Substance abuse treatment typically involves long-term psychological and medicinal intervention. In the last few years, new neurological interventions have been created and trialed, including focused ultrasound treatment, that show significant promise in improving drug and alcohol addiction recovery in one short treatment.
What is Ultrasound Brain Zapping
Researchers at West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute are developing and trialing a new addiction treatment called focused ultrasound (FUS) technology. This approach to addiction treatment is seen to help reduce substance cravings, even in those with severe and long-term substance use disorders. [1][2]
The non-invasive procedure involves placing a helmet and goggles, worth $1 million, on the participant's head, which pulses ultrasound waves to specific areas of the brain. During this, the individual is shown images of the substances they use, intended to act as a trigger. The ultrasound waves can alter brain activity in areas associated with cravings and addiction behaviors. [3][4]
As addiction develops, changes occur in the brain, particularly within the nucleus accumbens, which plays a key role in the brain’s reward circuit and impacts motivation and pleasure-seeking. This new technology is designed to specifically target this area, reducing the changes caused by addiction. [5]
So far, this treatment has been used on a limited number of participants as clinical trials are in their early stages. Among those who have used this treatment, results have been promising, with many participants reporting reduced cravings and sustained abstinence. [2]
Other brain stimulation treatments
Many different treatments have been explored in recent years with various clinical trials demonstrating positive results. These therapies involve deep brain stimulation (DBS), also intended to alter brain activity. However, unlike FUS, DBS therapies often involve electrodes being implanted in the brain. [2][6]
DBS has been used to treat various neurological conditions over the last 30 years, such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Recent research indicates it may be useful in treating substance use issues such as opioid use disorder. [6]
Some small-scale clinical trials have taken place in recent years, showing that the treatment can be well-tolerated with few side effects and helps reduce cravings and relapse in people addicted to alcohol, tobacco, opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. [7]
Despite these possible benefits, DBS is an invasive treatment, requiring surgery to implant a device in the brain, which can cause potential risks. FUS is non-invasive, yet can still target specific areas with precision, prompting the recent investigation into its benefits in substance use disorder treatment. [2][5]
What is the future of FUS for addiction treatment?
FUS treatment for substance use disorders is a new approach, which still requires large-scale clinical trials to determine its safety, tolerability, and effectiveness. Because of this, it has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although this may be a possibility as the treatment is further evaluated. Currently, FUS is FDA-approved for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. [2][4]
So far, results indicate that it can be an effective and non-invasive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, with potential benefits in treating other addictive behaviors such as gambling. [3]
Further clarification is required to determine how FUS works alongside or instead of traditional substance use disorder treatments, such as medications or talk therapies.
One of the leading scientists in these trials, James Mahoney, stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that, although this technique can reduce cravings, it is necessary for individuals also to learn coping mechanisms to prevent relapse. As such, FUS will likely be most effective in the long term for those who also utilize interventions such as behavioral therapies.
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