[Physiological and psychological effects of biological feed-back training (alpha and EMG) among drug using college...

Twenty-four volunteer college students, who were regular drug users, were randomly allocated to three training groups of equal size: alpha feedback, EMG feedback and a joked control group. Subjects, who were unaware of which feedback condition they received, were asked to practice at home during a six month follow-up period to achieve a relaxed state similar to that experienced during training. No group was successful in retaining gains made in their alpha levels during each session. The EMG group, however, significantly reduced their muscular activity during training and retained the improvement during follow-up. The alpha and joked groups did not significantly improve their EMG during training but at follow-up achieved the same levels as the EMG group. There was evidence to suggest a reduction in drug use among light and medium users that was maintained during follow-up. Significant and lasting improvements were made by each group in the duration and quality of their sleep. Anxiety levels were also reduced.