transcranial mental stimulation for Addiction is not the most comfortable treatment. Despite this, some people do actually fall asleep during the treatment. Most people describe the treatment as “uncomfortable but tolerable.” The device only emits magnetic pulses, but it might feel like someone is knocking against your scalp. You may also feel jaw or eyebrow movements

Pros

• High success rate: One of the best parts of transcranial mental stimulation for Addiction is that it is proven to work. Also, the rates for treatment alone are not as successful as one might think. Because of this, transcranial mental stimulation for Addiction is incredibly helpful to try as a new approach. TMS has a success rate of 68%, compared to 37.5% for depression medication. Additionally, treatment alone has only a 50% success rate.
• Long term results: Transcranial mental stimulation for addiction is different than other medicine-based treatment. This is because the results of the treatment are known to last long after the treatment is finished. The difference between medication treatment is that is must be continued forever in order for it to continue to be successful. Transcranial mental stimulation for Addiction shows success for at least 12 months after treatment for 90% of people.
• Non-invasive: Because transcranial mental stimulation for addiction is non-invasive it is completely safe compared to other forms of treatment for addiction or depression. When treating depression specifically, medication is often used. This means that you run the risk of becoming addicted to another substance. Also, often as an addict, you cannot risk putting another drug into your system. Transcranial mental stimulation for addiction is essentially side-effect free.

Treatment Options

Seeking recovery from addiction is a difficult process. It is also often a harder process than you might think. There is no one specific treatment that proves to work for everyone because everyone is different. Transcranial mental stimulation for addiction is helpful to try because even if you have suffered a relapse, it gives you new hope.

If you or someone you love has suffered a relapse after treatment, or are simply looking to seek treatment in general, transcranial mental stimulation for addiction might be the best option for you.

Ready to Learn More?

If you believe TMS is something that might work for you, contact us at Resurgence Behavioral Health.

We can offer you a dedicated treatment plan along with free insurance verification for treatment.

Contact us today to see how we can help you.