The term Addiction has traditionally been used to describe forms of substance abuse. The most prevalent drugs being alcohol, tobacco, Heroin, LSD, Marijuana and Cocaine to name a few. In the past, common activity-based addictions were gambling and eating disorders, and like other forms of addiction, often have their origins in stress and trauma. Advances in Technology have created new types of addiction, especially in the young. Social media, online gambling and shopping, and pornography are examples of industries capitalizing off our ability to consume pleasure, at the touch of a button. These activities are not only having huge negative consequences on society, but are causing havoc in our brain circuitry as well.

The neurological mechanism involved in any form of addiction involves the Neuromodulator Dopamine. Motivation and Reward circuitry in the brain are triggered merely at the thought of consuming the sought-after substance or carrying out the desired activity or behavior. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in the frontal lobe are heavily engaged, as are multiple other areas, depending on the form of the addiction. For example, addictions related to body image or visual medium employ different circuitry to a drug like coffee, which has connections to the olfactory cortex, associated with smell.

With respect to electrical activity the same applies. A number of studies on alcoholics have found low power levels in slow wave bands and increases in fast wave. Elevated fast wave or Beta activity represents hyperarousal and is seen predominantly in frontal areas (Saletu et al. 2002; Costa & Bauer.1997). In contrast, chronic cannabis addicts display a dominance of Alpha wave pattern frontally (Struve et al.1998,1999,2003). A different pattern again has been observed in studies on heroin addicts (Olivennes et al.1983; Polunina & Davydov, 2004). Besides increases in fast wave Beta, very slow Delta and Theta were found to dominate the central regions. Research dating back to the last century on Cocaine and recently on Methamphetamine exhibits a similar arrangement of electrical activity to heroin, with a dominance of slow wave Delta and Theta.

From a Neurofeedback (NF) perspective, although some research has been inconclusive, much has been promising. Tato Sokhadze carried out an extensive review of NF treatment for substance abuse disorders in 2007 and found variable efficacy. Due to the wide range of addictive substances, treatment modalities and protocols, more quality research is required. Recommendations for future research given in many studies have still not been carried out. This is mainly because most patients with addictive problems also present with other psychiatric conditions. These frequently include anxiety, which is often driven by the substance abuse itself, ADHD, TBI, PTSD and depression.

How QEEG and Neurofeedback can help

Due to the number of different EEG patterns associated with various types of addiction, EEG based Neurofeedback is particularly well suited for substance abuse treatment. In most forms of addiction, elevated Beta or fast wave is displayed, but most patients have other neurological conditions as well. This usually complicates both assessment and treatment, however, QEEG allows deviant electrical activity unique to the patient to be identified. Problem areas can then be addressed in a personalized treatment protocol.

QEEG Metrics in intensity/power, frequency/speed and coherence are measured in brain regions and compared to a population database. Through repetition and reward, the swLORETA training software discourages the atypical response, and promotes the preferred pattern. Rewiring usually occurs after a number of sessions and enables the healthier pattern to gradually overpower the dysfunctional pattern. An improved QEEG map is greener and reflects a more balanced and flexible brain. When normalization of maps takes place, it is not unusual for overall health to stabilize. For example, when addictive behaviours reduce or disappear altogether, other conditions such as anxiety and depression can also dissipate.