Mindfulness-induced endogenous theta stimulation occasions self-transcendence and inhibits addictive behavior

Authors: Eric L. Garland, Adam W. Hanley, Justin Hudak, Yoshio Nakamura, Brett Froeliger

Published: 2022-10-12

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo4455

Source: Full article


Abstract

Self-regulation is instantiated by theta oscillations (4 to 8 Hz) in neurons of frontal midline brain regions. Frontal midline theta (FMΘ) is inversely associated with default mode network (DMN) activation, which subserves self-referential processing. Addiction involves impaired self-regulation and DMN dysfunction. Mindfulness is an efficacious self-regulatory practice for treating addiction, but little is known about the mechanisms by which mindfulness reduces addictive behavior. In this mechanistic study of long-term opioid users (