Dr. Margaret Patterson's Neuro-Electric Therapy (NET) CES
She used low-level electrical stimulation around the ears during opioid withdrawal and later reported success with other addictions including nicotine and alcohol. Most of the published literature consists of clinical reports and case series rather than modern randomized trials, but her clinic became internationally known and attracted musicians including Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Boy George. Source

When Conventional Treatments Failed, They Went to Dr. Margaret Patterson

OMNI Magazine, Volume 5, Number 4, January 1983 an Article was written by Kathleen McAuliffe, "The Black Box: Secret Drug Treatment of Rock Superstars" described how a "Brain Tuner" black box was used by Dr. Margaret A. Patterson, MD., to cure British rock star Pete Townsend of "The Who" of his addiction to heroin.

Meg Patterson had contracted Shackman Instruments, UK., to build the device for her. She along with Dr. H. L. Wen[63][64] were brought to the USA in 1981 by the Neuro-Electric Therapy (NET) Group to develop, produce, promote and sell such units by one investor and a backing financial firm, Turner Leverage Corporation.[59]

Boy George .
According to the BMJ (British Medical Journal) obituary for Dr. Margaret (Meg) Patterson, her Neuro-Electric Therapy (NET) became popular with a number of well-known musicians, including:
Eric Clapton
Pete Townshend
Keith Richards
Boy George
More

Even more specifically, a 1986 People magazine article was titled:
" Britain's Dr. Meg Patterson Helps Jolt Boy George Out of His Heroin Habit."
So there is contemporary reporting that she treated Boy George during his heroin addiction in the mid-1980s.

Nicotine Addiction
This is now one of the best-studied applications.
Several systematic reviews have concluded that non-invasive electrical brain stimulation can reduce:
cigarette craving
cigarettes smoked
cue-induced craving
relapse risk (in some studies)
The newest meta-analysis (2026) reviewed 21 studies and found:
significant reductions in nicotine craving
moderate reductions in cigarette consumption following stimulation
evidence that brain activity changes accompany these effects,.
Earlier meta-analyses reached similar conclusions, showing reductions in smoking behaviour and cue-provoked craving.

Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol has also been studied extensively.
Reviews conclude that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) appears promising as an adjunct treatment by reducing:
craving
relapse
impulsive behaviour
although results are more variable than for nicotine
PS alcohol destroys your sex life

. It's Not Just About Losing Weight... It's About Getting Your Life Back."
"Freedom From Food Cravings Is Possible."

Weight gain and food cravings affect millions of people, and obesity has become one of the biggest health challenges in the United States. For many people, the struggle isn't simply hunger—it's persistent cravings, emotional eating, and difficulty breaking established habits. Research suggests that Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) may help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation. By helping some people feel calmer and more emotionally balanced, CES may also make it easier to manage food cravings and support healthier eating habits as part of a comprehensive weight-management program.

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)
CES has been investigated primarily for:
anxiety
depression
insomnia
Loneleness
Because these conditions commonly accompany addiction, several addiction clinics have used CES to help manage withdrawal symptoms and improve treatment retention.,Many clinicians now incorporate it into recovery programs as a supportive therapy.

Anxiety
Depression
Smoking
Alcohol
Opioids
Food cravings
Obesity
Recovery
Better sleep
Emotional balance

Magnetic Frequency Stimulation (TMS) also included in the btpro options
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has become one of the hottest research areas.
Meta-analyses show high-frequency stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can significantly reduce:
nicotine craving
cocaine craving
methamphetamine craving
Evidence for alcohol is encouraging.

. Why Frequencies Might Help
Although the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, researchers propose that electrical or magnetic stimulation may influence:
dopamine reward pathways
prefrontal executive control
impulse regulation
craving circuits
stress and anxiety responses
cortical plasticity
Rather than targeting the addictive substance directly, these approaches aim to modulate the brain networks involved in craving, decision-making, and self-control.

A recent randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial evaluated a modern NET (CES) Device using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) during opioid withdrawal.

Click picture to Enlarge

The researchers found:
a 61% average reduction in opioid withdrawal scores after one hour of active treatment
significantly greater improvement than the sham device
fewer participants requested medication-assisted treatment
the device was reported to be safe and well tolerated
The device received FDA market clearance in 2024 for reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Source

The exciting thing is that by just placing a small ear clip on both ear.lobes
These devices stimulate branches of several cranial nerves through the ear and have been cleared by the FDA as an adjunct treatment for symptoms of acute opioid withdrawal.
Reviews report rapid reductions in withdrawal symptoms and suggest these devices may improve comfort during detoxification. Source