Substance abuse treatment can be done in different settings, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. However, many people still wonder how TMS therapy works for addiction treatment.
The therapy is primarily designed to treat depression. Over the years, addiction treatment specialists began using it for substance use disorders (SUDs), especially alcohol use disorder (AUD) and cocaine use disorder (CUD). The benefits of TMS therapy may also include preventing recovering individuals from returning to substance abuse. Contact BoardPrep Recovery Center® at 866.796.4720 to learn more about our TMS therapy program in Florida.
What Is TMS Therapy?
A fruitful discussion on how TMS therapy works should begin with details of what TMS therapy is. It is a painless, noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic energy to stimulate specific nerve cells in the brain. The treatment has shown efficacy in improving depression symptoms during withdrawal and in patients already battling depression as a co-occurring mental disorder.
TMS therapy is performed by placing an electromagnetic coil near the head. The magnetic energy goes through the skull and into the brain tissue, where it can stimulate the neurons. The specific area of the brain targeted with TMS therapy depends on the condition being treated.
What TMS Therapy Treats
TMS therapy has been used to treat conditions like:
- Migraines
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tourette syndrome (TS)
- Addiction
During TMS therapy, patients are awake and alert. The treatment is usually done over several weeks, and each session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. No anesthesia or sedation is required, and patients can typically drive themselves home after the procedure.
TMS Therapy Side Effects
Side effects of TMS therapy are generally mild and temporary. The most common side effects include:
- Headache
- Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
- Lightheadedness
- Tingling or spasms in the face
TMS therapy can be used to treat addiction at its source. Sources include internal or external cues or substance use triggers that make some relapse after rehab. Triggers include people, places, and negative feelings that provoke cravings for drugs or alcohol.
How Does TMS Therapy Work for Addiction Treatment?
Even with addiction treatment, a person is at risk of relapse. There is a 40% to 60% relapse rate. However, their long-term sobriety chances increase with evidence-based treatments and holistic therapies. Bear these critical factors in mind when exploring how TMS therapy works to treat addiction.
First, the therapy directly targets certain brain functions. It involves using an electromagnetic device placed over the forehead near the scalp. When activated, the device delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain that regulates mood.
Secondly, TMS therapy reduces brain activity that controls how people respond to cravings or cues that drive them to alcohol or drugs. Treatment is highly customized based on the patient’s needs and does not involve sedatives or other drugs. It may work well as an alternative in cases where standard treatments, such as psychotherapy or medication therapy, fall short.
What to Expect from Addiction Treatment at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
TMS is insufficient to end addiction by itself and does not replace standard treatments. Therapy usually begins after the patient completes our medical detox program in FL, which can take the form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Besides TMS, our post-detox treatments include dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders, which can consist of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
You or your loved one can heal and recover in any of our addiction treatment programs based on your unique needs. The programs include:
- Outpatient rehab program
- Day-night rehab program
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
BoardPrep Recovery Center® is located in Tampa, FL, and welcomes men and women, including young adults, who can enroll in the young adults rehab program.
Experience the Benefits of TMS Therapy in Florida at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
BoardPrep Recovery Center® offers customized recovery plans that may include TMS therapy, family therapy, and the 12-step approach. Contact BoardPrep Recovery Center® by calling 866.796.4720 to find out how we can help.
