Substance abuse and addiction are complex problems that can require a plurality of treatments to manage. One such treatment is transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS therapy. Primarily used in the treatment of depression, TMS stimulates nerves in the brain using magnetic impulses. However, using TMS therapy for addiction has also shown very promising results.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and is in need of a TMS therapy program in Florida, contact BoardPrep Recovery. We offer a wide range of mental health and addiction treatment services in the Tampa area, including TMS therapy. Call us at 813.600.7929 or reach out on the web using our convenient and secure contact form.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS is a non-invasive procedure in which an electromagnetic coil is placed against a patient’s forehead or scalp and stimulates the regions of the brain associated with depression with magnetic impulses. When used in addiction treatment, TMS stimulates the areas of the brain that control drug cue reactivity or the physical and psychological reactions to stimuli related to drugs or alcohol. The magnetic impulses delivered to the brain by TMS can reduce a person’s cravings for drugs or alcohol. They can also improve impulse control in a patient, helping manage their addiction more effectively. In this way, TMS treats addiction at the source.
Why Should You Choose TMS Therapy for Addiction?
TMS is used when other therapies or medications have not been effective. Additionally, TMS therapy has a low incidence of side effects, which, when reported, are generally mild, including:
- Discomfort at the treatment site
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Tingling or muscles spasms in the face
These side effects can be mitigated by taking over-the-counter pain medication before treatment. Additionally, the doctor administering the treatment can adjust the intensity of the magnetic pulses, reducing discomfort. You can expect to feel normal after your treatment session, so TMS does not usually require that the client have assistance in attending or leaving from a session. Therefore, you will likely be able to drive both to and from your appointment if you so choose.
TMS as Part of an Addiction Treatment Plan
TMS may be appropriate for those patients for whom other treatment methods have been ineffective. We also recommend this treatment for those who have relapsed before and may need alternative methods for recovery. Because mental health issues often go hand-in-hand with addiction disorders, TMS therapy may also be a component of treatment in a dual diagnosis program. In addition to addiction and depression, TMS may be used to treat conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The co-occurring disorders, meaning mental illness and substance abuse occurring together, may precipitate one another. Drug or alcohol abuse may result in mental health disorders. Alternatively, patients coping with mental health issues may turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-treatment. TMS can therefore be a part of a successful treatment plan for overcoming both addiction and mental illness.
Is TMS Therapy Right for You?
Like any other treatment, TMS is not right for everyone. You may be a candidate for TMS treatment because other methods have not worked well for treating your addiction. However, there are some considerations that you must also make before starting a course of TMS therapy. Advise your doctor if you:
- Are you pregnant, or do you suspect you may be pregnant?
- Do you have any metal or magnetic devices implanted in your brain or body, including but not limited to deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, or a pacemaker?
- Have you suffered any brain injuries?
- Do you have facial tattoos that contain magnetic ink?
- Do you have a history of seizures?
- Have you suffered from bipolar disorder or psychosis?
Explore Treatment in Tampa with BoardPrep Recovery
TMS offers a wide range of benefits, but the best treatment will ultimately be a plan that is best suited to you and your circumstances. BoardPrep Recovery offers extensive evidence-based treatment modalities for addiction and mental health disorders. Don’t suffer alone. Get on the road to recovery today. Call BoardPrep Recovery at 813.600.7929 or reach out via the web at any time.
