Biofeedback

Cravings

November 19, 2017 // by Aton Center

An important part of treatment is to learn how to manage cravings when they occur. Cravings can be characterized as an intense desire to use a substance that can feel almost impossible to withstand. Fortunately, if you have learned coping management skills, you can have the self confidence to make it through these intense periods of time.

Cravings, Managing Your Cravings

SMART Recovery encourages individuals to “ride the wave” of craving. They also recommend the DiSARM Method (see the SMART Recovery Workbook), in which one personifies their craving and “fights back” so to speak, against this craving.

Many residents at AToN Center use the imagery that their craving is Darth Vader, and they are fighting against the craving (and Darth Vader!) with lightsabers. While these cognitive skills are helpful, they do not address the physiological processes of the craving that occur out of one’s awareness. Using these strategies with other physiological self management strategies can enhance success in managing cravings.

In recent years, some researchers have been analyzing the association between physiological stress management and craving intensity. The specific modality being studied is Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback, which is offered as a treatment at the AToN Center.

A new study published in the Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Journal demonstrates some promise in the application of stress management utilizing biofeedback and the reduction of cravings. In this study, the researchers implemented a three-session biofeedback protocol to a portion of residents in an inpatient substance misuse treatment facility. In this very short intervention, the results were promising and warrant further investigation. Specifically, those patients who participated in the protocol experienced a medium effect size greater reduction in craving in comparison to those patients who did not receive biofeedback as a part of their treatment. Additionally, these patients also experienced improvements in mood stability.

In recovery, it is important to use every tool available to enhance treatment outcomes. At AToN, we believe that we offer a wide variety of treatments that can be tailored to individual needs. In combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention Skill Building and other modalities (heart rate variability biofeedback, hypnotherapy, EMDR, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage) we believe that we offer the very best that treatment available.

If you are a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, and are looking for a program with an individualized approach – do not hesitate to call our intake line for further information.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Reference:Eddie, D., Kim, C., Lehrer, P., Deneke, E., & Bates, M. (2014). A Pilot Study of Brief Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Reduce Craving in Young Adult Men Receiving Inpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback,39(3-4), 181-192.

Managing Stress And Relapse Prevention

December 27, 2016 // by Aton Center

At AToN Center, we acknowledge the importance of taking care of the mind and as well as the body in an effort to maximize our resident’s quality of life. Research suggests that stress is an important risk factor for the development of substance use disorders as well as relapse. This is because many of the systems of our bodies are activated by stress. We believe it is paramount to help our residents learn how to manage stress as an important part of their relapse prevention plans.

Part of my role at the AToN center is to offer Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as a means to this end. This type of biofeedback monitors the heart rhythms and signals the user (with visual and auditory cues) when their heart rhythms are ordered and rhythmic (called coherence). This coherence is present when the heart is operating in a healthy and efficient manner. During these individual biofeedback sessions, different stress management skills are taught to our residents – such as breathing retraining, guided imagery, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation – while connected to the biofeedback device. This allows our residents to learn which skills produce the most positive effects so they can incorporate them into their daily lives. This is one of many services offered at AToN Center.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps with Depression and Anxiety

May 1, 2015 // by Aton Center

Depression and anxiety are the chief areas that one addresses when entering a high quality residential treatment facility. At AToN Center, we specialize in using multiple evidence-based approaches to help our residents. Depression and anxiety are chief among the host of emotions that one typically suffers from when using or abusing drugs or alcohol. The individual believes that long term drug abuse is his/her only or “best” option to relive their pain. This pain may include, but be limited to, emotional, physical, economic, financial, family and post traumatic stressors.

At AToN Center, our highly trained staff specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), SMART Recovery, 12 Step approaches, biofeedback, EMDR, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, individual and group sessions, as well as a host of rewarding holistic approaches including yoga, watsu, and outings in beautiful San Diego. This comprehensive package of approaches helps our residents with depression and anxiety to become empowered. At AToN Center, we excel in helping our residents to both identify and address the causes of one’s depression and anxiety, including the fear of living a highly successful life free of drugs and alcohol.

Research from The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) articulates clearly the importance of using CBT strategies when addressing depression and anxiety.

CBT is perhaps one of the most frequently used psychotherapeutic orientations, with considerable research supporting its effectiveness and adaptability in clinical practice. As cognitive therapy seeks to change behavior by challenging maladaptive thoughts, behavioral therapy employs more direct, yet complimentary methods, such as pairing reinforcing stimuli with a desired behavior or aversive stimuli with an undesired behavior. While the efficacy of CBT has been firmly established in the treatment of a variety of disorders and problems, its history and utility are deeply rooted in the treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms.

I encourage anyone suffering from anxiety and depression, in addition to substance abuse, to visit AToN Center and learn more about our therapeutic programs.

Chris McDuffie
RRW, CADCA

Chemical Dependency Counselor

Importance of Biofeedback

February 1, 2013 // by Aton Center

One of the treatment modalities offered at AToN Center is Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback. Many of our residents avail themselves of this training and have reported it to be a wonderful addition to their relapse prevention plans.

A recent article in the journal of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback reviewed literature that reported reduced heart rate variability was particularly pronounced in individuals disclosing strong cravings for substances. As the goal of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback is to increase heart rate variability, the authors implemented a research study which recruited individuals from the community who reported experiencing intense food cravings with lack of control over their food intake. These participants were split into two groups: a Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback protocol, and a control group without any interventions. The authors reported that those in the Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback group reported reduced food cravings and an increased confidence in their ability to manage their food intake. These authors recommended the implementation of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as a possible modality for reducing cravings for food, and others have suggested that Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback may be helpful in reducing cravings for nicotine and other substances.

As research regarding Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and craving reduction continues to develop, there is no doubt that those who practice heart rate variability biofeedback regularly report an increased quality of life. I encourage those of you who learned this valuable skill at AToN to continue on with all of your hard work so you can live fulfilled and balanced lives. If your practice has fallen by the wayside, I encourage you to re-commit to your daily practice, even if it is only ten minutes at a time!

cassandra-cannon

Best – Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D. – Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist

**Article referenced: Meule, A., Freund, R., Skirde, A.K., Vogele, C. and Kubler, A. (2012). Heart rate variability biofeedback reduces food cravings in high food cravers. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 37, 241-251.***

The Joint Commission

Affiliations

Licensure and Certification

AToN Center – Proud Supporter

Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Men and Women