This podcast discusses the use of dual brain psychology and light therapy to reduce addiction, depression, and anxiety. It explores hypotheses about brain hemisphere specialization in emotional responses and the impact of head traumas and strokes. Researchers use specialized glasses to determine the dominant side of the brain in patients with addiction, depression, and anxiety. A study shows promising results of using light therapy to treat opioid addiction with reductions in cravings and improved mental health scores.
Understanding which side of the brain is dominant in addictive behaviors can help in developing effective treatments.
Light therapy, particularly near-infrared light, shows potential in reducing addiction, depression, and anxiety through improved ATP formation in mitochondria, increased neurotrophic factors, enhanced blood flow, and decreased inflammation.
Deep dives
Dual Brain Psychology
Dual brain psychology explores the idea that one hemisphere of the brain tends to be more mature and healthy, while the other hemisphere may be affected by past traumas, leading to destructive behaviors and beliefs. This concept challenges the traditional association of negative emotions with the right hemisphere. By using special glasses to stimulate one eye at a time, researchers can determine which side of the brain is more affected. The visual field that is less symptomatic is considered positive. Understanding which side of the brain is dominant in addictive behaviors can help in developing effective treatments.
Laser Therapy for Addiction, Depression, and Anxiety
Light therapy, particularly near-infrared light, shows potential in reducing addiction, depression, and anxiety through improved ATP formation in mitochondria, increased neurotrophic factors, enhanced blood flow, and decreased inflammation. In a study, researchers applied an 810 nanometer LED unit for four minutes to the positive side of the brain, above the eye, in patients with opioid cravings. Immediate results showed a significant decrease in cravings, suggesting a potential placebo effect. However, after three weeks, patients treated with light therapy experienced more than a 50% reduction in opioid cravings, along with decreased depression and anxiety. Further research is needed, but these findings offer promising possibilities for addiction treatment.
Novel Treatment Addressing Underlying Symptoms
The use of light therapy presents a novel treatment approach that aims to address underlying depression and anxiety symptoms resulting from past traumas. These symptoms can both contribute to addiction and be consequences of it. The study highlights the importance of understanding the brain's processing of addiction, depression, and anxiety, as well as finding safe and effective ways to respond and treat these complex disorders. While more research is necessary, the potential of light therapy in reducing addiction and its associated symptoms is an exciting development with implications for future treatment approaches.
In this episode Dr. Rountree discusses an August 2020 study about using dual brain psychology and light therapy to reduce addiction, depression, and anxiety.