TMS For Drug Addiction

What Is TMS for Addiction?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic fields to stimulate and influence brain activity, which is where addition pathways exist. It’s a non-invasive procedure that creates magnetic fields that induce electrical currents in the targeted area of the brain.

This stimulation causes an inhibition or excitement of brain activity, which then influences changes in behavior.

TMS for drug addiction works in several ways for an effective outcome, including targeting areas such as:

• Prefrontal cortex that plays a role in decision making and is the place where properly placed magnetic currents inhibit impulsive behavior
• Cingulate cortex area to reduce emotional reactivity and lowers cravings
• Insula to improve emotional regulation and self-awareness
• Nucleus accumbens with deep TMS targeting to influence the brain’s reward system

Neuro Injury Specialists in New York and New Jersey offer advanced treatments for various disorders, including drug addiction. This team of brain specialists and neurosurgeons has a deep understanding of how drug addiction affects the brain. Their advanced treatments include transcranial magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t rely on drugs. TMS for addiction offers great promise in overcoming addiction and beginning the road to long-term recovery.

How Safe Is TMS for Drug Addiction?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a safe and approved non-pharmacological treatment for drug addiction. You might feel some scalp discomfort and a mild headache but these resolve on their own in a short time. TMS has a good safety profile with unique advantages in treating addiction.

It has also been shown to be effective for treating other disorders including:

• Insomnia
• Neuralgia
• Neuropathy>
• Migraine headaches
• Traumatic brain injury

MS is non-invasive, eliminating the trauma associated with incisions and penetrations. It also means there are no risks of infection.

Other advantages include:

• No risks of further drug dependency
• No risks of drug overdose
• Possibility to combine with other treatments for better outcomes
• No need for post-operative recovery period

Why Is Addiction Difficult to Overcome?

Addiction distorts the brain’s reward system, which is designed to release neurotransmitters when you experience pleasurable activities. Drug addiction skews this reward mechanism by reinforcing behavior that compels you to continue seeking pleasure from drugs and other substances. It becomes a disorder when this compulsion causes damage to mental and physical health and disrupts usual daily life patterns.

An estimated 90 percent of people who try to overcome addiction without help relapse, which underscores the importance of seeking successful medical intervention.

Effective treatment also avoids the risks of drug addiction in the long term, which leads to additional risks, including:

• Elevated risks of overdosing and death
• High risks of developing mental health issues including depression and anxiety disorder
• Strained social and professional relationships
• Lowered cognitive function and memory
• Higher exposure to infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV

What Defines Addiction?

Addiction can be defined as a complex brain disorder, which compels a person to use and seek substances despite their damage. Drug abuse affects millions of people and has long lasting damage on the victims, their families and society at large. This widespread affliction calls for innovative solutions including non-drug treatments like TMS that target the way the brain works.

Anyone can develop drug addiction, but some demographics are more vulnerable to this disorder. Young adults and people with mental health problems are more susceptible to this disorder because certain risk factors are elevated. Young adults struggling with identity fall under the influence of risks such as peer pressure, financial hardships and identity crisis.

Other factors that raise the vulnerability to drug addiction include:

• Mental health problems
• Neurological imbalances
• Genetics
• Environmental factors

What Happens during My TMS for Addiction Treatment?

TMS for addiction begins with an initial consultation during which your NYC doctor assesses the complexity of the case. They also assess your suitability for the treatment, which involves a comprehensive review of your medical history and a physical examination.

The treatment is done in sessions, the frequency of which depends on the treatment goals. Each session lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

The session goes through:

• Mapping. Your Neuro Injury Specialists doctor identifies the areas of the brain to target.
• Preparation. You sit in a chair, with headphones on if you choose, and the doctor attaches the TMS coil to your scalp.
• Stimulation. Your doctor delivers magnetic pulses. You may feel a tapping sensation and a twitch in different limbs.

Who Can Benefit from TMS for Drug Addiction?

Anyone living with drug addiction disorder can undergo TMS except people with magnetic metallic implants in the head. It’s also not advised for people with a history of seizures. TMS becomes a valuable treatment option especially when used alongside other approaches such as behavioral therapy and support groups.

You can opt for TMS if you’ve had limited success with other treatment options.

Other instances when TMS is useful include:

• When there are other mental health problems such as anxiety disorder and depression
• After a relapse
• When you need a non-drug treatment because of challenges in following the regimen

Neuro Injury Specialists have helped thousands of people fight drug addiction with interventions, including TMS. They have the personalized treatment plan you need to overcome addiction and recover. Don’t let drug addiction dictate your life. Contact Neuro Injury Specialists and start a journey towards freedom.