Amelioration of stress in chemical dependency detoxification by transcranial electrostimulation

Abstract

AbstractStress — in the form of the psychic distress and aggression traditionally experienced as a substantial part of the withdrawal syndrome — is a major obstacle to the successful detoxification and rehabilitation of the chemical dependant. Transcranial electrostimulation, a detoxification modality applied for a maximum of 10 days, and ‘cranial electrostimulation’ (known as CES), a treatment adjunct, significantly ameliorate these affective components resulting in a lowered drop‐out rate and enhancing the patient's ability to benefit from relapse‐prevention modalities. Electrostimulation has been demonstrated as efficacious in both inpatient and outpatient settings; and, used appropriately, has no unwanted side‐effects. The work of the authors in relevant animal and clinical studies over the past 20 years is summarized in the light of general electrostimulation research, and their recent clinical investigations described. Various representative psychological assessments are reported. The confusion and controversy arising from the embryonic nature of the electrical criteria integral to electrostimulation applications is considered to be the greatest single obstacle to controlled and replicable research.