First, it was cigarettes. Now, it’s vapes and JUULs. Even though generation Z and millennials were supposed to stop the intrepid consumption of it, nicotine continues to haunt the human race.
TMS is a smoking cessation tool that we think could be helpful for those struggling with nicotine addiction.
Thankfully, with new technology, it’s easier than ever to quit using nicotine. Read on to learn why.
Smoking Cessation: Beginning Your Path
Smoking cessation is just a fancy way of saying that someone wants to quit smoking.
According to the CDC, in 2015, 68.0% of adult smokers had the urge to quit. If you want to quit, you are not alone.
We are here to help you on a path that’s best for you, and your health.
What Is TMS?
There are a plethora of programs to help you quit smoking out there, but one you may have never heard of is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
TMS leverages the electromagnetic induction to stimulate parts of the brain with tiny amounts of electric current. It’s become an incredibly powerful tool in neurology since it’s completely non-invasive and can be used in a wide variety of neurological and mental diseases. It is also known to produce very little (if any) discomfort.
During TMS therapy, small capacitors alter magnetic fields near very specific parts of the brain, stimulating (or suppressing) underactive (or overactive) parts of the brain. This procedure aims to alter activity in the brain to normal levels seen in people without mental disorders.
TMS therapy is used for several ailments, including depression, Parkinson’s Disease, and bipolar disorder. And, obviously, TMS aids in smoking cessation.
TMS Targets Your Brain
Simply, TMS works to target the specific brain areas that control a person’s addiction. If you’ve tried quitting before, you may have used patches or hypnotherapy — perhaps with little luck.
Addiction and its subsequent constant cravings are hard to move past — especially since addiction can alter brain chemistry and function over time.
But since TMS can directly target parts of the brain associated with addiction, it is increasingly becoming regarded as an option for addiction treatment.
After having TMS therapy, most patients report that their urge to smoke is decreased.
TMS is often paired with cognitive behavioral therapy, to curb addictive thoughts and cravings for nicotine.
Conquering a smoking and nicotine addiction is no easy feat, but with TMS, it just got a whole lot easier, and we want to help.
TMS Procedure
At the Brain Therapy TMS, we conduct TMS through a variety of steps.
Firstly, there will be an initial assessment where multiple tests and surveys will be completed. The entire process will take about two hours.
Next, EEG and brain mapping will take place.
EEG stands for electroencephalogram, and it’s a brain scan that shows electrical activity. This is then converted into the brain map and used for diagnostics. This allows psychiatrists to deduce an appropriate TMS prescription.
While you’re getting your brain scan, you even get to wear a fun nylon cap! This cap will later be marked up with the parts of your brain that will receive therapy, and the cap will be worn each session.
From there, a personal prescription is crafted. The prescription clarifies the types of power, amplitude, frequency, etc., that the TMS machine will be set at. Everyone’s TMS prescription looks a bit different.
Now for the main act: the brain cell therapy sessions. Each session may last between 6 and 20 minutes, depending on your needs.
It’s common for most patients to go through 25-30 TMS sessions, and some patients, depending on their needs, may get treatments multiple times a day
The sensation feels like slight tapping on the head, and some people even find it to be relaxing. All patients are awake when receiving TMS therapy.
It is important to note that a successful treatment pairing is talk therapy, which we offer.
Quitting With TMS
TMS, although a new technology, is great because it’s a brain therapy that is noninvasive. There’s also no hospitalization or recovery time for TMS patients. Additionally, it’s FDA approved.
BrainsWay’s Deep TMS for smoking in addiction in adults is FDA cleared, making it a reputable and safe therapy for those interested.
For the therapy itself, a patient will have to return to receive the brain treatment many times.
The Health Benefits of Not Smoking
You want to quit smoking, and it’s probably because you’re concerned for your health, either immediately or in the long term.
According to the American Cancer Society, only a year after you quit smoking, your risk of a heart attack drops significantly.
Additionally, after ten whole years of not smoking, your risk of throat, mouth, esophagus, kidney, bladder, and lung cancer is half that of someone who still smokes.
While you may be frowning because these health benefits take many years to kick into effect, studies indicate there are immediate benefits as soon as you put your cigarette down.
Food may taste better. Your sense of smell will be closer to normal. Your fingernails and teeth will stop from yellowing, and you can live more freely because you aren’t bound by the rules of smoke-free buildings.
All of these benefits are great for you, your health, and your longevity.
One of the ways to get closer to these health benefits is through TMS therapy, and we are ready and happy to help.
Final Thoughts
So maybe you didn’t know about TMS—thank goodness you do now!
TMS is definitely an option you should explore if you’re looking to kick your smoking habit to the curb for good.
At Brain Therapy TMS, we know smoking cessation isn’t easy, but we are hoping we can help you achieve your goal.
Please contact us today if you want to book a free consultation for your TMS therapy.
