Often, the first ADD treatment options suggested are those involving medicines and pharmaceuticals. However, these are associated with a range of side effects that can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. In addition, it frequently requires multiple alterations to the specific medicines and dosages in order to discover the most effective of this option. However, there are other ADD treatment options that do not have the same associated situations or concerns but offer the same or higher level of effectiveness than medicinal options alone. Of course, this does not mean that the pharmaceutical option should be ruled out, only that other ADD treatment options are available that should be considered prior to engaging with the solely medicated option.

Going Drug-Free

Obviously, the first advantage of the drug-free, alternative treatment option is the lack of negative side effects that can impact those who suffer from ADD or ADHD. Additionally, there is no need to change dosages or medicines to determine effectiveness, thus there is less lag in between the applications of the various treatments. The drug-free alternative treatments seek to address the symptoms at a fundamental level and thus do not have the same personality or memory loss capabilities as those commonly associated with using pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the drug-free, ADD treatment options offer a non-invasive approach that can be used with or without the engagement of additional treatment options.

Drug-Free Alternative: Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) Therapy

This type of treatment option utilizes direct visual stimuli to the eye and audio stimulation to the ears in order to induce the brain to respond by producing a degree of information in the various centers of the brain. By varying the frequency of light and sound of the incoming stimulation, different responses can be elicited that correspond to the responses required for improving cognition, memory, and more. The AVE treatment option is often used in conjunction with other alternative care to enhance the effectiveness and long-term results.

Another novel consideration with AV entrainment is the ability for those, whose distance away from the practitioner makes it difficult to come to weekly or more frequent in-office appointments, to be able to perform this therapy in their own home. This option is great also for those with a hectic schedule. Our AV entrainment system works in conjunction with the client’s brain map (QEEG) and thus is customized to each individual.

Drug-Free Alternative: Interactive Metronome® (IM)

Instead of the utilization of light to produce a stimulus-response, Interactive Metronome® uses auditory cues with feedback by the trainee. As described by their website; “Interactive Metronome® (IM) is an evidence-based assessment and training tool that measures & improves Neurotiming, or the synchronization of neural impulses within key brain networks for cognitive, communicative, sensory & motor performance.”

“As the individual activates a trigger in time with a steady auditory beat, IM technology provides real-time auditory and visual feedback for millisecond timing. Knowing whether he is hitting before, after, or exactly in sync with the beat to the millisecond allows the individual to make immediate, online corrections to improve timing & rhythm over the course of training.”

“Peer-reviewed studies repeatedly confirm the importance of timing & rhythm for human performance. According to IM research, improving Neurotiming may result in better function in the following areas:

  • Attention
  • Processing Speed
  • Working Memory
  • Executive Functions
  • Self-Regulation
  • Expressive & Receptive Language
  • Reading Comprehension, Rate & Fluency
  • Mathematics
  • Upper Extremity Function (Parkinson’s, hemiplegia, CP, hand function)
  • Motor Coordination
  • Athletic Performance (golf, soccer)”

Like the aforementioned audio-visual entrainment therapy, this ADD treatment option can also be used with other therapies, and it is known for having a long-term effect when used with or without other treatment options. However, due to the range of symptoms associated with ADD and ADHD, it is best to consider multiple ADD treatment options that can be utilized concurrently with other alternative treatment options.

Thankfully, there is also a home version of the Interactive Metronome® system that can allow a client who lives a larger distance from the practitioner’s office to perform the Interactive Metronome® exercises at home. The home system uses a web portal that the practitioner gives assignments to the trainee and through which feedback and communication can also occur. There are some computer requirements to use this system in the home.

Drug-Free Alternative: Neurofeedback Therapy

Of all the ADD treatment options, Neurofeedback therapy is the most often utilized in the majority of situations. By directly inducing specific known, brainwaves, the mind can be trained to produce the correct responses or brainwaves to various stimuli and thus has a longer-lasting effect than some of the other options. In addition, there is no developmental immunity to these treatment options so it can be repeated as often as necessary to achieve results and it can be used in conjunction with other options to solidify these results for the longer term. This type of therapy has been used to treat other disorders, including epilepsy and PTSD and it is been scientifically proven to offer results.

Changes in brain activity can occur for a variety of reasons including environmental factors, DNA/Genetic, head trauma, inflammation, autoimmunity, hormonal imbalance, and nutritional reactivity. Areas of the brain may become underactive or weaker than other areas leading to the symptoms associated with ADHD.

Since the brain is an electrochemical organ it makes sense to measure brain wave activity. A QEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) or Brain Map is a painless test, which involves placing sensors on the scalp to pick up electrical activity in each lobe of the brain. Once the data has been gathered it is compared to a normative database and a report is developed for the doctor to interpret.

QEEG (Brain Mapping) measures the electrical activity of each brain lobe and compares that activity to a normative database. Combine this with functional neurologic testing and you can create an objective electrical “image” of the brain.

Current psychology and/or medical testing only involves interviewing the patient/parents and completing questionnaires, at most. They do not have an objective test to measure brain function.

A 21st CENTURY APPROACH

We have developed a unique three-pronged non-drug approach to helping children and adults with ADHD. Our program incorporates brain mapping, functional neurology, functional nutrition, and neurofeedback with the option of other drug-free, alternative treatment options available as described above.

The great news is with our comprehensive approach, the drug-free options to manage and treat ADHD and ADD, including audio-visual entrainment therapy, Interactive Metronome®, and neurofeedback therapy, the range of symptoms that occur with ADD and ADHD can be a thing of the past for you or your child. Importantly, these and other alternative treatment options offer a non-invasive and effective means of treating these types of spectrum disorder and have been shown to be effective in cases mild to severe. Thus, providing you and your loved ones a safer alternative than the pharmaceutical treatment options alone. Therefore, talk to a treatment provider today for more information on how these types of treatments can help you or someone you love regain their quality of life.

If you or your child is facing the challenges and difficulties of ADD or ADHD call my office today to take a step towards owning this disorder by asking for our Free Evaluation (586) 488-4818.


Always remember one of my mantras., “The more you know about how your body works, the better you can take care of yourself.”

For more details about the natural approach I take with my patients, take a look at the book I wrote entitled: Reclaim Your Life; Your Guide To Revealing Your Body’s Life-Changing Secrets For Renewed Health. It is available in my office or at Amazon and many other book outlets. If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the bottom of this post, and please share with those you know who are still suffering from chronic health challenges, despite receiving medical management. Help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! Thank you!

ALL THE BEST – DR. KARL R.O.S. JOHNSON, DC, BCN – DIGGING DEEPER TO FIND SOLUTIONS