Combined Bio- and Neuro- Feedback vs. Varenicline Use for Smoking Cessation

The protocol will consist of 5 sessions of skin temperature biofeedback and 20 sessions of a neurofeedback training protocol that will consist of Alpha-Theta ratio up-training. The aim of the training is to reach a crossover state, were initially Alpha activity will increase and then in a deeper state, the Theta activity will take over. This state is associated with a reverie and disidentification with problems, stress or traumatic experiences. Therefore, the subjects will learn how to increase their Theta/Alpha ratio.

The protocol will consist 1 mg varenicline use twice daily following a 1-week titration for 3 months.

Subjects will receive equal sessions of sham neurofeedback, and thus serve as a control group for the analysis and design of the study.

Subjects will not receive any intervention, but they will be measured via a clinical and psychometric evaluation with a time-difference of 3 months. This is equal to the intervention time. Hence, the subjects in this intervention type will serve as a control group for the analysis and design of the study.