THERAPIES
Biofeedback Therapy For Addiction
Biofeedback therapy is a complementary therapy that can be effective in treating substance use disorder and mental health conditions. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, biofeedback therapy for addiction can help you manage the response to stress and discomfort.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a therapeutic approach that helps you adjust the way your body functions to improve physical and mental health.[1] It’s a type of mind-body therapy that uses the power of your mind to help you become more aware of your body and take control of your health.
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Biofeedback Therapy for Addiction
People with substance use disorders can overcome physical dependence with medical detox, but it’s an ongoing process to manage stress and prevent relapse – especially if the substance was used as stress relief.
Biofeedback teaches coping skills and stress-relieving techniques to reduce the heart rate and breathing rate naturally. These skills can be used long after the treatment program is complete to manage recovery in the long term.
Some substances disrupt normal brain wave patterns and can contribute to conditions like anxiety and depression. Specific biofeedback techniques, such as neurofeedback, calm the brain activity to restore natural processes.
Is Biofeedback Effective for Addiction Treatment?
Biofeedback has been in use since the 1980s for addiction treatment. Combined with medication and other therapies within a comprehensive treatment plan, biofeedback can help with different types of substance use disorders.[2] It’s especially effective for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
Often, biofeedback is combined with other therapeutic modalities as part of addiction treatment. It’s typically used with psychotherapy and medication management in either inpatient or outpatient settings.
How (and Why) Biofeedback Therapy for Addiction Works
The exact mechanism of how biofeedback therapy works and why it’s effective isn’t well understood, but its effects on the body are well established. Several studies indicate that biofeedback can promote relaxation and relieve the symptoms of stress.[6]
During a typical biofeedback session, electrodes are used on the skin to connect to a monitor. The monitor uses a flash of light, sound, or image to indicate the heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and muscle activity, all of which respond to stress. These stress responses appear on the monitor, giving you feedback into your body’s responses.
Guided by a mental health professional, biofeedback gives you instant information to practice mindfulness, relaxation, and stress management and gain control of your body. You can learn to ease muscle tension, slow your heart rate, and reduce your blood pressure with immediate reinforcement.
What’s the Best Way to Find Biofeedback Therapy for Addiction?
There are plenty of resources to find biofeedback practitioners, including Biofeedback.org. Your primary care provider may also be able to direct you to biofeedback treatment options, either as part of a formal treatment program or on its own.
Some treatment centers offer biofeedback therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment program, including Paramount Wellness Retreat. If you want to take the next step today, contact us to speak with our care team.
What We Treat With Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback therapy may be used to treat a variety of substance use disorders and mental health conditions, including alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more.
Cost of Biofeedback Therapy for Addiction
The cost for biofeedback therapy can vary significantly based on the facility, the training and qualifications of the practitioner, and how many sessions you need. Generally, it costs between $35 and $85 per session.
When it’s included in an addiction or mental health treatment plan, biofeedback may be covered by your insurance provider.
Biofeedback Therapy Exercises
Biofeedback relies on measurements to make you aware of your body’s functions and responses. With this awareness and guidance from a therapist, you can focus on controlling your heart rate, breathing, temperature, and muscle relaxation. Biofeedback uses a range of different exercises, including:[3]
- Temperature Training: Temperature training teaches you to increase your skin temperature, which is linked to lower stress and better relaxation.[4]
- Skin Conductance Training: Skin conductance training is a measure of electrical activity. It’s also known as electrodermal activity and galvanic skin response. When you’re stressed or angry, the electrodermal activity speeds up, so this training focuses on controlling the skin response to be calmer and more relaxed.
- Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback uses an electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain waves. This awareness allows people to train their brain rhythms and manage the symptoms of conditions like seizure disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[5]
- Deep Breathing: Deep breathing teaches stress management by focusing on slowing the respiration rate to promote calm in the body.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation uses an electromyogram to register the tension of the muscles and teach deliberate muscle relaxation.
- Guided Imagery: Guided imagery may be used to promote stress relief to connect the mind and body. This is done with the guidance of a professional.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a technique that helps you to slow your racing thoughts and be more in the moment. It’s often used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Biofeedback Therapy
