Addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects the brain’s reward system, leading to compulsive substance use or behavior despite harmful consequences. It alters the way the brain processes pleasure, stress, and decision-making, often creating a powerful cycle that is difficult to break without intervention. Fortunately, new and effective treatments are available, and Shanti TMS is proud to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), one of the most promising non-invasive options.
As a locally owned and physician-led clinic, we provide personalized care using TMS therapy that targets the areas of the brain involved in addiction and mood regulation. Shanti TMS offers addiction treatment in Portland for both adolescents and adults, using evidence-based care in a compassionate setting. With the rising demand for accessible, effective solutions, TMS stands out as a hopeful option for individuals seeking long-term recovery.
The Signs and Impact of Addiction
Addiction often develops gradually, and recognizing the signs early can be critical in helping someone get the treatment they need. While the specific symptoms vary based on the substance or behavior involved, common signs include intense cravings, loss of control, neglecting responsibilities, and continuing the behavior despite negative consequences. People struggling with addiction may isolate themselves from loved ones, experience mood swings, and have difficulty maintaining work, school, or personal obligations. Over time, addiction affects not just mental and emotional health but also physical well-being, increasing the risk for chronic illnesses, overdose, and even death.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), more than 20 million people in the United States live with a substance use disorder, and most do not receive adequate care. The same data shows that deaths linked to opioid use disorder have risen dramatically in recent years. Substance use disorders are closely tied to many health conditions, further reinforcing the urgency of providing effective, accessible treatment. This national crisis is mirrored locally in Portland, where addiction continues to impact individuals, families, and communities. That’s why innovative approaches like TMS are so essential.
How Shanti TMS Approaches Addiction Treatment
At Shanti TMS, we approach addiction treatment with the understanding that every person’s journey is unique. Whether someone is struggling with substance use, behavioral addiction, or co-occurring mental health conditions, we design their treatment plan to match their specific needs. Traditional approaches, including therapy and medication, can be helpful but are not always effective for everyone, especially for those who have struggled with relapse or treatment-resistant conditions.
That’s where TMS comes in. TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, particularly those involved in impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation. These areas are often underactive or dysregulated in individuals with addiction. By normalizing brain activity, TMS can help reduce cravings, improve mood stability, and enhance the brain’s ability to form healthier patterns. This makes it a powerful complement to other forms of therapy or, in some cases, a standalone solution when other treatments haven’t worked.
Shanti TMS offers addiction treatment in Portland with a deep commitment to both scientific excellence and compassionate care. Their physician-led team works closely with each patient to ensure that TMS is integrated into a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. This holistic approach considers not just the addiction itself, but the underlying issues that may be driving it, such as trauma, depression, or anxiety.
The Science Behind TMS for Addiction
TMS has been studied extensively for its effects on mood disorders, and recent research supports its growing role in addiction treatment. TMS works by delivering focused magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This area plays a key role in regulating emotions, controlling impulses, and managing decision-making.
When these brain circuits are dysregulated, it becomes harder for someone to resist cravings or make rational choices about their behavior. TMS helps reset these networks, restoring balance and reducing the emotional triggers that lead to substance use. Although TMS is not a cure for addiction, it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and help patients regain control over their lives.
Clinical studies have also shown that TMS may reduce relapse rates and enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions. The non-invasive nature of TMS makes it a particularly attractive option. Treatments are done on an outpatient basis, typically lasting 20–40 minutes per session over the course of several weeks.
At Shanti TMS, every treatment is overseen by a physician to ensure safety, precision, and the highest standards of care. By offering addiction treatment in Portland through TMS, we provide a science-backed, hopeful alternative for individuals who may feel like they’ve exhausted all other options.
Treating Adolescents and Adults with Care
Addiction doesn’t discriminate by age, and both adolescents and adults can experience its devastating effects. Shanti TMS is one of the few clinics in Portland that offers TMS treatment for both age groups, recognizing that younger individuals face unique challenges that require a specialized approach.
For adolescents, the developing brain is especially vulnerable to the effects of addiction. TMS provides a gentle yet effective option that avoids the risks associated with medications or inpatient hospitalization. Our team works closely with parents and guardians to ensure a supportive and transparent process from start to finish.
For adults, TMS offers a fresh start, especially for those dealing with long-term addiction, co-occurring depression, or treatment-resistant symptoms. Whether someone has tried therapy, medications, or multiple rehab programs without lasting success, TMS can offer new hope. At Shanti TMS, we offer an adult treatment program that focuses on helping individuals rebuild their lives with the support of experienced professionals and a treatment plan that truly fits.
The Benefits of Using TMS to Treat Addiction
TMS offers several advantages when used as part of an addiction treatment plan. First and foremost, it is non-invasive and drug-free, which means there’s no risk of developing a secondary dependency or experiencing the side effects that often come with medications. This is especially important for individuals in recovery who want to avoid substances altogether.
Another benefit is that TMS addresses the root of the issue, brain function. By stimulating the neural pathways associated with impulse control and emotion regulation, TMS helps patients make healthier decisions and resist the urge to relapse. Many patients also report improved mood, better focus, and a renewed sense of motivation after completing a course of TMS therapy.
Because treatments are quick and do not require downtime, individuals can continue with work, school, or daily responsibilities without disruption. This convenience makes TMS an accessible option for people who want real results without having to put their lives on hold.
Shanti TMS is proud to offer this leading-edge therapy as part of our mission to provide effective, evidence-based addiction treatment. Recovery begins with both compassion and science, and TMS reflects that commitment at every step.