APRIL - 20239ailments such as depression and anxiety. This form of therapy, depending on the ailment being addressed, requires the strategic placement of electrodes on the patient's scalp. This allows the treating physician to view the individual's electrical output of neuronal activity in the areas where the electrodes are placed. This is also called an EEG or electroencephalograph. From this EEG, the amplitudes and frequencies of the brain waves can be measured and the proper treatment can commence. Historically, low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORE-TA) has been the most successful type of neurofeedback used to treat addiction. It has also used to treat depression, increase relaxation and allows for healing from trauma. In this treatment, electrodes are placed on the occipital lobes, which is the area of the brain that processes visual memories; on the parietal lobes, which is the area of the brain related to problem solving; and the sensorimotor cortex, located in the parietal lobe, which is the area of the brain associated with the conscious control of movement.Alpha/theta protocol is the training used to treat addiction, so after the electrodes are placed, the patient receives auditory feedback from the treating physician to perform different brain functions. Studies have shown that neurofeedback training is effective in treating substance used disorder and reducing the craving of a substance.The practice of utilizing neurofeedback in the treatment of addiction, in addition to other evidence-based treatment methods, has shown some promise, but more research into this area is required. Thus far, the use of PET scans and SPECT scans, both FDA-approved for psychiatric indications and mental health, have been used to monitor functional activity in the brain and identify patterns that correlate with addiction and behavioral health disorders. Based on the fact that this type of imaging has been deemed appropriate for mental and behavioral health treatment, it only follows that more research into neurofeedback technology and treatment is a necessity.Over the past few years, we have seen the devastation caused by addiction, namely the opioid epidemic, and the damage left in its wake. Tens of thousands of people die each year from this disease, and it's imperative that treatments with the ability to alleviate problems caused by addiction be made available to the public as soon as they are available. Medication-assisted treatment is considered the gold standard for the treatment of substance use disorders
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