Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jan 1999 Source: ITAR-TASS (Russia) Copyright: 1999 ITAR-TASS. SIBERIAN SCIENCES DEVELOP NEW METHOD TO CURE ALCOHOLISM. NOVOSIBIRSK, January 12 (Itar-Tass) - A new method to cure drug addiction and alcoholism has been developed by staffers of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Siberian Branch. The method uses only a computer, no medicines, Deputy Director of the Institute Mark Stark told Itar-Tass on Tuesday. It appeared that the bad habits are acquired by people with slower alpha-rhythms -- a decreased activity of the cerebral cortex controlling a calm keeping awake. Sensors are attached to the patient's head and a sound signal is given when the alpha-rhythm raises. The patient shall try to keep the signal sounding longer which will prove the normal activity of the brain. It takes about 60 sittings to develop the patient's knack on a comfort level of the cerebral cortex activity without narcotic drugs or booze. The method has been successfully tested at clinics of Novosibirsk, Biisk and Kemerovo and approved by the Russian Health Ministry. - --- MAP posted-by: Patrick Henry