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By Michael Cohen
Director and Chief of Neurotechnology
One of the most frequent questions I hear from people seeking help from us is: Can I ever get off my medication?
Some have anxiety. Others suffer from depression, ADHD or sleep issues.
Many have tried stopping medications and struggled badly. Often they’re resigned to taking drugs, even though those drugs may not work very well or may have unpleasant side effects. They’ve been told by their doctors that they are probably going to be on medication for the rest of their lives.
Why did their doctors give them such discouraging news? Because medication is what doctors have been taught about in school – it’s what’s in their toolbox. Why don’t they mention neurofeedback (non-drug biofeedback for the brain)? Because they likely know very little – or nothing at all – about it.
The fact is, it’s possible to reduce your reliance on medications. Approximately 75 percent of our clients who want off their meds are able to significantly reduce or eliminate them altogether when they are conscientious about completing neurofeedback sessions and taking certain brain-boosting supplements, when appropriate.
When medication is useful
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not against medications. They are a completely reasonable short-term answer for people in crisis. However, in the long term, it’s better whenever possible to tackle the underlying problems rather than rely on medications your whole life.
Medication is useful in helping you manage your symptoms. However, when you get off the medication, your brain’s ability to function hasn’t improved.
Often patients we see have tried getting off their medications unsuccessfully. Some have been told: “This is proof that you need the medication.” Well, keep this in mind…
Nobody’s brain is deficient in Prozac or Xanax (though your brain gets used to it). Unless you have something like neurofeedback to help your brain transition, it can be difficult to get off.
Neurofeedback – A tool for the brain
Neurofeedback teaches your brain and nervous system to be more resilient and to work better. When your brain works better, there’s typically less need for medications.
Add certain brain-boosting supplements, and the benefit can be even greater.
The result? Over time you can gradually wean off medications and do so far more smoothly, even after years of use.
Brain supplements – How can they help?
I’m sure you’re wondering about the supplements
I mentioned above, but before I tell you about them, here’s something you should know about me:
For more than 20 years I’ve investigated supplements reputed to contribute to brain health and optimal cognitive functioning. Frankly, I have been unimpressed with most of them, in part because they didn’t meet one of my most important criteria: consistently working.
In recent years, however, I have been recommending two products. One is a micronutrient vitamin. The other is a free-form amino acid compound. These supplements, when taken in combination and as part of a neurofeedback training program, have impressive synergistic benefits. They seem to significantly and consistently increase the rapidity with which our clients respond to their training.
It appears that the high-quality nutrition provided by these micronutrient supplements, combined with neurofeedback, helps create a more resilient and stable brain. A more stable brain facilitates an easier transition from medication. (The Center for Brain Training always coordinates medication-reduction efforts with our clients’ physicians).
By the way, the impact of micronutrient vitamins has not gone unnoticed in scientific circles. In a published scientific review, Harvard psychiatrist Charles Popper, M.D. noted that “Broad-spectrum micronutrient interventions… (are) surprisingly effective for altering mood, cognition, and behavior.” He has also noted that micronutrients appear effective in early controlled trials “as potent treatments of ADHD, aggressive and disordered conduct, and mood disorders in youth and adults.”
Is neurofeedback right for you?
That’s where a consultation comes in
So, what happens when you come to us and say you want to get off or reduce your medications?
We assess your situation to ensure that your goal of getting off or reducing medication is appropriate
We custom-design your neurofeedback training protocol based, when appropriate, on a qEEG brain map
We may also recommend a brain vitamin supplement regimen
We look for environmental, lifestyle and other issues that can exacerbate your problem
We assess if there are tools or exercises you can use at home
We provide guidelines on how to talk to your doctor about lowering your dosage. Most doctors are open to trying medication reduction gradually if they feel it’s being done responsibly. We suggest you discuss with your doctor having extra medication or a prescription on hand if needed. (This seldom happens, but it gives our clients peace of mind.)
Call Us Today!
If you’ve been hoping to find a solution other than medication for anxiety or depression, I urge you to call us today for a consultation. During this consultation I will determine what is appropriate for your unique situation.
If I think what we do at The Center for Brain Training can make a difference I’ll explain why and what’s involved. We specialize in tools and support to assist you in feeling better and reducing or eliminating your reliance on medications. It’s a much healthier long-term approach.
Michael Cohen
Director and Chief of Neurotechnology
Michael Cohen is a leading expert in brain biofeedback. For over 25 years he’s worked with clients, taught courses and provided consulting to
physicians and mental health professionals around the world, helping them incorporate into their practices new biofeedback technologies for chronic pain, anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD and neurological problems.
Center for Brain
Welltower Center
550 Heritage Drive, Suite 140, Jupiter, FL 33458
Phone: 561-744-7616, Text: 561-291-9562
www.CenterforBrain.com
