The Brain: The Story of You

by David Eagleman

Using fast computational techniques in the scanner, we can measure which network is winning: the short-term thinking of the craving network, or the long-term thinking of the impulse control or suppression network. We give Karen real-time visual feedback in the form of a speedometer so she can see how that battle is going. When her craving is winning, the needle is in the red zone; as she successfully suppresses, the needle moves to the blue zone. She can then use different approaches to discover what works to tip the balance of these networks. By practicing over and over, Karen gets better at understanding what she needs to do to move the needle. She may or may not be consciously aware of how she’s doing it, but by repeated practice she can strengthen the neural circuitry that allows her to suppress. This technique is still in its infancy, but the hope is that when she’s next offered crack she’ll have the cognitive tools to overcome her immediate cravings if she wants to. This training does not force Karen to behave in any particular way; it simply gives her the cognitive skills to have more control over her choice, rather than to be a slave to her impulses.