Stellate Ganglion Block
A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a medical procedure primarily used for pain management, particularly for conditions involving the sympathetic nervous system. It involves an injection of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a collection of nerves located in the neck.
A stellate ganglion block, or SGB for short, is a procedure where a local anesthetic is injected into the neck near the primary nerves that control the body’s sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system controls the famously coined “fight or flight” response. The fight or flight response may not function normally in many people with trauma, mental health disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It could be on high alert at all times. Thus, an SGB procedure is designed to block the misfiring of the fight or flight response to alleviate anxiety symptoms. This type of sympathetic nerve treatment is most often used to treat PTSD. Contact 855.732.4842 to learn more about the recovery programs offered at our Massachusetts addiction treatment center.
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How a Stellate Ganglion Block Works
The SGB procedure involves injecting a long-acting type of anesthetic into a person’s neck. This injection for addiction is meant to block or impede the overactive sympathetic nervous system in people who are experiencing high levels of anxiety or other mental distress. Doctors conducting this treatment use ultrasound guidance to ensure the injection is placed exactly where it needs to go. The temporary disruption through this sympathetic nerve treatment allows the brain to reset. This leads to long-term anxiety symptom relief.
Peer-reviewed studies have found positive impacts from this treatment on chronic anxiety. Moreover, the treatment is quick, taking 15 minutes or less. Some people may be put off by the idea of an injection in their neck. But the procedure is short and relatively painless beyond the initial needle prick. In addition, no side effects are connected to SGB for addiction other than slight numbness near the injection site for a bit of time following each injection.
What Does Stellate Ganglion Block Treat?
SGB is most often used to address anxiety symptoms, including PTSD. It is also a reliable addiction injection due to how often trauma overlaps with addiction. This kind of injection for addiction is not a panacea on its own. But it can be a powerful intervention when used within a comprehensive approach to treating addiction. SGBs are able to treat the following:
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- PTSD
- Depression
- Migraines
Many benefits are linked to SGB for addiction that supports short- and long-term recovery. Giving the brain a chance to reset using this injection for addiction leads to improved sleep, better cognitive functioning, increased energy levels, and decreased anxiety.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to request a confidential call. At Rockland Treatment Center, we understand the sensitivity and complexity of your situation and are here to offer you a space to explore treatment options, ask questions, and receive support from experienced professionals. Taking this first step can be challenging, but it’s a courageous and significant move towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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Using SGB In Addiction Treatment
Rockland Recovery is a trusted addiction treatment provider. Programs offered through Rockland Recovery’s addiction treatment center include men’s rehab, women’s rehab, partial hospitalization program, and intensive outpatient treatment. SGB for addiction is used across these treatment structures within comprehensive treatment plans.
Accessing treatment at Rockland Recovery does not guarantee your treatment plan will include this type of addiction injection. Instead, it depends on your individual needs and what kind of root causes have influenced your addiction and continue to impact your daily life. Unfortunately, too many people do not seek the help they need because of societal stigma, treatment costs, or because they do not know what kind of options are available to them.
Then too, some people may not fully understand their addiction or the damage it is causing in their life. Questions to consider for whether or not you could benefit from addiction treatment involving SGB include:
- Have people close to you expressed concern about your substance use?
- Do you have a history of trauma, or are you diagnosed with PTSD?
- Does your anxiety lead you to seek drug use as a coping mechanism?
- Are you experiencing withdrawal symptoms between instances of drug use?
Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Block for Addiction Recovery
By targeting the sympathetic nervous system, SGB can reduce anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms, which are often linked to substance abuse disorders. This reduction in stress and anxiety can significantly improve an individual’s ability to engage with other aspects of addiction treatment, such as therapy and counseling. Furthermore, the benefits of SGB include enhanced emotional regulation, increased exercise capacity, and the potential to foster healthier relationships – all crucial elements for sustaining long-term recovery. These multiple impacts of SGB contribute to its growing recognition as a supportive treatment modality in the journey toward addiction recovery.
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Rockland Recovery is here to support you through every step of the recovery process. You are not alone. Healing is possible. Contact 855.732.4842 to begin healing from addiction today.
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Rockland Recovery is a leader in addiction treatment and mental health care. Our multidisciplinary team of top medical experts is committed to addressing the unique needs of each patient. Reach out to us anytime – we are available 24/7.
For additional information or to find addiction treatment and mental health services in your area, contact us directly or visit SAMSHA’s treatment locator. For immediate assistance, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 855.732.4842 to speak to a Care Coordinator at Rockland Recovery.
Medically Reviewed by Kate Perfetti, LADC II
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