Symptoms
Testing
Treatments
What causes addiction?
Addiction begins when alcohol, drugs, or behaviors trigger your brain’s reward system, causing a massive release of endorphins and giving you a high or pleasurable feeling. However, overproduction of brain chemicals leads to physical changes. Neurotransmitter levels diminish and neurons become acclimated to the rush of endorphins.
From that point, your brain starts to crave the source of your addiction, creating urges that you can’t control. As you give in to the cravings, your brain gradually needs higher doses to elicit the same pleasurable response.
Dr. Asif has extensive experience treating all the different types of addiction, including but not limited to:
- Alcohol
- Drugs (prescription and illegal)
- Sex
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Video or internet gaming
- Smartphone
No matter what activity or substance causes your addiction, Dr. Asif offers safe and effective neuroscience-based treatments that you won’t find at other psychiatric practices.
What diagnostic tests identify brain activity in addiction?
Addiction develops from compromised brain activity. Dr. Asif identifies the source of dysfunction using cutting-edge diagnostic testing such as:
Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG)
Dr. Asif performs a QEEG test by placing 19 electrodes on your scalp, then they use low-resolution tomography to measure brain waves and produce a vivid map of your brain activity. Dr. Asif uses the map to determine your treatment. He also performs ongoing QEEG during your treatment to get physical feedback showing changes in brain activity.
Cognitive testing
Depending on your age and any concerns about your cognitive health, Dr. Asif may recommend cognitive testing, which consists of a series of tests that detect depression, memory loss, brain injury, and other problems.
Biostress test
Your QEEG, breathing, and heart rate are measured while you view stress-inducing images, providing information about the way your brain and body respond to stress. Dr. Asif uses this information to guide treatment decisions.
How is addiction treated?
Alcohol and other substance use addictions are typically treated with psychotherapy plus medication to control withdrawal symptoms while you detox. Behavioral addictions are treated with therapy that’s also beneficial for substance abuse. Addiction therapy helps you understand the thoughts and feelings that led to your addiction, then teaches you how to recognize and avoid your triggers.
Dr. Asif offers psychotherapy with a significant difference: He performs neuropsychotherapy, measuring your QEEG and mapping brain activity during your therapy. He also offers neuroscience-based treatments that improve brain function and help to overcome addiction, including:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
As controlled magnetic pulses safely pass through your scalp and into a precisely targeted area of your brain, they trigger nerve activity, boosting neurotransmitters and improving brain activity.
Neurofeedback
The innovative Brain Master AVATAR™ is a neurofeedback system that uses QEEG to detect brain waves and display images of your brain activity on a monitor. QEEG is so responsive that you get instantaneous, real-time feedback as you consciously change your brain waves. With ongoing neurofeedback training, your brain rebuilds new nerve connections and improves functioning.
At Brain Wellness Center, you receive comprehensive care for your addiction, helping you to detox and to achieve long-lasting recovery with brain enhancement. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book an appointment online. They don’t accept insurance; however, they provide an itemized bill with CPT codes that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
