At The River Source, we offer neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback as one of our alternative treatment options. Neurofeedback brain treatment is also referred to as “brain training” because it involves brain exercises that allow you to retrain and rebalance your brain. For individuals struggling with addiction, the ability to retrain the brain is huge.

What Does Neurofeedback Treat?

Not only does EEG biofeedback help with addiction, but also with many other cognitive disorders. This is especially helpful for people struggling with co-occurring disorders.

• ADD/ADHD
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Brain injuries
• Dementia
• Depression
• Lack of focus
• Learning disorders
• Memory problems
• Migraines
• Pain mitigation
• Panic attacks
• PTSD
• Seizures
• Sleep issues
• Sports performance
• Stress

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Neurofeedback uses non-invasive computer technology to monitor brain activity and encourage healthy brain function. To the onlooker, it may not look like much is going on. But to the brain, it’s like an entirely new world is being unlocked.

Electrodes are applied to the client’s scalp so that the brainwave activity can be listened to. The signals are processed on the computer, and that gives the counselor or psychologist the opportunity to learn about certain brainwave frequencies. Some of these frequencies we want to promote; others, we want to diminish. In order to change the activity level, we present fun games and activities that the client must play on the computer using their brain. What happens is that over time, the brainwave activity is shaped toward a more desirable performance.

EEG biofeedback is specific to the individual, which is why this type of brain training can help with a host of problems. At The River Source, we find that this therapy is helpful for clients suffering from addiction and a co-occurring disorder, as well as clients dealing with addiction and chronic pain. Thankfully, neurofeedback is non-invasive and drug-free. And, it’s actually fun. Most clients don’t mind a treatment method that involves playing brain games on a computer.

What Can I Expect from Neurofeedback?

Since this type of therapy is individual, everyone’s experiences with brain training are unique. Still, there are certain factors that most people can expect such as improved attention, enhanced mood, reduced impulsivity and improved performance in all aspects of life. Clients are most happy to see that they have some regulation in their life by having their mood, memory and energy levels restored and balanced. With a healthy foundation, recovering addicts are able to make better choices, manage stress, stick to healthy eating and exercise regimens and enjoy regular sleep patterns.

How Does Neurofeedback Help Addiction Specifically?

Neurofeedback sets a healthy foundation for recovery. It reduces impulsivity and restores balance and self-regulation. While neurofeedback is nothing new, its true potential has come to light over the last decade. Studies have shown that EEG biofeedback may reduce the risk of relapse, enhance outcomes in therapy, limit temptations and lessen withdrawal symptoms.

Neurofeedback has been studied most extensively for alcoholism, and it has been shown that when coupled with a strong recovery program, recovering addicts have a lower chance of relapse. Newer studies are looking at how successful EEG biofeedback can be at treating addictions to heroin or cocaine.

Additionally, since brain training offers widespread results in the brain, it’s not uncommon for recovering addicts to report that they have better control over their depression, anxiety or ADHD, for instance. Since experts are still not certain which comes first – the addiction or the brain disorder – neurofeedback can successfully treat an underlying condition so that it no longer interferes with a healthy recovery and life.

The Importance of Alternative Therapy

At The River Source, we firmly believe in the power of alternative therapies. We are trying to remove dependencies from our clients’ lives, and we want them to see how wonderful and fulfilling life can be without the need for self-medication. At the same time, we understand that life is difficult, and when dealing with chronic issues like pain, depression or anxiety, it becomes even harder to refrain from self-medication.

That’s where the power of alternative medicine comes into the picture and offers people safe, drug-free ways to deal with everyday stress, chronic pain and cognitive disorders. Neurofeedback is one such example of a natural therapy that can set the foundation for a healthy recovery and lower the risk of relapse. This therapy is offered to all clients of The River Source, and 10 sessions are just $1,750 (includes a Brain Map Assessment, too). For more information on this remarkable treatment, contact us at 866-294-9331.