Alpha/Theta neurofeedback research

Addiction

Alpha/Theta brainwave training in alcohol recovery

Woman reclining with an eye mask and headphones during Alpha/Theta training

Peniston and Kulkosky · 1989

Training alpha and theta rhythms in alcohol recovery

Controlled clinical study · Alcohol dependence

What the study found

Following temperature-biofeedback preparation, participants completed fifteen 30-minute Alpha/Theta sessions. Researchers observed increases in the amount of alpha and theta activity, increased alpha amplitude, and reductions in self-reported depression. They also reported favorable relapse outcomes at 13 months.

The Alpha/Theta protocol

This study directly trained alpha and theta rhythms rather than using alpha-only or beta-only feedback. It links the training to measured EEG changes as well as recovery outcomes. The larger combined-protocol study below provides additional addiction research.

Read the original study ↗

Research reference

Peniston and Kulkosky · 1989. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 13(2), 271–279. DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1989.tb00325.x. View publication.

Scott and colleagues · 2005

Supporting recovery with brainwave feedback

Randomized controlled trial · 121 participants

What the study found

An inpatient addiction study added beta and sensorimotor-rhythm training followed by Alpha/Theta training to the recovery program. Participants received 40–50 neurofeedback sessions. Those receiving neurofeedback stayed in treatment longer. Among experimental participants who completed the protocol, 77% were abstinent at 12 months, compared with 44% in the control group.

How this relates to Alpha/Theta training

The findings concern a combined neurofeedback and inpatient treatment program. Alpha/Theta was one part of that program, alongside training for attention and the existing recovery care.

Read the original study ↗

Research reference

Scott and colleagues · 2005. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 31(3), 455–469. DOI: 10.1081/ADA-200056807. View publication.

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