Non-pharmaceutical methods of mitigating addiction withdrawal symptoms
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11298502-B2
Publication Date
2022-04-12
Expiration Date
2036-11-23
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Abstract
Non-pharmaceuticals method of treating the effects of addiction withdrawal are described. The method includes providing a person with stimuli include visual and/or auditory stimuli which are pulsed at the rate of various types of brain waves. The use of the method lessens various withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, sleepiness, sweating, tearing of the eyes, running of the nose, goosebumps, shaking, hot flushes, cold flushes, bones aching, muscles aching, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, stomach cramps, pain, the need to use an opioid, the desire to use an opioid, sleep disturbances. and the use of rescue medications.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a non-pharmaceutical method of treating the effects of addiction withdrawal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a sensory stimulus comprising visual and/or auditory stimuli pulsed at brain wave frequencies. This method lessens various withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleepiness, sweating, tearing of the eyes, running of the nose, goosebumps, shaking, hot flushes, cold flushes, aching bones and muscles, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, stomach cramps, pain, the need and desire to use opioids, sleep disturbances, and reduces use of rescue medications.
The method may include the use of a headset with incorporated light sources and vibration (auditory) sources that deliver stimuli at predetermined frequencies and pulse patterns, including frequencies corresponding to delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma brain waves. The stimuli can be modulated in amplitude and alternated between left and right sensory organs to engage brain hemispheres and potentially enhance therapeutic effects. Sensory stimulus delivery can be modified based on real-time biometric measurements such as heart rate variability to optimize treatment.
The problem addressed by the invention is the difficulty faced in overcoming addiction and mitigating withdrawal symptoms without relying on pharmaceutical interventions. Current opioid withdrawal treatments use medications like methadone and buprenorphine, but there is a need for non-pharmaceutical tools and methods to lessen withdrawal effects, especially given the health and societal costs of addiction and opioid overdose epidemics.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes numerous claims, with the independent claims focusing on methods of treating addiction withdrawal symptoms by administering sensory stimuli comprising visual and auditory stimuli using specific pulse frequencies and patterns, including the use of a headset and measurements to modify treatment.
Treatment of withdrawal symptoms by sensory stimuli
Selecting a person undergoing addiction withdrawal with symptoms and treating them by administering a therapeutically effective amount of sensory stimuli comprising one or more visual stimuli and one or more auditory stimuli.
Use of specific sensory stimuli patterns with pulse frequencies
Using two or more sensory stimuli patterns with different pulse frequencies including sinusoidal components in ranges corresponding to brain wave frequencies (delta, theta, alpha), and administering sequences of stimuli over time.
Alternating sensory stimuli across sensory organs
Providing sensory stimuli alternating between a first stimuli pattern delivering left visual and right auditory stimuli and a second stimuli pattern delivering right visual and left auditory stimuli, with further alternations involving combined or opposite side stimuli patterns.
Incorporation of physical device features
Generating auditory stimuli using left and right speakers or bone conduction transducers within a headset, and pulsing visual stimuli via one or more amplitude modulated light sources.
Modification of sensory stimulus based on biometric measurements
Obtaining at least one measurement using sensors (such as heart rate, HRV, temperature, motion, galvanic skin response, EEG, EMG), determining the state of the person, and modifying the sensory stimulus according to the determined state.
Treatment targeting specific withdrawal symptoms and addictions
Treating withdrawal symptoms specifically including but not limited to sleepiness, sweating, nausea, pain, opioid craving, and sleep disturbances, with symptoms resulting from opioid or nicotine withdrawal.
The claims cover methods of non-pharmaceutical treatment of addiction withdrawal by providing specific sensory stimuli delivered using devices such as headsets, with stimuli designed using pulse frequencies corresponding to brain waves, alternating delivery patterns, and adaptive modifications based on biometric monitoring to reduce withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Stated Advantages
Provides a non-pharmaceutical method for treating addiction withdrawal symptoms, reducing reliance on medications.
Lessens a broad range of withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, pain, sleep disturbances, and cravings.
Reduces the frequency of use of rescue medications during withdrawal.
Allows adaptive treatment modifications based on real-time biometric data to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Engages left and right brain hemispheres through alternating sensory stimuli for improved relaxation and symptom relief.
Documented Applications
Treatment of withdrawal symptoms resulting from opioid addiction.
Treatment of withdrawal symptoms resulting from nicotine addiction.
Use in managing symptoms such as anxiety, pain, sleepiness, restlessness, cravings, and sleep disturbances during addiction withdrawal.
Use of a headset device to administer pulsed visual and auditory stimuli to persons undergoing addiction withdrawal.
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