Many people in addiction rehab are also affected by other mental health issues. The most common additional issue is major depressive disorder (MDD). Your or your loved one may also have a different, significant condition. When other mental health issues overlap with addiction, they’re typically more challenging to overcome. In this situation, you may benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. Knowing what to expect from TMS therapy can help you prepare for its unique treatment format. Call 866.939.4243 to speak with someone from Promont Wellness about our TMS therapy program in Pennsylvania.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
The human brain operates via a complex network of nerve cells and chemicals called neurotransmitters. When neurotransmitters stimulate a nerve cell, an electrical impulse is generated. That impulse passes from cell to cell until it reaches its final stopping point. On a large scale, this process is responsible for your ability to do such things as:
- Think
- Feel emotions
- Move your body
- Communicate with other people
What is transcranial magnetic stimulation? It’s a form of treatment that uses your brain’s chemical-electrical nature. The treatment gets its name because it uses a magnetic field to pass electrical energy through your brain. This relatively weak energy stimulates your brain in predictable ways.
What Is TMS Therapy’s Purpose?
What is TMS treatment’s role in recovery from overlapping addiction and mental health issues? Most often, it’s used to help people with depression symptoms that don’t improve with standard medication and therapy. You may also receive TMS if you have an anxiety disorder or schizophrenia.
In addition, studies show that you may benefit from TMS if you’re not dealing with other mental health issues. That’s especially true if a stimulant street drug or medication is the source of your substance problems.
What Is TMS Treatment’s Potential for Side Effects?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation was developed to replace older, less safe treatment options. Some people experience no noticeable side effects after receiving it. However, such effects are possible. The most common of these issues are scalp discomfort and mild headaches.
Many people experience fewer side effects as their systems adjust to the process. As a rule, an over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to make you feel better. More than 98% of all people who undergo TMS can complete their entire course of treatment.
What to Expect During TMS Therapy for Addiction Treatment
TMS therapy for addiction treatment is the same, whether or not you have an additional mental health condition. A therapy session begins with placing a specialized device on your head. This device generates a low-level magnetic field. The therapist or technician conducting your treatment will then:
- Target the device at the chosen region of your brain
- Turn the device on
- Monitor you as it sends bursts of energy to your brain
These targeted bursts activate your brain’s electrical impulses in small but significant ways. You will hear a clicking sound from the TMS device as they pass through your skull. You will also feel a sensation that resembles tapping in the selected brain area.
Find TMS Therapy in Pennsylvania at Promont Wellness
What is TMS therapy? It’s a controlled method of stimulating your brain’s electrical impulses. This stimulation has the potential to help you recover from addiction, as well as many additional mental health concerns. Talk to the knowledgeable and compassionate team at Promont Wellness to learn more about this therapy.
Promont Wellness features TMS therapy as part of our recovery resources. Along with other customized treatment options, it can help you reach your crucial recovery goals. Contact Promont Wellness today at 866.939.4243 or fill out our brief online form to start on the path to better well-being.
