Neurofeedback for Addiction

Neurotherapy begins with a complete evaluation. Depending upon what we determine is needed, we may want to slow down brain activity or speed it up. Alpha-theta training slows down our thoughts and beta training speeds it up. We have 30 years of experience working with alcoholism, depression, drug dependency, and PTSD and stress reactions from war veterans. SMR neurotherapies and evidence-based neurotherapy were developed in part by the US military and NASA working on UCLA, VA, and USAF facilities, begun in the 1960s and continuing to the present day.

Who of us can rest? The Internet caters to every one of our whims -- gambling, sex, center-of-attention networks, psychoactive drugs -- so any addiction can be tasted by anyone. Life is so full of choices and desires that our brains can be aroused 24 hours a day, making it difficult to wind down without sedatives or stimulants. An inability to relax can be part of our genes, well before we took our first drink. Our parents had it and we have it. As challenges multiply, many of us find ourselves in a chronic state of stress and frustration and even resentment and despair. Sedating substances temporarily increase alpha and theta waves in the brain, a euphoria that wears off and is replaced by faster rhythms and all that comes with them, anxiety, ruminations, and worry. Success in conventional 12-step programs is based on how much of these two rhythms (alpha and theta) an individual shows in their EEG.

Neurofeedback for alcohol addiction involves teaching someone how to make alpha waves in the back of the head, where our visual centers are located. After they master this skill, they learn how to increase theta activity in the same brain areas, a rhythm from our youth and daydreaming. Alpha-theta puts us in a relaxed dreamy state for 30 minutes at a time, conscious but free, and while in this beatific state, we can imagine all that we are, and pass over drinks and drugs, or re-experience traumatic events of the past in complete safety. Alpha-theta lets us to explore and discover, a far cry from thoughts of day-to-day coping. Many rediscover a childhood spirit.

Individuals who prefer cocaine or meth show slow rhythms in the brain, a sign of underarousal. Amphetamines work by reducing slow wave activity and increasing faster rhythms, which feels good to many. To deal with stimulant addiction an individual is taught to create faster rhythms on their own, with neurotechnology and to liberate themselves from external forces like drugs.

Neurofeedback is painless. Brain-wave sensors are placed on the scalp and on each ear. Brain waves are amplified so we can see them on a computer screen. We take this information and making entertaining and motivating games. As desirable brain activity increases, the individual is rewarded with game play such as an image morphing into another. As activity veers from healthy brain principles, video game play slows and stops. Gradually the brain responds to cues and new brainwave habits are formed, closer to those habits of healthier people.

When we recognize the power of change, how adaptable our brains are and how in control we are of physiology and behavior, we know better where we stand and who we can become. For more information, see the Neurotherapy Frequently Asked Questions

A list of clinicians and scientists who treat addiction include Bill Scott, David Kaiser, Roger deBeus, Sue Othmer, Al Collins, Tato Sokhadze, Ricardo Weinstein, and Rex Cannon.

Callaway, TG, Bodenhamer-Davis, E. (2008).Long-term follow-up of a clinical replication of the Peniston Protocol for chemical dependency. Journal of Neurotherapy 12(4), 243 – 259.

Fahrion, S. L., Walters, E. D., Coyne, L., & Allen, T. (1992). Alterations in EEG amplitude, personality factors and brain electrical mapping after alpha theta brainwave training: A controlled case study of an alcoholic in recovery. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 16, 547-552.

Kaiser DA & Scott W (1999).Effect of EEG Biofeedback on Chemical Dependency AAAS, Anaheim, CA.

Peniston, E. G., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1991). Alcoholic personality and alpha-theta brainwave training. Medical Psychotherapy, 2, 37-55.

Peniston, E. G., Marrinan, D. A., Deming, W. A., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1993). EEG alpha-theta brainwave synchronization in Vietnam theater veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse. Advances in Medical Psychotherapy, 6, 37-50.

Saxby, E., & Peniston, E. G. (1995). Alpha-theta brainwave neurofeedback training: An effective treatment for male and female alcoholics with depressive symptoms. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 51(5), 685-693.

Scott WC, Kaiser D, Othmer S, Sideroff SI (2005). Effects of an EEG biofeedback protocol on a mixed substance abusing population. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 31, 455-69.

Sokhadze, T. M., Cannon, R. L., & Trudeau, D. L. (2008).  EEG biofeedback as a treatment for substance use disorders: Review, rating of efficacy, and recommendations for further research.  Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback,

Trudeau, D. L. (2000). The treatment of addictive disorders by brain wave biofeedback: A review and suggestions for future research. Clinical Electroencephalography, 31(1), 13-22.