

Could Ultrasound Help Treat Addiction?
13 snips Jan 17, 2025
Julie Wernau, a WSJ health reporter, discusses a revolutionary approach to treating addiction using focused ultrasound. She explains how ultrasound waves can target brain areas associated with cravings, potentially disrupting harmful connections. The technology promises to reshape brain reward pathways, offering a novel method that stands apart from traditional treatments. Wernau also shares insights from patient case studies, emphasizing the importance of combining innovative tech with behavioral strategies for effective recovery.
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Joe Hilton's Addiction Story
- Joe Hilton battled addiction from a young age, trying various substances and struggling with relapse.
- Despite traditional interventions, he couldn't maintain sobriety long-term, facing personal consequences.
Addiction as a Brain Disease
- Addiction is a brain disease, with overdose deaths remaining high.
- Current addiction treatments haven't significantly changed in decades, highlighting a need for innovation.
Focused Ultrasound for Addiction
- Focused ultrasound, used to treat neurological conditions, is being explored for addiction treatment.
- This technology targets brain areas associated with cravings, potentially disrupting addiction pathways.