We don't provide detoxification or primary addiction treatment. What we do offer is serious, science-based help for people who are already sober — at least three months — and want to make that sobriety last. If you've done the hard work of getting clean and you're committed to staying that way, we'd like to work with you.
What addictive substances have in common
What addictive substances — and behaviors — have in common is that they "short circuit" the brain's reward system. They generally make you feel good AND relieve pain. And they work better with emotional pain than with physical pain. Hence the expression "feeling no pain."
One way to understand alcohol and drug abuse and dependence is through the lens of learning theory. We increase the likelihood of doing anything we know how to do if doing it produces pleasure and satisfaction. If doing something causes us to feel less pain — escape from anxiety, agitation, or physical pain — that will also increase the likelihood that we'll do it more often.
A different and uncomfortable EEG pattern
A variety of researchers have reported abnormalities in the brain electrical activity of people with alcohol dependence. These folks show a relative absence of the slower frequencies — alpha and theta — that reflect a calm, peaceful inner state. Instead of going into the alpha and theta states, certain chronic alcoholics appear to remain "locked" in an EEG pattern consistent with constant thinking, vigilance, and scanning. The alcohol chemically pushes anyone into the "alpha/theta" state. That's the "high" feeling, the relaxed, loosening "buzz." It is also what is just too attractive for someone whose brain doesn't ever let go and relax on its own.
Most importantly, these EEG abnormalities appear in the children of alcoholics, prior to their use of alcohol — strongly supporting the disease concept of alcoholism, and the necessity for continuing abstinence.
Modifying brain activity to modify the urge
Eugene Peniston, PhD, working at the Fort Lyons VA Hospital, trained severe, late-stage chronic alcoholics over a period of a month — twice a day — to create alpha and theta activity, to voluntarily alter their EEG patterns in ways that would make up for their apparent genetic deficit. Alpha and theta rhythms are learned and enhanced, resulting in the creation of a mellow, calm state the addict has previously not been able to access without drugs.
We have also had success outpatient using neurotherapy to help prevent relapse in persons who are able to maintain periods of sobriety. Strong commitment and solid support is necessary.
We see this approach as completely consistent with the 12 Step principles and with other healing traditions emphasizing spirituality. In fact, we believe that for those individuals who have not been able to sustain the rigorous honesty, commitment, and spirituality that the 12 Step approach requires, the adjunct of neurotherapy may make these things possible.