Quantitative electroencephalogram, event-related potential, and neurofeedback in substance use disorders research and treatment

Drugs of abuse can impair cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes. More quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and event-related potential (ERP) research is needed to characterize the chronic and residual effects of substance use disorder (SUD) on attention, emotion, memory, and overall behavioral performance. Incorporation of cognitive tests with EEG and ERP measures into cognitive–behavioral and neurofeedback (NFB)-based interventions may have significant potential for identifying whether certain QEEG/ERP measures, including low resolution electromagnetic tomography metrics, can be used as biomarkers of treatment progress, relapse vulnerability, and functional recovery. NFB has been employed in SUD treatment over the last three decades, but still cannot be considered a mainstream intervention. The SUD is a complex series of disorders with frequent comorbidities and EEG abnormalities of several types. NFB and QEEG assessments have been employed in conjunction with other therapies and may be useful in enhancing outcomes of neurotherapy. Considerations of further research design taking these factors into account are discussed and descriptions of contemporary research and treatment approaches are given.