Addiction

1. Alcohol
2. Gambling
3. Nicotine

Review article on TMS for addiction.

Pilot Study on TMS for Cocaine Addiction.

Alcohol

At TMS Therapeutics in San Diego, Inc. we recognize that depression is often a cause of, or comes as a result of, one’s long-term alcohol or substance abuse. Often we see patients who turn to drugs or alcohol to help alleviate the symptoms of depression, or who are so overwhelmed by their substance abuse that they become clinically depressed. It is important for us as a treatment center to provide solutions not only for substance abuse, but also for the potential underlying depression.

For those who have tried antidepressant medication and found the experience to be less than successful, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be just the right treatment to help achieve a more positive result.

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Gambling

Pathological gambling is characterized by a persistent pattern of gambling despite negative consequences. Studies are currently under way to see if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can interrupt the drive to continued gambling despite a desire to stop.

The following link describes the use of TMS for excessive spending.

New science unveils how your brain is hard-wired when it comes to spending—and how you can reboot it.

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Nicotine

According to the American Heart Association, there are nearly 50 million smokers in the United States. The health and financial burdens are well known, but for many, even an intense desire to stop smoking isn’t enough. As with other addictions, if cravings can be controlled the success rate of cessation increases greatly. There have been several studies using TMS to curb nicotine cravings. Imagine the health and cost savings if smoking could be eliminated or drastically reduced.

TMS for smoking cessation.

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*At this time, TMS is not FDA-aproved for the treatment of addictions, which would be considered an off-label application.