The Truth About A Substance Use Disorder

Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Addiction

Substance use disorders are chronic brain diseases that are more about the neurology of a person’s brain than the physical manifestations of poor choices and behavioral problems. These chronic medical diseases involve complex interactions among brain circuits, the environment, and genetics.

Addiction affects the brain’s reward, memory, motivation, and related circuitry to the degree that a person’s motivations are altered and harmful behaviors replace positive, healthy, and self-nurturing behaviors. As a result, an individual may pathologically pursue reward or relief through chemical substances or other compulsive actions, in spite of negative consequences.

Substance Use Disorders Range in Severity & Symptoms

All addictions affect the brain’s structure and functioning. The degree of impact on the brain varies as a result of numerous factors such as the harmfulness of the substance or behavior, frequency of usage, and magnitude of current dependency. Social and/or professional ramifications are also common.

What about Underlying Issues?

Many people who develop substance use disorders are often diagnosed with mental disorders, such as anxiety, and vice versa. People with substance use disorders usually begin using or continue using a substance because of the presence of underlying or co-occurring symptoms. Mental disorders, such as depression, can lead to substance abuse because many people use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. Continued use of substances also worsens the symptoms of these mental health conditions. This makes it hard to remain abstinent.

How Neurofeedback Can Help

Mental illnesses and compulsive/addictive behaviors share a common cause in the brain and can therefore be improved simultaneously through neurofeedback. As the brain becomes more balanced, the symptoms of psychological issues steadily diminish, as well as one’s desire to rely on their addictions for relief. According to studies, abstinence rates can be significantly improved after a neurofeedback training program is complete. This makes neurofeedback a modality that enhances and compliments the effectiveness of recovery programs for these disorders.

Break the Shackles of Addiction

Too many people try to overcome addictions simply by not continuing the harmful behavior.

This rarely works because, even when someone can “white knuckle” it, the brain remains unchanged. Neurofeedback addresses psychological and neurophysiological irregularities to help the brain become truly healthy, thus breaking addictive patterns and behaviors.

Our team will work with you or someone you love to develop a personalized plan that supports ending the cycle of addiction.