Judith Ann Miller
Founder, Soaring Hope Recovery, USA
Title: Integrating Scientific Modalities in Addiction Discovery- Use Your Brain for a Change
Biography
Biography: Judith Ann Miller
Abstract
Statement of Problem: Opioid Overdose is the #1 Killer. Every day at least 115 Americans die from opioid use and the rates of substance use disorder related deaths are continuously on the rise in the United States. Properly addressing this growing crisis starts with understanding the nature of addiction, and the prevention, treatment and recovery opportunities available (National Council).
Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: Science has shown that the brains of addicts are physiologically different - that they work differently — than "normal" brains. In Neuro-scientific terms, pleasure, or the feeling of well-being, is a distinct neurological function linked to a complex reward and reinforcement system. Creating new neural pathways; neurotransmitter rebalancing and stress release and detoxing the body is the answer to achieving sustainable recovery. During a 12-month study, 178 clients participated in the Seven Components of Care for at least 30 days. Each entered the program with some degree of anxiety and depression; a dependence on illicit drugs; alcohol; and prescription medications. Upon entry each completed The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II). As the clients transitioned they completed their exit Inventory. Participants received neurofeedback (LENS); neurotransmitter rebalancing; spiritual-experiential therapies; evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, Psychodrama, EMDR, Yoga); and a lifetime recovery plan.
Findings, Conclusions, and Significance: As 178 participants transitioned from the integrated therapeutic regime, only one reported a low level of anxiety and no one reported depression. All had titrated from prescriptions and were functioning at an all-natural level. Frequency distribution data related to the mid-prefrontal cortex EEG sites present an interesting analysis of how LENS training can be related to the actual prefrontal cortex functioning. It is exciting to expect that LENS can be a great contributing factor to expect that prescription medication therapy can actually be replaces with holistic, integrated therapy.