It is no secret that the roots of drug addiction and alcoholism lie deep inside one’s psyche, but with the use of neurofeedback therapy, the inner workings of one’s physical body may assist in treatment. Neurofeedback measures brain waves to produce a signal, which, in turn, can be used to provide feedback to teach people ways to regulate their behavior. In simpler terms, it is a type of brain training. Neurofeedback measures blood flow in the brain, and it provide different signals for desired behavior and negative behavior.
Possibilities for relapse prevention
Substance abusers often suffer through a revolving door of treatment. Despite spending days, weeks, or even months learning tools of recovery, they somehow cannot or will not continue their sobriety indefinitely. Researchers and health professionals therefore continue to seek new ways to help stop the addiction cycle. Enter neurofeedback therapy, which can address the physiological side of addiction. Because addiction affects the brain and its functions, neurofeedback can be an additional recovery tool. By tracking brain waves, a person can learn to regulate moods and emotions, lower stress and improve sleep. This therapy also helps in recovery by improving one’s ability to focus and to reduce impulsive behavior.
Various factors in addiction
Addiction is a complicated problem, and successful recovery will address all parts of it, including genetics, brain imbalances, emotional issues, social influences and stress. Neurofeedback therapy addresses the brain functions. It can provide an additional support along with other therapies and counseling. Typically people with addictions suffer from significant “brain clutter.” Thoughts race through their heads, often causing anxiety and sleeplessness, which no longer can be tempered with alcohol or drugs. By studying brainwave patterns in neurofeedback therapy, people can learn to achieve balanced thinking. The process also improves commitment to ongoing recovery because its effects tend to be long lasting. Neurofeedback therapy strengthens recovery by providing an additional coping device.