Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for addiction recovery
DBS is employed to treat movement disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). DBS involves simulation of specific brain regions with electrodes. There are reports that show the effectiveness of the reduction in substance abuse like alcohol, nicotine and heroin in humans after encountering DBS treatments for depression.
Addiction shows alteration in gene expression in a mesocorticolimbic projection of nucleus accumbens. Studies on rodents set forth platforms of a claim that brain stimulation of nucleus accumbens reduces cocaine and alcohol consumption. Alterations in glutamatergic transmission in nucleus accumbens happen during withdrawal sessions. Studies on treating refractory alcohol dependence show results in the reduction of cravings and in some individuals the treatment prove very effective in entire retraction.