Addiction can be one of the most challenging conditions to overcome because it can affect every aspect of a person’s life. It can negatively impact your physical and mental health, relationships with family and friends, financial health, and more.
Traditional treatments like therapy and medication can be helpful for many, but not everyone responds to these approaches. TMS for addiction is an emerging cutting-edge treatment option that may be able to help individuals overcome their addictive behaviors.
Per the American Psychological Association (APA), addiction is defined as a psychological and/or physical dependence on substances or certain behaviors. Addiction is a chronic condition that disrupts normal functioning and can lead to long-term harm if not addressed right away. Common substance addictions include:
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are more widely recognized as a mental health condition, but behavioral addictions can cause just as much damage. Currently, the DSM-5 only recognizes gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction; however, other behaviors are still under research. Examples of behavioral addictions may include:
Ultimately, if a behavior negatively affects your ability to live a healthy life, it may still be considered an addiction that requires immediate attention and care. The sooner you seek help, the better chances of recovery.
Addiction is a brain disease that takes over the brain’s reward system. Substances like alcohol and drugs overstimulate the nucleus accumbens, which releases dopamine to create an overwhelming sense of reward. This process is designed for survival, but in cases of addiction, it can drive repeated use.
Over time, addiction weakens the prefrontal cortex and impairs judgment and impulse control. Emotional triggers processed by the amygdala and reinforced memories in the hippocampus increase cravings and make relapse more likely. These changes can explain why addiction feels uncontrollable.
The good news is the brain has an incredible ability to heal. Neuroplasticity allows it to rebuild pathways after consistent abstinence and recovery efforts.
Treatment for addiction focuses on addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. Depending on individual needs, treatments may include:
Newer approaches, like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are also gaining attention as promising treatments for addiction.
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate certain regions of the brain. It is currently FDA-approved for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, it is sometimes used for other conditions, like addiction. Let’s take a closer look at how TMS might be able to help people in addiction treatment.
While still under research, TMS offers hope for those who have not responded to other treatments or need a complementary therapy to add to their treatment plan. By targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), TMS may help to rebalance brain circuits that are affected by addiction, specifically those involved in decision-making, self-control, and cravings.
Some positive clinical findings include:
What stands out in these findings is TMS’s versatility. Not only can TMS benefit those struggling with substance abuse, but it can also positively impact those struggling with behavioral addictions.
One thing that’s encouraging in TMS for addiction is its safety profile. It’s generally a well-tolerated procedure with no known long-term side effects. Most people experience only mild discomfort during treatment, but these symptoms usually go away quickly and don’t interfere with daily tasks. Mild and temporary side effects can include:
The risk of severe side effects is extremely low, but they are still worth mentioning:
When compared to the side effects of medications that are often used for addiction, such as nausea, dependency risks, or mood disturbances, TMS may be a safer alternative.
TMS works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than a standalone solution. While it can be beneficial in reducing cravings and improving mood, it is most effective when paired with other therapies, such as CBT.
CBT helps people identify and challenge the distorted thought patterns that drive addictive behaviors. For example, someone might believe they need alcohol to relax or cope with stress. TMS can alleviate the cravings and emotional lows that make these thoughts harder to resist, while CBT teaches healthier coping strategies and reinforces new and positive behaviors.
For others, medication may also be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms or treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Addiction rarely happens on its own. It often coexists with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Recent statistics from the 2023 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show over 20 million adults in the United States struggled with a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder in the past year. Many people use addiction as a form of self-medication and may turn to substances or addictive behaviors as a way to manage their emotional pain and stress.
TMS offers a unique solution in that it targets the shared brain circuits involved in both addiction and mental health. For instance, bilateral stimulation with the H1 coil has been shown to reduce alcohol cravings and improve depressive symptoms simultaneously. This can be beneficial for those who have not had success with medications to treat their mental health.
Despite these encouraging findings, limitations exist. Studies often involve small groups and lack consistent protocols, which makes broad conclusions difficult. Even so, TMS’s ability to address overlapping brain dysfunction offers an optimistic perspective for treating both disorders. As research advances, it’s possible to see TMS becoming more common in addiction treatment plans.
Addiction recovery requires addressing not just the addiction itself but the underlying issues that contribute to it, including comorbid mental health disorders. TMS is offering new hope in the fight against addiction as it may help to reduce cravings, improve mood, and target the brain changes that make recovery seem like an uphill battle. When combined with therapies like CBT or medication, it can become a powerful part of an addiction treatment plan.
You don’t have to face addiction alone. If you or someone you love is ready to take the first step, reach out to us today to learn more about TMS for addiction and how it can support your path to recovery.
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases.
By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.
Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
