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 below.

alcoholic-brainThe 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. Scientists 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.

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 anaesthetic.’ 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

 

To learn more about Neurofeedback for Alcoholism, visit: www.braintrainuk.com