Craving Treatment

Introduction

Craving Treatment aren’t just short-term wants; they can have a big effect on mental health, making people do things they can’t control and even turning into addicts. My name is Dr. Murugappan and I have spent more than 40 years studying the brain. As a result, I have seen directly how cravings can ruin the lives of my patients. At the Ultimate Brain Stimulation Clinic in Chennai, we focus on new treatments that help people deal with and get rid of these strong urges.

What Are Cravings?

Cravings are strong urges to do or consume certain things, which are usually caused by both mental and physical needs. They can show up in many ways, like the need to eat certain foods, drink alcohol, or use drugs. The first step to controlling these cravings is to understand how they work.

The Science Behind Cravings

Cravings aren’t just a matter of willpower; they have a lot to do with the way the brain works. Brain chemicals like dopamine are released when you want something. These chemicals are linked to happiness and reward. This chemical reaction makes the behavior stronger, which makes it hard to fight the urge. Over time, being exposed to these triggers over and over again can build strong neural pathways that make urges stronger and harder to control.

Here are some synonyms for “cravings”:

• Urges
• Desires
• Yearnings
• Longings
• Hunger
• Addictions

Why Are Cravings So Hard to Control?

The reward system in the brain is a big part of why it’s so hard to control cravings. When you give in to a craving, your brain connects it with good things, which makes the urge stronger over time. These urges can get stronger when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or even bored, which makes it even harder to avoid.

The Impact of Uncontrolled Cravings

If you don’t control your urges, they can lead to bad things, like addiction. This not only hurts your physical health, but it also hurts your mental health a lot. Relationships with other people can suffer, and the mental toll can be too much, leaving people feeling guilty, ashamed, and hopeless.

Introducing the Ultimate Brain Stimulation Clinic

We look at the whole picture of mental health at the Ultimate Brain Stimulation Clinic. This means that we focus on both the mental and physical parts of problems like cravings. I, Dr. Murugappan, am the senior neuropsychiatrist in charge of our centre in Chennai. I love learning about how the brain works and how to make it better. One of the things we do best at our clinic is treating urges with cutting-edge methods that get to the bottom of the problem.

Craving Treatment at the Ultimate Brain Stimulation Clinic

Our methods for treating cravings are meant to help people take back control of their lives. We use brain stimulation methods that target the parts of the brain that are in charge of cravings. This is a safe and effective way to get rid of these urges. The needs of each patient are taken into account when making a treatment plan.

How Brain Stimulation Works for Cravings

Brain stimulation therapy uses electric fields to wake up nerve cells in the brain without hurting the person. This resets the brain’s reward system, which makes urges less strong. This treatment has worked very well at our centre, helping people break free from the cycle of addiction and cravings.

Brain Stimulation

• Brain stimulation is activating or inhibiting the brain directly with electricity or magnetic waves and is a cutting edge technology approved by FDA and CE.
• Brain stimulation as an alternative and adjuvant for drug treatment for mental health issues is done by specific interventions like:

rTMS ( repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

TMS improves functional connectivity within and between brain regions, neuroplasticity, brain functions. Effects are not limited to the stimulated regions alone but also noted in other functionally interconnected areas. TMS is non-invasive magnetic stimulation of the brain and it improves social interaction and decreases anxiety-depressive like behaviours. Also aids in neuroplasticity, a form of rewiring the brain.

tDCS ( transcranial Direct Current Stimulation):

• tDCS is non invasive Brain stimulation with a weak direct current of 1-2 mA for brain stimulation. tDCS is used in normal healthy individuals to improve Language skills, Math ability, Attention, Memory, Speed Learning, Time Co ordination Alertness.
• tDCS improves abnormal brain functions in Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, OCD, PTSD Migraine Pains Craving.
• tDCS is one of the safest, simplest methods in Neuro Modulation, used mainly for improving an individual’s ability in many areas involving executive functions of the brain.
• tDCS improves overall memory (working memory, operating memory, visuo spatial memory, associative memory, task and age related memory).
• tDCS reverses the mental signs of aging. tDCS is reported to improve the learning speed by twice on average

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulatio

tACS is a small ,yet powerful, smooth Neuro Modulator. tACS modulates perception, cognition, motor activity and consciousness. tACS stimulation causes release of Serotonin, Nor epinephrine, Acetylcholine, endorphin. TACS at various intensity levels improve: Memory, Reasoning, Learning, Reaction time, Intelligence Vision, Hearing, Perception, Pain, Anxiety, sensation, Movements tACS modulates brain wave activity of alpha rhythm considered essential for all executive functions of planning, organizing, memory and language.

TVNS ( Transauricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation)

The gentle and selective non invasive stimulation of the Vagus nerve has far reaching effects on the Neuro transmitters without affecting the vitals. This is achieved by stimulation of the skin of the small area in the conch of the auricle that is innervated by vagus nerve.

The vagal stimulation leads to the release of Serotonin (infusing calmness, confidence)and nor epinephrine (alertness/energy) in pre motor cortex, the executive zone in the frontal lobe . Simultaneously, the down regulation in the hippocampus and amygdala lead to reduced anxiety and panic (flight/fight response).. Vagus nerve is associated with creativity, divergent thinking due to GABA release and leads to self awareness and better self image. tVNS improves Heart rate variability ( HRV), reduces stress, increases rest, calmness and is related to better health outcome in many conditions.

PNM ( Photo Neuro Modulation)- Photo Bio Modulation

Light therapy involves the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver a specific wavelength of light that can be absorbed by cells in the body. The LED type determines the wavelength of light. Transcranial photobiomodulation is painless, non-invasive, systemic, drug-free and has shown to have no negative side effects when used appropriately. PNM reduces inflammation, increases circulation and increases cellular energy by activating the mitochondria, the neuronal powerhouse.

HBOT ( Hyper Baric Oxygen Therapy)

HBOT delivers high concentrations of oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure levels. This improves inflammation, blood flow to starved areas and boosts immunity and reduces inflammation. HBOT corrects mitochondrial dysfunction ( powerhouse of the nerve cells) and reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant production thus protecting against oxidative stress.

Brainwave Entrainment

• A special form of music therapy, in which brain waves synchronise with external stimulation of binaural beats at specific frequency and switch over to the desired frequency range to produce desired change in thinking and behavior.
• Brain stimulation protocols are internationally standardized, safe and simple and do not produce unpleasant side effects.

Brain Training or Neurofeedback (NF)

Brain training is learning to switch over the brain’s EEG activity consciously. Brain Training involves QEEG Neuro Feedback . Neuro Feedback (NF) is declared the best Self-Regulation technology since Meditation. “Every behavior is a Brain activity pattern, learnt by repetition”. QEEG Training is a description of your brain activity. One learns to make the best out of it. The training may be a whole brain training, which is not merely symptom oriented but holistic directed towards overall wellness in terms of functioning and peak performance. The whole brain training is useful in any situation where the Brain – Mind is involved.

Brain Training is done by Neuro Feedback. You learn to train the brain, not the mind. Success is in getting the mind “out of the way”.

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback where brain waves produce a signal that is used as feedback. NF is used in medical conditions and non- medical conditions also such as:

• Sleep disorders – Bed wetting, Disturbed sleep, Night mares, Sleeplessness.
• Negative Emotions – Anxiety, Fear, Stress etc.

QEEG Neuro Feedback is NOT a treatment but training.

• The brain can be trained like any other part of the body.
• NF does not teach you or tell what you should do.
• When you feedback, you don’t try or think about. NF lets your brain find the solution or what it feels right.
• When you pay attention to what goes on, the brain changes itself.
• Change how you think, feel, behave and perform, Neuro feedbacks is a Brain Gym.
• Become what you want.
• Become MINDFUL.
• QEEG Neuro Feedback does away with long, protracted counselling sessions.
• QEEG NF makes slow brains fast and fast brains slow.

The Benefits of Seeking Professional Help for Cravings

Some people may think they can handle their urges on their own, but getting help from a professional can make a big difference. An organized treatment program not only gives people the skills they need to deal with cravings, but it also provides long-term support to keep them from relapsing. There are many perks to getting help, ranging from better mental health to a higher quality of life in general.

Dr. Murugappan’s Advice for Patients Struggling with Cravings

People who are having trouble with cravings should first realize that they need more than just grit to get through this. It’s important to know what sets you off and come up with ways to deal with them. Stay away from things that might make you want to use, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or pros.

Support Systems and Lifestyle Changes

Getting a lot of support is important for controlling cravings. Spend time with people who make healthy lifestyle choices and encourage you to do the same. Adding meditation and awareness to your daily life can also help you stay grounded and on track with your recovery.

Additional Tips for Managing Cravings

While brain stimulation is a powerful tool in managing cravings, there are also practical steps that individuals can take to support their treatment and enhance their results. Here are some additional tips for managing cravings:

Mindful Eating

Practicing mindful eating can help individuals become more aware of their cravings and make healthier choices. This involves paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, eating slowly, and savoring each bite.

Stress Management Techniques

Since stress is a common trigger for cravings, learning stress management techniques can be highly beneficial. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and, in turn, decrease cravings.

Balanced Diet

Ensuring that the body receives adequate nutrition can help prevent cravings that arise from nutritional deficiencies. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can provide the necessary nutrients to keep cravings at bay.

Avoiding Triggers

Identifying and avoiding triggers that lead to cravings can be an effective strategy. This might involve making changes to the environment, such as removing tempting foods from the home or avoiding certain social situations.

Staying Hydrated

Sometimes, what we perceive as a craving may actually be thirst. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help reduce the intensity of cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cravings

What causes cravings?

There is a mix of mental, physical, and environmental factors that lead to cravings. The brain’s reward system, emotional triggers, and learned habits all play a role in making cravings happen.

How long does it take to overcome cravings?

It takes different people and different types of cravings different amounts of time to get over them. Many people start to feel better within a few weeks to a few months with the right help and treatment.

Can brain stimulation cure cravings permanently?

Brain stimulation can help a lot with cravings, but it’s still important to keep up healthy habits and keep going to treatment as required. Support may need to be ongoing to keep people from relapsing, even though it can be very helpful.

What are the risks associated with untreated cravings?

Cravings that aren’t dealt with can turn into addiction, which can be very bad for your mental and physical health. It can also make relationships difficult and make people feel alone.

How can I help a loved one struggling with cravings?

Supporting a loved one struggling with cravings involves being understanding and encouraging them to seek professional help. Offer emotional support and help them build a healthy, structured habit.

Conclusion

Cravings are strong and can mess up people’s lives, but they can be controlled with the right help and care. We offer new and individualized treatments at the Ultimate Brain Stimulation Clinic to help people beat their urges and take back control of their lives. Don’t be afraid to get professional help if you or someone you know is having trouble with urges.

Reference Links:

• Understanding the Science of Cravings
• The Role of Dopamine in Addiction
• Mindful Eating: A Guide to Healthy Eating Habits

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