Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (NET) for drug and alcohol rehabilitation

18-May-2012

the experts at Dr Vorobiev Clinic for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Belgrade are constantly searching for the new medical approaches and innovations to solve the problem of physical dependence on drugs.

Over the past six months they have introduced a new treatment: Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (or the so-called Neuro Electrical Therapy - NET), which has brought a significant improvement in the quality of drug detoxification. NET has been known as a means of drug detoxification for last 15-20 years. The essence of the method is the electrical stimulation of production of the natural opioids (endorphins) in hypothalamic brain structures and particular in the limbic system of the brain. The deficit of endogenous opioids explains the nature of withdrawal symptoms in the case of abrupt termination of external opioid (benzodiazepines) supply.

The purpose of the method is to ensure an adequate production of endogenous endorphins during drug detoxification without involvement in the process of detoxification the partial (Subutex) or the full opioid agonists (Tramal, Methadone) to compensate the lack of oipioids during detox. However, until recently an isolated application of the method in cases of severe dependence on opiates or benzodiazepines was not effective.

The latest upgraded programs of electrical stimulation in form of improved shape, frequency and intensity of electrical signals carried out by computer controlled device, which in its turn is able to find the optimal regime of stimulation automatically for each individual, significantly improved the quality of detox.

NET therapy in a comprehensive detoxification program was the leading method of treatment with the minimal support of non-narcotic analgesics and without use of neuroleptics. NET therapy alone was able to provide the desired analgesic and sedative effects. Patients received NET stimulation around clock within 4-5 days.