Neurofeedback for Alcohol Use Disorder: Implications for Single-Case Research Design and Examining Craving Desire

Substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) persist as a significant concern in the United States despite increasing treatment options. Effective interventions to reduce cravings and prevent relapse are still sought after. During the pandemic, drinking behaviors and cravings exacerbated among individuals with AUD. Neurofeedback shows documented promise in addressing AUD, yet studies often lack comprehensive data on craving. In this quantitative study, participants with AUD received 12 neurofeedback sessions using the Peniston protocol as inspiration for session designs. Four research questions guided the study, examining pre–post qEEGs; pre, post, and follow-up AUDIT scores; and neurofeedback sessions data. The study also tracked changes in self-reported craving levels over time. Hypotheses predict improvement in post-qEEGs, posttreatment craving scores, and neurofeedback session averages following each neurofeedback session. The discussion will focus on the implications for neurofeedback for AUD, cravings, and single-case research designs.