People with ADHD have high levels of alpha and theta activity. Modifying Brain Activity to Modify the Urge. Eugene Peniston, Ph.D., working at the Fort Lyons VA Hospital looked at these kind of descriptive research findings on alcoholism and put them together with research showing that EEG patterns can be modified through training. Dr. Peniston worked with severe, late stage chronic alcoholics who had multiple failed treatments in their past. He trained them over a period of a month, twice a day, to create alpha and theta activity, to voluntarily alter their EEG patterns in ways that would be predicted to make up for their apparent genetic deficit.
Training takes place inpatient over the period of one month.
Alpha and theta rhythms are learned and enhanced, resulting in the creation of a mellow, calm state the addict has previously not been able to access without drugs. Alcohol rejection scenarios and self-instruction to lose the urge to drink are done during deeply relaxed, deeply aware states entered with the help of EEG biofeedback. We have also had success outpatient using neurotherapy to help prevent relapse in persons who are able to maintain periods of sobriety. Strong commitment and solid support is necessary. The basic prerequisite is a strong desire to be abstinent.