About Addiction
Addiction is a chronic medical condition considered a chronic brain disorder that can impact one’s health, well-being, and overall quality of life. It can have negative impacts on relationships as well as one’s physical and mental health. Addiction itself does not discriminate when it comes to age, gender, or social status. It can affect people of all backgrounds and walks of life.
People addicted to drugs or alcohol will continue to engage in addictive behaviors regardless of the consequences. Essentially, they lose all self-control and are unable to stop drinking or using substances. To give you an idea of how widespread addiction is, here are some alcohol and substance use statistics provided by the NCDAS:
- 50% of people aged 12 and older have used drugs at least once in their lifetime.
- Over 37 million people aged 12 and older currently use illegal substances.
- Almost 139 million people aged 12 and over drink alcohol.
- Over 28 million people aged 12 and over are addicted to alcohol.
- Almost 25% of people with drug addictions are addicted to opioids.
- 70% of those who try alcohol and drugs before the age of 13 will develop an alcohol or substance use disorder.
- 39% of 18 to 25-year-olds use drugs.
- 34% of 26 to 29-year-olds use drugs.
What Is TMS?
How Can TMS Help Addiction?
TMS helps treat addiction through ongoing treatments and continued targeting of the brain areas related to addiction, mood regulation, and carvings. By applying magnetic waves to these areas, TMS helps modulate neural activity and promotes restoring the balance of neurotransmitters depleted by addiction. TMS also helps addiction in the following ways:
Reduces cravings: TMS helps disrupt the neural connections associated with cravings, reducing the urge to want to drink or use drugs.
Improves mood: TMS increases levels of serotonin and other mood-regulating neurotransmitters that help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders some people experience with addiction and during withdrawal processes.
Improves cognitive functions: TMS helps improve concentration, focus, decision-making, and other cognitive functions.
Reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms: TMS can help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms experienced during detox.
What Addictions Can TMS Help With?
TMS can help with all types of alcohol and substance use disorders, including:
Additionally, TMS is beneficial when treating co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders.
Side Effects of TMS
Before starting TMS, it is important to understand there can be some side effects of this treatment. While rare and usually mild, some of the common side effects may include:
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness following treatment
- Tingling sensations at the treatment site
- Muscle spasms or twitching
- Minor discomfort at the treatment site
When someone experiences these symptoms, they normally subside within a few hours of treatment. In extremely rare cases, some people may experience seizures.
How Effective Is TMS for Addiction?
TMS for addiction can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan for some individuals. It is essential to remember that each person is unique, and so, too, is their addiction and treatment needs. While TMS may work for some people, it may not work for other people.
This is why Iris Healing offers a wide range of evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities. For those that it works, TMS has been effective in reducing cravings, alleviating withdrawal symptoms, improving mood, and helping people reduce their risk of relapse.
What to Expect in a TMS Session
At Iris Healing, you can expect the following during a TMS session:
- Medical evaluation: Before you can receive TMS, you need a physical and psychiatric evaluation to ensure you are a good candidate. If you are, then your initial session will be scheduled.
- Session prep: Some preparations are needed at your session, such as having you sit or lie in a comfortable position, connecting the TMS device, and aligning it to the area being treated.
- Treatment: The actual TMS treatment will range between 20 and 40 minutes. It is normal to experience mild sensations in the area being treated. These normally quickly subside once treatment is over.
- Post-treatment: After treatment, it is normal to remain still for about five minutes. You can then resume your daily routines and activities.
Throughout TMS treatment, you will be monitored to determine the frequency and number of TMS sessions you need.
Start TMS for Addiction in Los Angeles Today
It is easy to find TMS for addiction in Los Angeles at Iris Healing. Our caring and compassionate team provides comprehensive addiction treatment services that include TMS. Let us help you take the first steps to recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. Contact us today to discover the path to a substance-free future.
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Iris Healing® strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us: (844)663-4747
