This pilot study is testing a short brain training program called neurofeedback in adults with alcohol use disorder. Participants will complete three sessions over about one week. The goal is to learn if this approach is easy to complete, well tolerated, and acceptable to participants. We will also explore whether it is associated with changes in alcohol cravings and drinking.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common condition, and many individuals do not respond fully to existing treatments. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive method that uses real-time electroencephalography (EEG) signals to provide feedback, allowing individuals to learn to modulate their brain activity. This pilot study will evaluate a brief EEG-based neurofeedback intervention in adults with AUD. Participants will complete three in-person sessions over approximately one week. During each session, EEG sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brain activity, and participants receive real-time feedback based on these signals. The neurofeedback protocol targets downregulation of alpha-band activity (8-12 Hz). This approach differs from traditional alpha-theta neurofeedback and is intended to target patterns of brain activity related to attention, inhibitory control, and craving. The primary aim is to assess feasibility, tolerability, and acceptability. Feasibility will be evaluated through recruitment, retention, and session completion. Tolerability will be assessed by monitoring adverse events, and acceptability will be assessed through participant-reported experience. Exploratory outcomes will include changes in alcohol craving and alcohol use based on self-report measures. These analyses are exploratory and intended to inform future studies.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
Participants will receive a brief course of EEG-based neurofeedback consisting of three sessions over approximately one week. During each session, scalp electrodes are placed to record brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). Real-time feedback is provided to guide participants in modulating their brain activity. The neurofeedback protocol targets downregulation of alpha-band activity (8-12 Hz). Training is delivered using a standardized protocol with real-time visual and/or auditory feedback. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes, with additional time for setup and brief assessments.
Participant retention rate over 1 week
Proportion of participants who complete all study visits
Time frame: one week
Proportion of participants experiencing adverse events during neurofeedback sessions over 1 week
Number and severity of adverse events
Time frame: One week
Proportion of scheduled neurofeedback sessions completed over 1 week
Proportion of scheduled neurofeedback sessions completed
Time frame: One week
Change in alcohol craving (PACS total score) from baseline to Visit 3 (~1 week)
Alcohol craving will be assessed using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS). Change in total PACS score from baseline to the final visit will be analyzed.
Time frame: One week
Change in alcohol consumption measured by Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) from baseline (Visit 1) to post-intervention (Visit 3, ~1 week)
Alcohol consumption will be assessed using the Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) method. Change in number of standard drinks over the assessment period from baseline to the final visit will be analyzed.
Time frame: One week
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