Magnetic stimulation shows good results in reducing alcohol consumption

MEXICO CITY (EFE).— More than half of Mexicans over the age of 20 are prevalent in alcohol consumption, a disorder that “hijacks” several brain regions and can be treated with a transcranial magnetic stimulation technique implemented in Mexico, said Alejandra López, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

“Two decades ago, it was thought that substance use was due to a lack of willpower, but evidence suggests that it is more likely to be due to these changes and brain hijackings of the reward system,” the specialist explained, referring to what happens to this population, which accounts for approximately 55%.

Neurobiologist Eduardo Garza Villarreal indicated that when addiction occurs, two mechanisms are at work: "the accelerator and the brake." The first is located in the amygdala and deeper regions—such as the basal ganglia—and overreacts, promoting cravings without being able to stop consumption.

While the second, he added, occurs because the "prefrontal zones are not functioning properly" and, consequently, it is not possible to stop consumption.

“There is a hypothesis that if we magnetically stimulate certain regions, we can improve this inhibition, and others also say it's possible to reduce cravings; both are valid and are used,” he said of this technique, which “promotes neuroplasticity” and has been studied for a decade to treat addictions to substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, and even in cases of depression and anxiety.

Regarding the research led by Alejandra López and conducted at the UNAM Institute of Neurobiology, the focus was on 48 people aged 25 to 59 who had been abstinent for two months and did not have neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.

For this treatment, where dose is a key factor, a coil is placed on the scalp to transmit electrical currents of 3,500 pulses of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Evidence

The scientist explained that during a four-week process, the area to be stimulated is defined, and when the participant receives the pulses, they are shown images related to alcoholic beverages to monitor the brain activity that occurs during cravings for the substance.

"Approximately 80% of participants reported that their craving for alcohol decreased in the first two weeks, and only one relapsed," he emphasized, noting that all group members experienced an improvement in their "mood."

The specialist clarified that the attendees continue with their "psychological support" and/or psychotherapeutic medications, which is why this technique is a "combination treatment."