There are all types of therapies that are used to help people that are battling drug or alcohol addiction. One therapy that has become innovative to reduce the uncomfortableness with withdrawal is Neurofeedback. This approach to treatment, also referred to neurobiofeedback, EEG biofeedback, brainwave biofeedback, and neurotherapy, is a specific form of biofeedback that uses electronic monitoring of normal body functions to train a person to acquire control of that function. Biofeedback can not only treat withdrawal, but can be used for migraines, chronic pain, and high blood pressure to name a few by bringing awareness to these physiological functions in hopes to manipulate them for a person’s advantage

Neurofeedback is designed to observe, qualify, and train someone’s brain waves to help regulate their brain function. By using an electroencephalograph (EEG), the brain is measured, and the electrical activity is documented so that doctors and therapists can use the information to address any areas of the brain that may be experiencing any emotional dysregulation. This noninvasive procedure can give patients and providers a better indicator of what needs to be addressed with the ailments that are in question.

When an EEG sensor is used to track the electrical patterns on the surface of the scalp, brain waves are measured to detect activity. One of the particular reasons an EEG can prove to be so beneficial is because the sensors can discover a dysregulated brain meaning that it will be overly active when it should be calm and under stimulated. A normal brain may correct these setbacks on its own in time and if does not, then having a dysregulated brain will become the standard. This is where neurofeedback therapy becomes extremely useful.

One therapy session with neurofeedback can last between 30-60 minutes and may be scheduled to two to three times a week. This therapy is safe and painless and does not involve any electric shock or medical machines. When therapy begins, the goal is to help reclaim optimal functioning of the brain and be able to eventually manage brain waves so that certain medical conditions, addiction recovery, and mental health issues are more readily handled. 

Neurofeedback takes someone’s instincts and utilizes the feedback in the brain to learn new developmental skills that someone will need to become well. By using this state-of-the-art method, the brain can be taught to be more balanced and more healthful.