Disclaimer: This article goes over the Alpha-Stim AID medical device. The writer is not a doctor, and this post isn’t medical advice. If you’re considering trying this device (or making any changes to your health routine), talk to a qualified healthcare professional first.
The Alpha-Stim AID is a cranial electrotherapy stimulation device that is designed to help with anxiety, insomnia, and *depression (*in the USA, the FDA has not cleared it for use with depression). I was introduced to Alpha-Stim AID by a co-worker who suggested I look into it to help with anxiety. Anxiety has been the main villain in my story for as long as I can remember.
I’ve tried numerous tools to help reduce or eliminate it and they all work to an extent, but nothing gives me that relief that comes from taking my emergency anxiety meds.
After reaching out, the company agreed to let me try it out and share my experience with our readers to see if they live up to the hype.
What the Alpha-Stim AID Is & How It Works
In medical terms, the Alpha-Stim AID is a cranial electrotherapy device. In geek speak…it’s like giving your brain a software patch. You clip it to your ears, it runs a super low electrical current (I barely feel it and I’m super sensitive to these things), and it smooths out the glitchy brain signals that fuel your anxiety. I think of it as a gentle reboot that nudges my brainwaves back into a “calm state” without needing my meds.
There are two Alpha-Stim devices. The M helps with anxiety, insomnia, pain, and *depression. The AID is used for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and *depression. Special note: In the United States, the FDA has not cleared these devices for use for depression, and you need a prescription.
The goal of the Alpha-Stim AID is to use it daily until your anxiety levels manage out and then going to an as needed basis.
Why I Decided to Try It
It’s no secret that I struggle with anxiety. Currently, my life has been on the more stressful side because of my job, and medications were not helping without adding unwanted side effects. In April, I underwent TMS therapy for the second time and it “zapped” out my depression, but anxiety lingered. It got worse as my job situation got more stressful.
After some research, I decided the Alpha-Stim AID was my next step. I wanted something portable, and above all, worked.
I spoke to the company and managed my expectations before embarking on this journey. I learned that while many people feel different after just a few sessions, some take up to a month to really feel the full effects. I also learned that because I live in the United States, a prescription is needed from my healthcare practitioner to obtain an Alpha-Stim device. If you don’t have a doctor, they offer a referral to a practitioner via the telehealth page on the Alpha-Stim website.
First Impressions and Setup
When the Alpha-Stim AID arrived, it was in a sturdy plastic box that’s perfect for storing everything when not in use. I read the instruction manual cover to cover. Once I understood the process, I was ready to try it.
First, I installed the Alpha-Stim AID app. It doesn’t connect to the device, but it tracks sessions, progress, and even lets you take assessments for personal use. It’s simple and uncluttered. Next, I plugged in the ear clips to the device, attached the soft circle pads, added enough solution to soak them, and clipped them onto my ears. I used the lanyard, so I didn’t have to hold the device. After adjusting the settings, I started my first 20-minute session.
Within 5–10 minutes, I felt a familiar calm, similar to my medication, but without the drowsiness. I even tried running anxious thoughts through my mind, and for the first time, they didn’t stick.
When the session ended, I gauged that the anxiety had dropped by about 40%. I was able to go about my day without any issues or weird feelings.
My Experience Over Time
Fast forward a couple of weeks and I’ll be honest; I slipped up more days than not. I had a personal crisis hit, and I didn’t have it in me to sit and take 20 – 40 minutes a day to use the device. I also realized when I did use it that it wasn’t sticking for as long as I would have liked. A few hours would pass, and anxiety would be back with a vengeance.
My doctor and I determined that it’s because it worked on the acute anxiety I experienced but once it became more severe, it wasn’t enough to keep me anxiety-free all day. The good thing, though is that you can use the Alpha-Stim AID as many times a day as you need. There’s no threat or risk of “overdosing” on the treatment.
In the weeks I’ve been using it, I’ve noticed that my days vary on the settings. Some days I go to a 3 in power and some days I go to a 2. Some days I use it for 20 minutes and some days I go for 40 minutes. It all depends on what I’m going through that day.
I’m happy to report that I’ve never felt any awful side effects. I’ve had a few moments of vertigo, but it was minimal and never interfered with my day.
Practical Considerations
In terms of the practical considerations of the device, it gets high marks for the fact that it’s portable and uses AAA batteries (one less thing to charge). If you need to use it while out of the house or in a public place, it looks like you have headphones on.
To carry it around, you can buy a case from Alpha-Stim, but honestly, it’s a little flimsy and you can get a hard-shell case on Amazon that works just as well. For a session, you will need to carry the device, ear clips, ear clip pads, a small bottle of the solution, and a tiny baggie to throw your used pads in. I also recommend carrying a spare set of batteries.
During a session, the ideal scenario is you sit and relax while it runs. However, I’m a realist and know that is not something a lot of people can do, so you can sit and do basic tasks at a desk while the Alpha-Stim AID is running. I would not recommend doing anything that involves a lot of movement. I tested it while folding laundry and while I felt fine, I was a little nervous about the wires catching on something while I moved and ending my session prematurely.
Speaking of you need to make sure you have the full 20 or 40 minutes to complete the session before you start it. It’s strongly recommended that you don’t end a session early. This is so you get the full effects of the treatment and avoid unwanted side effects.
Cost vs. Value
Let’s talk one of the most important aspects of anything these days…cost. The Alpha-Stim AID currently costs $882 and is not covered by insurance. For that you get:
- Alpha-Stim AID
- One set of ear clip electrodes
- 256 Ear clip Electrodes (circle pads)
- Two AAA batteries
- Plastic storage case
- Neck lanyard
- Illustrated Owner’s Manual
- The case is hard plastic that is meant to keep it together at home.
You use four pads per session (two per ear clip), so you get around 64 sessions with what they provide. Refills will run you $21 for another 64 sessions. I also recommend you get a second set of ear clips just in case you have a glitch, or something happens to the ones that come with the device. The ear clips currently cost $42 for a set.
The bottle of solution you get is perfect for travel, but you will need to get a bigger bottle to refill it with. A bottle of solution will run you $15.75 for 250ml.
If you compare the cost of medications and doctor’s appointments, as well as time lost from missing work for appointments and travel, the Alpha-Stim AID pays for itself rather quickly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Drug-free
• Portable and relatively easy to use
• Few side effects if used properly
Cons:
• High upfront cost
• Requires consistency and time to see results
• May not work for everyone
• App doesn’t have a place to put notes about the session
• App logs don’t show you how you rated your anxiety before/after a session
Return Policy
You can read the full return policy on Alpha-Stim’s website, but here’s the cliff notes version. If you get the Alpha-Stim AID and don’t think it’s the right fit for you, it’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider and/or Alpha-Stim rep to walk through your experience.
If it’s decided that it’s not for you after all, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund minus a 10% restocking fee. The device must be in a resalable condition and have all the accessories to qualify for a refund.
Who I’d Recommend It To
As someone who has tried all the treatments from medication to vagus nerve stimulators to TMS, I’m happy to say that I think I have found a helping hand in the Alpha-Stim AID. If you struggle with anxiety and want a drug-free option, this is something worth checking out. After my first session, I felt like I had taken my emergency anxiety medication but without the drowsiness or heaviness that comes with it.
I think this is best suited for someone on a routine and that fit the daily treatments into it easily. I also think that it fits the bill for someone who needs something that’s portable and doesn’t draw attention when doing a treatment.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Alpha-Stim AID has been positive. I have not experienced any negative side effects like insomnia or headaches. There were never any residual effects after treatment. I felt good after each treatment and if the anxiety came back because it was a particularly stressful day, I ran it again.
The app keeps your input to basic needs, so it doesn’t overwhelm you. It’s easy to see how you’ve progressed and to look back on previous sessions. If you are curious and willing to invest the time and money, Alpha-Stim AID can be a gentle and effective tool in your mental health toolbox.
For more information about the Alpha-Stim devices and how they can help you, head to their website and speak to one of their reps.
Disclaimer: GeekDad received a review sample.
