The problem of getting rid of dependence (addiction) is extremely difficult, because it contains a "vicious circle." To change the behavior you should have a desire, namely that`s a motive. However, when the dependence is formed - the dominant motive is to obtain the substance (chemical or non-chemical), which developed an addiction. That is, the dependence creates in the psyche dominant motivation, or dominant. Dominant obeys physiological principles - any impact on the dominant reinforces her, dominant need to be brought to fulfillment.
The desire to get rid of the dependence is a weaker dominant, as it is based on rationality (the base of which, simply speaking, is the neocortex of the brain – the latest evolutionary acquisition of the nervous system), and the dominant, realizing addiction is deeper and stronger. Any dependence is formed by appealing to internal reinforcement system - emotions (the base of which are subcortical structures – that are earlier evolutionary formation and, consequently, more powerful).
So the desire to get rid of the dependence is gaining strength as the dominant addiction weakened - that is, when the need is satisfied. And the illusion of ease of getting rid of it appears. With increasing need for the new portion of the substance, of which there is dependence, more powerful dominant wins in the competition of motives, which leads to its satisfaction.
This is the cause of frequent failures: although one can find new rational arguments for the release from the dependence, they are less powerful than emotional motivations coming from the depths of the brain. Then rationality begins to play even the opposite role (as all in mind at this moment serves a dominant motivation) - the mind begins to look for arguments to take "required decision" and justify it. Behind it all is the work of the brain. So working with the manifestations of brain activity (brain waves or rhythms) to get rid of the dependence will be more effective.
The Laboratory of Psychodiagnostics of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University has the Complex of Rehabilitation psychophysiological training with biofeedback (BFB) "REHACOR-T" which allows working effectively with the problem of addictive behavior.
The basis of emotional behavior is the activity of subcortical structures that produce slow-wave activity. The basis of rational behavior – fast and medium-wave activity. Sitting in front of a computer screen with a parallel recording of EEG person has the opportunity to know and to arbitrarily change their brain activity to decrease slow-wave activity and increasing fast. This process is creative and fun - trying to change the rhythmic activity of the brain, a person can think of any images, do self-hypnosis, search for such states of mind that will lead to the desired result - a reduction of slow waves and increase of medium and fast in percentage, which is reflected on the screen as improved pictures, graphs, demonstration of video clips, sounding music. This is the principle of biofeedback - by getting information on how the current mode of the brain works, you can learn how to manage it, because the result is always visible, so you can understand what it is influenced by and how.
Today in the world, the use of biofeedback is recognized as one of the most advanced non-drug technology of the dependence correction. An additional advantage of the method is the general improvement of the psychological state of the person, the normalization of sleep, health, quality of life.
The duration of treatment – 20-25 minutes for a training session. It is desirable to hold two training at one time. The minimum number of sessions – 10. In severe cases it may take up to 30-50 sessions. But even a small number of sessions allow a person to better feel how his mind works and how it can be effectively managed.
© Lutsenko Olena
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