If you’re looking for addiction treatment alternatives, you may have heard about TMS therapy. A non-invasive procedure, TMS therapy utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. It’s been shown to be effective in treating some conditions, including depression and anxiety.
One application of TMS therapy is in treating addiction. While more research is needed, there is some evidence that TMS may help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. If you’re interested in trying TMS therapy for addiction recovery, keep reading. Learn more about TMS therapy, how it works and what to expect.
What is TMS Therapy?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It’s a form of brain stimulation treatment that utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells. TMS therapy or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is usually given as short treatment sessions over the course of several weeks. A patient will usually have to go five days a week for TMS Therapy.
TMS therapy involves a magnetic coil that the therapist will place against your head. The coil creates a magnetic field that passes through your skull and stimulates the brain’s nerve cells. This stimulation can change the activity of the neurons and improve symptoms of conditions such as depression.
TMS is a relatively new treatment, so there is still more research needed to determine how effective it is. However, TMS has been shown to be a safe treatment for depression.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
The main concept of TMS therapy is activating the inactive portion of the brain which caused that specific mental disorder. This therapy uses weak electromagnetic impulses to stimulate inactive sections to manage major depression, psychiatric disorders, and other mental health diseases.
The electromagnetic coil is the device generating the impulse. The frequency and strength of the wave depend on the client’s physical condition and threshold. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS therapy does not require sedating the patient. It is not painful so the person can readily go back to work or home after the session.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of TMS, you need to be transparent with the assigned doctor or physician. Here are some important conditions you must disclose to your doctor:
- Pregnancy
- Presence of any existing mental health diseases
- Medical history of seizures or epilepsy
- Pre-existing medical condition
- Any medicine one is taking right now
- Electronic devices implanted inside the patient
How Does TMS Therapy Work for Addiction Recovery?
Currently, TMS therapy is included in comprehensive rehab programs to cure withdrawal symptoms, specifically, depression. Repeated TMS (rTMS) has shown strong positive results for enhancing brain function and controlling emotion.
Aside from managing depression and restoring brain function, TMS therapy has also shown great results in inhibiting cravings. A study was conducted among patients addicted to cocaine and the effectiveness of rTMS therapy. Out of the sixteen patients, eleven of them were able to recover from withdrawal symptoms for one month.
Three of the sixteen patients under study were able to recover in a month after receiving the standard comprehensive therapy. Overall, rTMS therapy demonstrated huge potential for achieving long-term sobriety, but more studies must be conducted to show its efficacy.
Challenges of TMS Therapy
TMS therapy works on the principle that the brain controls the emotion, behavior, and cognition of an individual. Likewise, any co-occurring mental disorder like depression symptoms can be treated by stimulating the inactive section of the brain.
Despite the many positive research and findings from TMS, still, it requires more application and testing. This is to provide better results for its long-term impact on treating addiction and its withdrawal symptoms.
Based on previous medical results, here are some of the common side effects of TMS Therapy:
- Minor headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Slight twitch on the area where the stimulation was done
- Drowsiness
With proper precaution, you can efficiently reduce the intensity of these common side effects. Some of the more serious side effects which can occur if no safety measures are put in place before treatment include.
- Partial or permanent loss of hearing
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Intensified bipolar disorder
Can I Recover from Substance Abuse with TMS Therapy Alone?
While TMS Therapy as a treatment option could help manage withdrawal symptoms, it should not be used as the sole treatment for addiction recovery. It should be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes detox, behavioral therapy, and aftercare planning.
An effective addiction treatment program should take on a holistic approach to help patients not only physically but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This will provide a better foundation for long-term sobriety and prevent any possible relapse in the future.
It’s important to focus on proven methods that have a higher chance of success. TMS Therapy is a new promising tool in addiction recovery, but more research is needed to determine its long-term efficacy. It can be a helpful add-on to your current treatment program, but should not be used as the only method of overcoming addiction.
In the meantime, we recommend that you consult with an addiction treatment specialist to see if TMS Therapy is right for you.
Is TMS Therapy Right for You?
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, seek help from an addiction specialist today. Contact us to see if TMS Therapy is the right treatment for you. We can help you find a comprehensive treatment program that meets your needs and helps you achieve long-term sobriety.
As one of the best drug rehabs in Southern California, we offer world-class and evidence-based treatments and services. We also have a team of highly trained and experienced addiction specialists who can help you every step of the way.
Our goal is to provide you with the necessary tools and resources to help you overcome addiction. You deserve to live and lead a sober, fulfilling life. Call us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you achieve sobriety.
