Control Alcohol Drinking With Neurofeedback

Can Neurofeedback Help With Alcoholism  ?

Neurofeedback can be a powerful method to help treat alcoholism. In the classic history of Neurofeedback, A Symphony in the Brain: the Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback, the author Jim Robbins says: “Research shows that alcoholics cannot produce the appropriate type of Alpha waves. The frequency that is characteristic of feeling relaxed and comfortable, sometimes referred to as an ‘internal anesthetic.’ Without the right kind of Alpha, a person feels raw and exposed and edgy. Alcohol is a chemical that temporarily creates an artificial flow of good Alpha – though it comes, obviously, with the raft of other problems. People who have gone through Alpha–Theta training say they feel more relaxed and may no longer have the overpowering urge to drink.” One of the first studies about the positive effect of Neurofeedback on alcoholism showed that after 15 sessions the results included:

  • Increased alpha and theta brainwave production
  • Normalised personality measures
  • Significant elevation in serum beta-endorphin levels
  • Prolonged prevention of relapse

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease. The major problem is the lack control over drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous in UK describe alcoholism as a physical compulsion, together with a mental obsession. Apart from having an enormous craving for alcohol the alcoholic knows neither when nor how to stop drinking. Alcoholism has different faces.  The alcoholic may be a teenager, a homeless person, or an elegant, high functioning business woman.  It is very important to accept the problem and start the treatment because alcoholism may lead to death. Symptoms of Alcoholism can include:

  • Impaired control over drinking
  • A strong desire to drink alcohol
  • Need to drink every day
  • Drink alone often
  • Need a drink to stop trembling
  • Drink early before the noon to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Spend free time in activities where alcohol is available
  • The assumption that alcohol can relax and reduce the tension and anxiety
  • Need to look for a possibility to drink in places where  it is prohibited (e.g. work)
  • Forget what you did while you were drinking
  • Hide the alcohol and drink in secret
  • Lie about the alcohol
  • Drink after a long period of abstinence
  • Continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is causing problems in your relationships
  • You want to quit drinking, but you can’t

According to statistics on alcohol:

  • More than 9 million people in England drink more than the recommended daily limits
  • In England, in 2012 there were 6,490 alcohol-related deaths, a 19% increase compared to 2001
  • Alcohol is 10% of the UK burden of disease and death, making alcohol one of the three biggest lifestyle risk factors for disease and death in the UK, after smoking and obesity
  • In 2012 there were 8,367 alcohol-related deaths in the UK
  • In England and Wales, 63% of all alcohol-related deaths in 2012 were caused by alcoholic liver disease
  • Liver disease is the only major cause of mortality and morbidity which is on the increase in England whilst decreasing in other European Countries

There are more statistics on alcohol here.

Treatment for Alcoholism

Treatment for alcoholism starts when the alcoholic accepts the problem and wants to stop drinking. The goal for the treatment is based on abstinence.  Social support, good health and strong motivation are the best predictors that the alcoholic will stay sober permanently. Unfortunately poor motivation, lack of support, mental disorders can cause the return to drinking. Treatment has 3 stages: 1. Detoxification (which might require medication to detoxify safely) 2. Rehabilitation (counseling and/or medication) 3. Maintenance of sobriety (e.g. support of sponsor from AA meetings, psychotherapy)

Neurofeedback and Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a brain disease. Alcohol impairs the brain dramatically. Compare the brain of a 43 year old normal person with 43 year old alcoholic’s brain: Comparison of non-alcoholic and acoholic brains   The brain of the alcohol dependent person  is smaller BUT  a long period of abstinence or moderate drinking can restore the volume of heavy drinker’s brains back to normal. Additionally cognitive functioning tends to return to normal when brain size returns to normal.   Scientist claim that alcoholics cannot produce the Alpha waves which are necessary for relaxation. During Neurofeedback sessions clients can learn to increase Theta and Alpha waves. Several studies suggest that Alpha-Theta brainwave Neurofeedback training has the potential for decreasing alcohol craving and relapse prevention. Some alcoholics who undergo Alpha-Theta training and try to use again get physically sick when they do. This attests to the powerful effects that are possible with Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback. Whilst Neurofeedback can be a powerful tool to help you to change your relationship with alcohol,  is strongly recommended that you undertake it in conjunction with other support, such as psychotherapy and/or attending AA meetings. You should also consider consulting with your doctor before you stop heavy drinking suddenly.

What’s Actually Involved in Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback Training ?

Alpha-Theta training at BrainTrainWAAlpha-Theta training works on the principal of operant conditioning, whereby behaviour can be learned through reward. In this case the ‘behaviour’ we want to reward is more Alpha and Theta brainwaves, and the ‘reward’ is a pleasant ‘gong’ sound.

There are two layers of auditory feedback. When you exceed the threshold for Alpha you will hear one gong sound, when you exceed the threshold for Theta you will hear another. Behind the pleasant gong sounds you will hear the waves gently crashing on the beach to keep you in a relaxed state.

All you have to do is relax, close your eyes, and allow the subconscious part of your brain to respond. You don’t have to do anything active, the brain does the work without effort on your part.

To find out more about Neurofeedback to help with alcohol dependence, please call us today on 0207 978 0186. Your initial consultation gives you the chance to experience neurofeedback and you are under no pressure or obligation to proceed.
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