Alcohol Awareness: Treating Alcohol Addiction with TMS Therapy

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, an excellent time to stop and consider our relationship with alcohol.

According to a 2020 survey, 40.3 million Americans live with a substance use disorder. Alcohol addiction is a national problem, and the need for effective treatment programs has never been greater.

TMS therapy has proven effective as an alcohol rehabilitation option that helps people overcome their addictions.

Alcohol addiction is a significant public health problem that can destroy the lives of individuals, families, and neighborhoods.

The American Psychological Association defines addiction as a complex condition whereby a person has an obsessive interest in alcohol or drugs to the point that it consumes their life. They keep using the substance despite the disastrous effects.

Several risk factors lead to addiction. Some of them are the type of drug, addiction starting early in life, the surrounding environment, method of use, and genetics.

Thankfully, treatments exist, and many people can recover from addiction and lead healthy, fruitful lives.

An Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical diagnosis that ranges from moderate to severe, with the severity stemming from several criteria.

In simple terms, alcohol becomes a problem when it affects your life negatively. For instance, is your work or personal life harmed by your drinking? Have you ever intended only to drink one drink but had more than one? Do you drink alcohol because you want to feel better? Do you drink because you want to cope with your stress or other problems? Do you start feeling anxious or irritable when a drink isn't available?

Do you or a loved one drink more than you know is safe? Look for these signs and symptoms:

• Being unable to limit consumption
• Unsuccessfully making attempts to cut back on drinking
• Feeling intense urges to drink alcohol
• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking
• Unable to uphold life responsibilities at school, work, or home
• Reducing engagement in work or social activities
• Continuing to drink despite knowing its consequences
• Drinking in unsafe environments (i.e., while driving)
• Developing a tolerance which leads to consuming more to feel alcohol's effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms of withdrawal can be sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat, poor sleep, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and seizures. These symptoms may be more severe and threatening to one's health.



If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek supportive treatment. Please remember that you are not alone in this journey.

When a person detoxes from alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and hard to ignore. Approved treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or self-help groups may not always be enough to conquer cravings.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a newer technique that uses a powerful magnet to target a part of the brain that's believed to drive a person's desire for alcohol. Most patients who go through TMS treatment find it calming. Occasionally, some patients may feel a tapping sensation. However, they should typically adjust to the treatment as they adjust to its sensory experience.

It may help those who have recently been sober from alcohol to maintain their success by preventing their cravings. TMS therapy may be a breakthrough treatment option for those who wish to break their addiction.

Even if you've just begun your journey to recovery, it's vital to discuss TMS therapy with your doctor to see if it will help you. After all, starting treatment as soon as possible increases your chances of success and lets you begin your path back to health and living a whole life.