research on addiction

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of alpha-theta neurofeedback in craving for drug use among methamphetamine-dependent (crystal) patients. Method: For this purpose, 20 crystal-dependent patients who were kept in a therapeutic community center in Mashhad were selected by convenience sampling method based on the diagnostic criteria of DSM-V and results of Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). A quasi-experimental research design along with pretest-posttest was used in this study. At the beginning and end of the period, the two groups were evaluated through Self-Rating Scale of Craving for Methamphetamine. The patients in the experimental group received 4 weeks neurofeedback training (5 sessions per week) in addition to group psychotherapy whereas the control group only received group psychotherapy sessions. Results: The experimental group showed improvement compared to the control group in terms of desire and intention to substance abuse, negative reinforcement, and the total mean score of craving intensity. Conclusion: Therefore, this study showed that methamphetamine-dependent patients can improve their craving under the influence of neurofeedback.