Biofeedback: A New Frontier in Addiction Treatment
Reducing q reactivity is important in helping maintain recovery or help promote recovery in people from addiction.
Imagine a world where your own body helps you combat addiction. In this eye-opening episode of Harm Reduction Radio, host Kenneth Anderson sits down with Dr. Estate Sokhadze and Dr. Christopher Stewart from the University of Louisville to discuss the fascinating potential of biofeedback in addiction treatment. Biofeedback is more than just a buzzword; it’s a method that uses electronic monitoring to measure and provide feedback on bodily functions like heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension.
Think of it as your body's way of giving you a heads-up about what’s really going on inside. The episode dives into the Penniston protocol, a technique involving the training of two different slow brain waves, which has shown promise in reducing reactivity to drug cues. Neurofeedback, a specialized form of biofeedback focusing on the brain, also gets its spotlight as a potential game-changer in addiction recovery. But it’s not all smooth sailing.
The conversation touches on the hurdles that come with adopting biofeedback, such as the need for more research and the reluctance of some clinicians to embrace new methods. Despite these challenges, Dr. Sokhadze and Dr. Stewart make a compelling case for biofeedback as a valuable harm reduction tool, offering hope to those grappling with addiction. Whether you’re someone seeking alternatives to traditional treatments or just curious about cutting-edge approaches in addiction therapy, this episode is a must-listen.