Sometimes addiction treatment may seem like it’s traditional and boring. When looking for rehabilitation treatment, it’s not surprising to see the same old kinds of treatments amongst all of the facilities.

According to the National Institute of Health, neurofeedback is a sort of biofeedback. Biofeedback teaches self-control of brain functions. It does this by measuring the brain waves and providing a feedback signal. Neurofeedback can provide audio and video feedback, and is a concept that assists people to control their brain waves consciously. There are seven different types of neurofeedback for treatment: (1)  frequency/power neurofeedback, (2) slow cortical potential neurofeedback, (3) low energy neurofeedback system, (4) hemoencephalography neurofeedback, (5) live z-score neurofeedback, (6) low-resolution electromagnetic tomography, and (7) functional magnetic resonance imaging.

How Is Neurofeedback Used in Addiction Treatment?

Below is a breakdown of what the seven types of neurofeedback are: 

• Frequency/Power Neurofeedback (surface neurofeedback) – This is the most frequently used neurofeedback and usually includes the use of 2 to 4 surface electrodes. This neurofeedback is used to change the amplitude or speed that specific brain waves  move within particular parts of the brain. Aside from assisting with addiction, this is used to treat ADHD, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Slow Cortical Potential Neurofeedback (SCP-NF) –  This improves the direction of slow cortical potentials. It is used to treat ADHD, epilepsy, and migraines.
• Low-Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) – This type of neurofeedback delivers a low energy magnetic signal to change the brain waves within a patient while they remain motionless with their eyes closed. This has been known to treat traumatic brain injury, ADHD, insomnia, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, restless legs syndrome, and anger.
• Hemoencephalography Neurofeedback – This provides feedback on cerebral blood throw. This is used to treat migraines.
• Live Z-Score Neurofeedback –  This introduces the continuous comparison of variables within brain electrical activity. This comparison is then put into a systematic database to provide continuous feedback. This neurofeedback is used to treat insomnia.
• Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography –  This neurofeedback involves the use of 19 electrodes. These electrodes are used to monitor phase, power, and coherence. This is used to treat addictions, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging –  This is the most recent type of neurofeedback. It is used to regulate brain activity based on the activity feedback from within the deep subcortical areas of the brain. 

When it comes to using neurofeedback in addiction treatment, studies have shown that repeated sessions were linked to long term abstinence from drug and alcohol use. During treatment, the addict was taught to use success imagery during the sessions. For example, they were told to imagine themselves being sober, refusing offers of alcohol, living confidently, and happy, etc. 

When neurofeedback is paired with other types of therapies, it may be useful in enhancing certain outcomes of therapy. So although neurofeedback is not a cure for addiction, it can certainly help with treating it. 

Here at Neurohealth Associates we specialize in Neurofeedback treatments. Neurofeedback may be helpful if you are looking for assistance with substance abuse treatment. The easy, noninvasive treatment can painlessly improve your mental health condition and outlook on life.

Schedule a consultation with NeuroHealth today and find out how we can help you.