Correlation between polydrug abuse and alpha density

Alpha density was computed on six polydrug users and six nonusers to determine whether drug use may be related to basal levels of alpha density and/or efficiency of alpha conditioning. Alpha density was computed during four consecutive daily sessions, with each session consisting of one no-feedback and three alpha contingent, auditory feedback periods. The polydrug users were found to have greater alpha density than the nonusers under both the feedback and no-feedback conditions. Alpha contingent feedback did not increase alpha density in either group. It is suggested that psychophysiological parameters may be important variables in determining the etiology of drug use.