Mild electric current will reduce alcohol cravings.
Dehradun. Now a new technology is giving hope to reduce the intense cravings that patients experience while getting rid of alcohol addiction. Psychiatrists from HIMS and SGRR Medical College, Dehradun have conducted a successful clinical trial of ‘brain stimulation’ technique on patients suffering from alcohol addiction. This technique is known as transcranial direct current stimulation. In this, specific parts of the brain are stimulated through mild electrical current, which can help in controlling the strong desire to drink alcohol.
Cravings are one of the biggest challenges faced by patients trying to overcome alcohol addiction. Many times, despite starting treatment, patients suddenly start feeling a strong desire to drink alcohol. This desire leads them back to alcohol and the treatment process gets affected. Experts believe that if this craving can be controlled then the process of de-addiction can be made more effective.
In this direction, experts from both the medical institutions of Dehradun used brain stimulation technique. In this process, special electrodes are placed on the patient’s head and through them a very light electric current is delivered to the designated parts of the brain. This current is of very low intensity and is intended to affect brain activities that are associated with drug cravings and decision-making abilities.
This technique was used on patients suffering from alcohol addiction during clinical trials. Experts studied the changes in cravings, mental status and behavior of patients during treatment. Initial results have found the technique to be effective. This has increased the hope that in the future this technology can be used as an adjunct method in de-addiction treatment.
According to experts, alcohol addiction is not just a matter of physical dependence. It is also linked to the brain’s reward system, behavior and emotional state. Long-term alcohol consumption can affect brain functioning. In such a situation, when a person suddenly tries to quit alcohol, he may have to face problems like restlessness, nervousness, stress and strong desire to drink alcohol.
Brain stimulation techniques attempt to work at this mental and neurological level. An attempt is made to bring balance to the brain’s activities through mild electrical current. This may make it easier for the patient to control his desires. Although experts do not consider it a stand-alone treatment for alcohol addiction, it is being seen as a possible option used in conjunction with medications, counseling and other treatment methods.
At present, patients in de-addiction centers are treated through medicines, psychological counseling and behavioral therapy. This treatment is effective in many patients, but some patients face the problem of frequent cravings. In such cases, brain stimulation techniques can provide additional help.
The special thing about this technique is that it does not require any kind of surgery. Electrodes are placed on the scalp and a controlled amount of electrical current is delivered. The patient remains conscious during the procedure and the specialist monitors his condition. Before using the technique, it is also necessary to evaluate the patient’s medical condition and mental health.
After the success of the clinical trials, experts are now considering the possibilities of its widespread use. In future, through studies on more patients, it can be found out how long its effect lasts and in which patients it is most effective.
Alcohol addiction is one of the major health challenges in the country. Its effect is not only on the person’s body, but also on the family, social life and financial condition. Many times people want to quit alcohol, but are unable to succeed due to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
In such a situation, the successful trial of brain stimulation technology is being seen as a new hope in the field of de-addiction. If further studies also show positive results, then it can become an important assistive technique in the process of getting rid of alcohol addiction.
Experts say that any patient should use such technology only under the supervision of trained doctors and experts. Treatment for alcohol addiction may vary depending on the individual’s condition. Therefore, complete medical examination and proper advice is necessary before starting treatment.
This clinical trial conducted by experts from HIMS and SGRR Medical College, Dehradun points towards a new option in de-addiction treatment. This technique of controlling alcohol cravings through mild electrical current may prove to be helpful in the future for those patients who find it difficult to quit alcohol due to frequent cravings.