Addictions

Addictions

Short and long term substance abuse* affects blood flow and metabolism, which negatively affect the way your central nervous system works. This seems to be especially true in the frontal lobes of the brain, which control executive functioning (skills like planning, attention span, and impulse control) and in the temporal lobes, which are involved in memory, mood, and understanding speech. Fortunately, some researchers report that the damage associated with chronic use of alcohol, nicotine, inhalants, and solvents is at least partially reversible with addiction treatment.
How Amen Clinics Can Help
We know how difficult it can be to struggle with an addiction, and we treat all of our patients with the utmost care and respect as they receive addiction treatment. Our experience, and years of scientific research, have taught us that addiction can damage how your brain works and affect many areas of your life. We can help you not only recover from addiction, but also repair the damage it has caused. We conduct a full personal history before beginning brain scans or recommending any addiction treatment program.
SPECT Imaging
SPECT imaging (which stands for single-photon emission computerized tomography) is a special kind of photograph we take of the brain to help us better understand how it works and what is going on inside of it. SPECT can specifically help people with addictions by:

Identifying toxic exposure
Reducing denial
Helping determine if treatment is working correctly
Helping determine if there could be co-occurring conditions that need treatment
Increasing treatment and recovery program compliance by showing pictures of results
Helping people gain a better understanding of their brain through visuals