CES and Addictions Treatment: Why it Can Help

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is one of the most respected and trusted current-based treatment solutions. FDA-cleared for use in addressing depression, anxiety and insomnia, the technology has been adopted in many healthcare environments to provide a compelling new form of care. With that said, those three conditions have one thing in common: they are all common in those dealing with addictions. Using them as examples, let us explore in detail why this fact means CES may be beneficial when it comes to recovery.

The Link Between Addictions and Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia

Developing a dependency on a substance, whether alcohol, drugs or even gambling, can have a profoundly negative effect on our mood and emotional reactivity. Severe addictions, combined with periods of withdrawal, can bring about mental instability and pent-up stress. This can lead to the onset of anxiety and greater emotional discomfort, which can also merge into bouts of depression and negative thoughts. Insomnia, a lack of a proper sleep cycle, can also be brought about by emotional stress as well as negative triggers that fill the mind with worry, such as financial and relationship problems. Many who struggle with addictions also come from a less-than-ideal upbringing and/or adult life background; there is often existing anxiety and stress, which is then amplified once the addictive personality takes hold.

The specifics of these conditions are much more complicated than most folks realize, which is why raising awareness of the warning signs and finding suitable treatment solutions is critical.

Anxiety

The trouble with anxiety is that it is very difficult to get rid of, let alone minimize its effects, once it has developed within the human mind. With so many exterior stress triggers in our lives that can bring about worsening symptoms, adding an addiction to the mix only complicates matters. However, for those with addictive personalities, this is not a matter of choice. They have little control over these tendencies and, often, are both ashamed and frustrated that they cannot recover on their own. Some are able to make progress solo, but when anxiety takes hold – especially during periods of withdrawal – there is a clear and present danger to the addict in question. Therefore, stimulating the mind with carefully administered currents, training it to take appropriate countermeasures, can play a major role in reducing the effects of anxiety, potentially enabling for a smoother addictions recovery process.

Insomnia

Insomnia is usually caused by pent-up stress, which is extremely common in addictions, though it can also be a result of other triggers such as hectic work schedules. Chronic insomnia is particularly difficult to treat without some form of mental stimulation, and it can lead to mood swings, increasing worry, reduced focus, and other problems. By optimizing the circadian rhythm naturally present in the mind, which can be achieved through a series of gentle “nudges in the right direction” from CES technology in targeted cranial zones, the effects of insomnia can be lessened or even eradicated over time.

Depression

The biggest risk to those facing addictions is depression, which can lead to everything from negative mindsets and mistrust of others to self-harm and even suicidal tendencies. Depression is a sign that someone needs immediate, thoughtful care that respects their integrity, and counselling is not the band-aid solution that many experts claim it to be. This is because general reactivity, and the subsequent ability to accept vocal guidance, varies from person to person, so we can’t always count on it. In even extreme cases, having an alternative such as CES that relies on and strengthens the mind of the patient themselves can be highly beneficial. Better yet, combine treatments in a considerate manner for the best potential of recovery.

Addictions are dangerous, there’s no doubt about it. Even mild dependencies can snowball into toxic, harmful situations for those affected and the ones they surround themselves with. Consider all appropriate treatment methods when seeking a road to recovery, including technologies such as CES that are proven to assist in treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia. By taking care of these three conditions early on, you’ll have a better chance of accepting and acting appropriately on critical input from detox and recovery specialists.

Reviewed by the Caputron team