Brain-training with neurofeedback may help tame crack cocaine cravings — a trial puts it to the test
NCT ID NCT07735923
First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a brain-training technique called neurofeedback can help people with crack cocaine use disorder improve their self-control and reduce cravings. Participants in residential treatment will receive either standard care alone or standard care plus up to 30 sessions of a specific neurofeedback protocol that aims to train brain activity related to attention, inhibition, and emotional regulation. The study will measure changes in cognitive control, brain wave patterns, and relapse rates to see if this drug-free approach can support recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a neurofeedback protocol called the Scott-Kaiser protocol, which uses EEG biofeedback to train brain activity
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to help people with crack cocaine use disorder strengthen self-control, reduce cravings, and stay in treatment longer.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with only 104 participants, and the effects of neurofeedback on addiction are still unproven. Results may not apply to all treatment settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Centro di Pronta Accoglienza Dipendenze Patologiche
Palermo, Palermo, 90100, Italy