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According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is defined as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.” Generally, people struggling with addiction use substances and engage in risky behaviors despite harmful consequences in various aspects of their lives.1
ASAM provides this helpful alphabetical tool that characterizes the traits of addiction.
This alphabetic tool is useful for those using substances and loved ones learning about addiction.2
Signs and symptoms of addiction include changes in behaviors, emotions, relationships, interactions, and cognitions. Here are a few signs to look for when considering whether addiction treatment is needed: 3
It is critical to understand that although patients may initially choose to use substances, addiction is a chronic disease that occurs even when a person no longer wishes to use or feels pleasure from substance use. Clinical intervention is vital for disrupting active substance use and preventing relapse.2
There are many different types of addictions or substance use disorders (SUDs), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Here are the SUD classifications, as outlined by DSM-5:
These classifications lay out the various types of addiction according to the DSM-5.3
Professionally licensed clinicians diagnose substance use disorders. Clinicians utilize psycho-social assessments and ASAM to evaluate whether a patient meets the criteria for one or more substance disorders. The six dimensions considered during a substance use disorder assessment are:4
If individuals want to determine whether they have a substance use disorder, the first step is to schedule a comprehensive assessment with a licensed substance use disorder professional.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, abbreviated to TMS, is a neurostimulation therapy that treats various behavioral health diagnoses (OCD, depression, addiction, etc.).7 Read on to explore TMS therapy and how TMS is useful for addiction treatment.
EEG Evaluation
Electroencephalography, or an EEG evaluation, uses electrodes to detect neurological electrical activity. Recent studies have discovered exciting advantages to using transcranial magnetic stimulation and EEG diagnostic testing together. This concurrent TMS therapy approach gives providers vital information about the individual patient’s brain activity and patterns.8
Magnetic Pulses
When a patient receives TMS treatment, a trained technician will place an electromagnetic coil onto their forehead. TMS therapy sends quick magnetic pulses through the skull, targeting strategic sites within the brain. Magnetic pulses are incredibly tiny electrical currents that stimulate nerve cells in the patient’s brain. When receiving TMS treatment for addiction, patients report feeling similar sensations to an MRI or tapping feeling.9
rTMS
rTMS stands for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. When discussing TMS therapy with a provider, patients will commonly hear the abbreviations rTMS and TMS. Both of these terms are interchangeable and describe TMS therapy. Researchers have studied TMS for addiction and mental health conditions, including depression or OCD.9
To prepare for TMS, patients will need to complete both a physical exam and a psychiatric evaluation. A patient’s TMS provider will provide detailed instructions for completing these crucial tasks.
Physical Exam
A physical exam is a necessity before a patient can receive TMS for addiction. A medical provider completes a comprehensive evaluation that may include lab testing. Patients must be transparent with their health care provider about pre-existing medical conditions, substance use, and medications.
Psychiatric Evaluation
The second step when determining eligibility to receive TMS for addiction is a psychiatric evaluation. A licensed mental health practitioner will evaluate the patient to ensure TMS for addiction is clinically appropriate and safe.
Professionally trained technicians specializing in brain stimulation therapy administer TMS treatment to patients. During each appointment, the technician will be present the entire time to administer TMS, monitor the patient, and answer any questions that come up throughout treatment.
Those suffering from psychosis or suicidal ideation should not receive TMS therapy. Additionally, patients with pacemakers or other metal medical implants may not be eligible to receive TMS for addiction. A trained physician makes the final determination on this during the physical exam.
TMS treatment uses advanced magnetic stimulation technology. This innovative therapeutic tool can improve physiological processing within the patient’s brain. Physiological improvements can minimize addiction cravings and other mental health symptoms associated with substance use, such as depression.
As previously mentioned, multiple clinical trials have published positive results after using TMS to treat addiction. For example, in three out of four outpatient treatment centers for nicotine use disorder, patient’s cravings and frequency of use decreased.
Additionally, two outpatient clinical trials were conducted around cocaine use. Patients in both clinical trials reported fewer cravings, and in one trial, patients demonstrated less substance use. Lastly, a controlled clinical trial was conducted in an inpatient setting for alcohol use disorder. The study reported lower cravings for individuals that had received TMS for addiction.
TMS therapy is an entirely non-invasive approach to treating behavioral health disorders. The patient can be alert, awake, and oriented during the entire outpatient visit. Patients do not have to undergo anesthesia and also have the opportunity to stop at any time during TMS treatment.
Most TMS patients do not experience any adverse side effects after completing their treatment appointments. However, in rare cases, patients have reported mild muscle contractions, tingly sensations, headaches, and light-headedness.
If the patient has a history of seizures or epilepsy, the technician should be made aware of this before administering TMS. As with any medical procedure or treatment, transparency with the health care provider is vital.
We are happy to answer any questions you have. Your call is confidential with no obligation.
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
We offer a free and confidential verification of benefits with no commitment required. For our in-network insurance partners, Iris Healing® accepts PPO, EPO, and HMO plans. For out-of-network insurance, we accept most PPO policies. We are happy to answer any questions you have related to insurance coverage for mental health and addiction treatment
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