Alpha Conditioning as an Adjunct Treatment for Drug Dependence: Part I

Abstract

The effects of .alpha. conditioning on the habits of 4 methadone maintained heroin addicts were assessed. All 4 patients learned some control over .alpha. activity in the 5-wk, 10-session training period. The subjects [Ss] substituted self-initiated mental states associated with .alpha. for previously used drug-seeking or self-medicating methods of coping with everyday problems. All 4 Ss reported a decrease in illicit drug usage and an increased feeling of self-control. Verification of improvement in adjustment and drug abuse was shown by counseling reports and narcotic screens from the maintenance program.