In the world of drug use and addiction, there are a number of different methods individuals have sought to eliminate such demons from their lives. While some treatments have proven to be effective, even the most promising of solutions can fail if the person is not committed to making a total life change. One method gaining increasing attention is that of biofeedback therapy and its impact on a complete recovery program.

Known as an integrative medical treatment, biofeedback helps patients to develop an increased mind-body awareness and control that enables them to play a more active role in their overall healthcare. Also referred to as neurofeedback and neurotherapy, this method relies on electroencephalographs (EEG) to capture the brain’s electrical activity and display it for the patient.

When in place, an EEG device can help to track physical changes an individual experiences in their interaction with drugs and alcohol. As the abuser may not always be aware of the physical signs of the actions their body will experience, biofeedback captures these instances and reports them back to the user so they can better understand how to control their actions through quantifiable data.

The reason biofeedback is known to be effective is that it enables the individual’s physician to create a treatment plan that is specific to the individual. The data captured with the EEG allows for the creation of a specific profile on the individual and the subsequent development of a training program designed to correct the abnormal resting or stress-evoked physiological responses that could be triggering the craving for drugs or alcohol. This method can also help to teach alcoholics how to reduce their risk of relapse.

Scientists and doctors focusing specifically on treatments for drug and alcohol abuse believe that this method of therapy can be effective in treating a number of addictions, including dependence on heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, marijuana, alcohol and even addictions to gambling or sex. The method in each situation is very similar in that the EEG will capture data that allows the physician to identify changes from normal brainwave patterns and target those areas for treatment.

There is a belief in the drug and alcohol abuse treatment industry that individuals who give in to addiction and substance abuse follow this path simply because they have lost control over their mind and body. This belief is supported by the reality that addicts fully depend upon substances as they feel they are necessary for their survival. As this type of dependence is more based in the mind than the body, biofeedback has an opportunity to work.

As addicts are trained and conditioned to be more aware of their physiological functions, they can better understand what leads them to rely on a substance and introduce healthy alternatives to deal with life in general.