Advanced Biofeedback Center
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Alcohol & Substance Abuse Relapse Prevention |
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Assessment of condition |
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Overview From a cognitive-behavioral perspective, Alcohol and Drug Abuse is viewed less as a disease and more as a behavioral pattern with "reinforcers" that paradoxically encourage you engage in self-defeating acts. You may know that alcohol can do considerable damage to your body, wreaking havoc with your liver, pancreas, kidneys, and other vital organs. You may also know that marijuana can cause significant neurological change in your brain, give rise to cancer, and create breathing problems. These issues do not even begin to address the psychological and relationship problems that occur when you use or are addicted to alcohol or drugs (whether "street" drugs or prescription drugs). In order for biofeedback to be effective in preventing you from relapsing into the self-defeating behaviors that can harm you physically, psychologically, and socially, you will need to make the decision to remain abstinent --- "clean and sober" --- for the remainder of your life. One of the most promising training protocols for relapse prevention for alcohol and substance abuse is Alpha-Theta training, an EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) approach.
Sensors Non-invasive, comfortable, gold-plated, skin surface EEG sensors are used for neurofeedback.
Where sensors are placed EEG sensors would be placed on the ears, ear lobes, and scalp. Different configurations and placements of these sensors will occur depending upon the subtype of neurofeedback training that is conducted. |
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Behavioral intervention |
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Learning and behavioral change If an underlying cause of alcohol or drug abuse is anxiety or worry, then an important aspect of the therapeutic process is teaching you the connection between your drinking or "using" behaviors and your mood. There are likely some "reinforcers" ("pay-offs," advantages) for abusing alcohol or drugs --- at least in your current way of thinking. It is not unusual for those prone to addictive behaviors to report that drinking alcohol or using marijuana or other drugs reduces anxiety and worry. The cognitive and behavioral goals are to identify other ways of reducing this anxiety and worry, however, in a much more healthy, safe manner that allows you to be in control rather than "powerless" over addictive substances and behaviors. You have the opportunity to gain insight into your thoughts and --- more important --- your behavior. Deep relaxation, modulation of your brain wave processes, and the "epiphany" you may experience as a result of neurofeedback training and the accompanying interventions can contribute to overall mastery over your addictive tendencies. It is important to realize, however, that behavior is complex, and therefore, you are advised to enlist as many different types of interventions and resources possible. These valuable resources may include the support of your "significant other," family members, friends, therapists, physicians, and your AA or NA group. The "social support" from all of these individuals can help you to remain "clean and sober" indefinitely. Number of sessions The number of sessions is totally dependent upon the severity of your addiction, problematic ingrained behaviors, and your openness and willingness to make productive "change" in your life.
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Change in behavior Goals Goals will vary from one individual to another, however, patients seeking neurofeedback for addictive behaviors typically seek to remain totally abstinent of alcohol or drug use without relapse. |
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www.AdvancedBiofeedbackCenter.com Tel 847.240.0444 Fax 847.240.0446 800 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 103 Schaumburg, IL 60174-4717 Copyright (c) 2008 Advanced Biofeedback Center. All rights reserved. Disclaimer 1: Biofeedback modalities are not considered a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. The practice of biofeedback should be considered a training and not a treatment. Biofeedback may be helpful for a number of medical and/or behavioral conditions, and may serve as a valuable adjunctive intervention. Biofeedback may be helpful in enhancing normal human functioning and developing optimal physical states. Disclaimer 2: Individuals portraying patients receiving biofeedback training in photographs are compensated actors and not actual patients.
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