In newspapers across the world today, a writer for the Associated Press shared the news that Brain State Technologies® has proven over and over: “Addiction isn't just about willpower. It's a chronic brain disease.” The American Society of Addiction Medicine has formally changed their definition of addiction to get at the root cause: brain function.

“Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, shopping, eating, gambling or sex, an individual’s need for a particular substance is driven by brain function,” explained Lee Gerdes, founder and CEO of Brain State Technologies. “Addictions are not a result of bad behavior. They are a craving that comes directly from an imbalanced brain that is seeking the substance or the action to balance itself out.”

"The behavioral problem is a result of brain dysfunction," agrees Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). She explains further that "the pathology in the brain persists for years after you've stopped taking the drug."

Gerdes has developed an advanced neuro-technology called Brainwave Optimization™ that has been used by nearly 34,000 clients at about 150 centers in 16 countries throughout the world.

“At latest count, we’ve worked with more than 2,500 addicts who report that after Brainwave Optimization™, they no longer crave their substance of choice,” said Gerdes. In a study conducted with the Yavapai County Probation Department in May 2005, Brainwave Optimization was used to reduce repeated substance abuse infractions by adult probationers.

According to Billie Groban, chief probation officer at Yavapai County, “the success rate was 100 percent – unheard of with methamphetamine addicts. At the end of the three-month period, all probationers were drug-free based on testimonies and random urinalysis.” YAVAPAI STUDY

“My hope is that this important announcement from the addictions community will help more people understand the reality behind addictions and point them in the direction of help that gets at the root cause: brain function,” said Gerdes. “We know there are many more people we can help. It isn’t about willpower; it’s about brain power - changing the way the brain functions.”

The NIDA estimates that 23 million Americans need treatment for substance abuse, but only about 2 million get that help.

• ASAM's definition of addiction: http://www.asam.org/DefinitionofAddiction-LongVersion.html

Lee Gerdes developed Brainwave Optimization after being assaulted by four youth, and wrestling with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder for nearly a decade.  Conventional modalities, medications and sheer willpower didn’t help him overcome the paralyzing effects of PTSD. It wasn’t until he identified the disruption in his own brain patterns that he was able to get to the root cause and change his thinking – and behavior. Gerdes shares his experience in Limitless You: The Infinite Possibilities of a Balanced Brain, available now in paperback at Amazon.com

Orginal Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ileBiXpDz9zZaBqwyvmJx-5Mzlmw?docId=cf6b85bae54c43ea8624c8bd257752b7