Title: Neurofeedback and Addictions
>>There's a 20 year plus history of growing data on the effectiveness of Neurofeedback.
More recently there's actually data specifically geared towards the addictions.
Centers have demonstrated that individuals who undergo Neurofeedback are more likely to remain in treatment,
theyíre more likely to be dedicated to the treatment process, and the outcomes
demonstrate theyíre much less likely to relapse.
>>The outcome of the studies indicated to us that this is a very valuable tool that we need to keep and use.
Sober after 12 months: with neurofeedback 77% without neurofeedback 44% Cri-Help Study 1999
>>Iíve noticed a big change. >>Iím like a new woman here.
Title: Neurofeedback and Substance Abuse
>>I came here... based on alcohol addiction.
>>I came here seeking... treatment for my drug and alcohol addictions.
One of the main reasons why I chose New Seasons was because of the Neurofeedback program.
So I looked all over the United States and there was only two rehab centers
that had Neurofeedback available. Iíve been to one other treatment center and there
it was a very similar philosophy to this one except for they didnít have Neurofeedback available.
And I wanted something different in that obviously I relapsed after the last one.
And so I chose New Seasons and the Neurofeedback is I mean definitely like
from doing it and I mean obviously it is something very different.
>> I didnít think you could change your brain ... by starring at a video game.
you know I didnít know it existed.
>>We utilize Neurofeedback as a part of a holistic approach
We do offer the psychotherapy. We do offer physical training. We offer acupuncture.
Also in offering the Neurofeedback the goal there is to help with the emotional regulation.
Itís not either or. It isnít that the Neurofeedback is making all the difference
in their addiction process. It isnít that only the psychotherapy can be helpful. Itís
hand and glove. >>I also noticed that when people are doing Alpha Theta they are more
open to other therapies that are going on ... within the treatment center.
They seem to be more open to step study. They seem to be more open when theyíre in group therapy.
It kinda opens them up a little bit to you know getting some of this information
and so thatís the other, another aspect of the therapy that I think is very valuable
as far as recovering addicts go. >> Iíve been here a little over four months.
I've done Neurofeedback every weekday since Iíve been here. Iíve noticed a big change.
My mood is much more stable. Sleep patterns. Being able to get to sleep. Feeling calmer
during the day. >> Iím a clinical Neuropsychologist, licensed as a Psychologist. So Iím the licensed
person on site that has gone through the training for Neurofeedback and have an understanding
how to supervise that. We also have two separate technicians that have thoroughly gone through
the whole training and are clinicians in and of themselves. They interact with the
client in a clinical kind of way. For example thereís questions that we have them answer
at the very beginning of every session about how theyíre doing. Many times information
will come up and theyíll start talking with that person and they may express things
that they arenít necessarily expressing in the Psychotherapy sessions. So our technicians
are utilized as a member of the treatment team. >>Itís... at first it was kind
of awkward just cause Iím not used to doing it. But uh other than that itís almost
kind of a nice break from the rest of the day ya know Iím so busy kind of
consciously working on stuff that itís nice to kinda sit back and just take a break and
let whatever happens up there happen. >>By gaining the feedback in a game like situation
people actually are able to look forward to it. They certainly enjoy that.
>> Yeah Iím noticing a change in my Psychotherapy as well as ya know outside of the sessions.
>> By utilizing the Neurofeedback system weíre able to get the client to
benefit that much more from the other aspects of the program. >>When I was in therapy at
my last rehab center ... the difference that I saw there from here was that I became really
emotional but I had a hard time... getting out of that emotion and moving along into
then kind of processing it out so I felt like it was kind of, I was stuck.
And then now with the Neurofeedback Iím able to kind of feel my emotion, recognize it
but then incorporate it into ya know... the greater context of what Iím discussing.
>>I donít have the hunger to drink.
>>One of the reasons why Iím interested in Neurofeedback
is because Iím a Neuropsychologist in addition to being a Psychologist.
I want to understand whatís going on on a brain level that leads this
person to act in a certain way. The more we understand about brain functioning the better
therapists we are going to be. So Iím interested in anything that has to do with changing the
brain because thatís how we change people. And one of the strongest ways to change the
brain is with Neurofeedback. It is direct, Itís strong, but itís non evasive.
It has no significant secondary effects. Iím not saying do away with medications.
There's reasons for clients to be on medications. Thereís reasons for clients to be involved
in Psychotherapy. Thereís reasons to have clients exercise. Thereís reasons for clients
to exercise their brain. >>My understanding right now is that 75 to 95% of the people
entering treatment suffer from some degree of brain dysfunction. Directly connected to
using drugs and the life style that goes with it because a lot of drug addicts if theyíre
using theyíre not eating right, theyíre not sleeping right, and all of that has an
effect on the central nervous system.
Real People, Real Stories, Real Success
>> And the friends that Iíve made here
and the people... in the AA program that I go to have noticed a big difference
in me. I donít take things as seriously as I used to.
And ... I donít bite my finger nails anymore
...which is pretty big
>> My peers at the program have noticed that Iím just making really...
Iím coming along nicely and theyíve actually mentioned that theyíre impressed
with my progress and admire it and some of them even say inspired [laugh] ... by it. [music]
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