The Science
After the initial study produced by Peniston and Kulkosky, a series of studies with neurofeedback training have found an average of 50% to 80% abstinence rates in inpatient settings, and 70% in outpatient settings. While the studies employed differing definitions of what constitutes recovery or relapse, these results are still impressive.

Neurofeedback training has been applied to different substance addictions with varying success rates. Representative of these are: Kaiser, et al achieved a 77% abstinence rate with poly-substance abusers that was maintained at a one year follow-up. A study of homeless crack cocaine addicts produced 49% total abstinence, 40% partial abstinence (use of substance 1 – 9 times), and only a 10% relapse at the end of a year.

 

This body of research also demonstrates that intensive neurofeedback treatment exerts a positive influence on many factors contributing to chemical dependency including stress levels, anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder. Because anxiety and stress are directly related to whether a client relapses, neurofeedback's ability to reduce these factors may be central to the important contribution it makes to successful recovery.

 

Our Approach
“Alpha/Theta training” is a unique form of neurofeedback training that was pioneered in the mid-70’s by Elmer Green at the Menninger Institute. It was further developed by Eugene Peniston to successfully help veterans struggling with alcoholism, substance abuse, and post traumatic stress disorder. Ellen Saxby was trained in this approach by Peniston, and in 1991, with Dr. George McKechnie, developed an Alpha/Theta program on the Monterey Peninsula. Their program produced a study, authored by Ellen Saxby and Eugene Peniston, that replicated Peniston’s earlier work. It was published in 1995 in the peer reviewed Journal of Clinical Psychology (it is available in the Research and Other Reading section). Ellen Saxby created the foundation of our recovery program and now works as a consultant for the program.  She has brought a depth of experience with this approach that is unmatched. 

 

The Alpha/Theta approach to recovery is now available on the Monterey Peninsula at our Center. It is effective when used in conjunction with a 12 step program. While 12 step recovery addresses the psycho spiritual issues of addiction, Alpha/Theta neurofeedback addresses and helps to reprogram the neural deficiencies that usually occur with the use of addictive chemicals.

 

Alpha/Theta has been likened to a form of deep meditation and is best experienced in a fairly condensed program of approximately 6 weeks with several training sessions per week. While there can be moments in which painful memories surface, the overarching experience is usually one of a gentle, quiet euphoria and a sense of well-being. The process produces long term benefits due to the brain’s amazing ability to learn completely new ways of coping with life and its challenges.

If a client is already in an inpatient or outpatient recovery program, or is under the guidance of recovery experts, then consider augmenting your recovery treatment. Neurofeedback training can dramatically enhance your chances of success.