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Altered states of consciousness therapy

John D. Mcpeake, Bruce P. Kennedy, Sharon M. Gordon

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 1991 DOI: 10.1016/0740-5472(91)90030-e (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Intervention Altered States of Consciousness Therapy (ASCT)
Topics Altered states of consciousness
Keywords Consciousness Psychotherapist
Citations 32
Key points Argues that substance-dependent populations pursue altered states of consciousness destructively, and that treatment programs fail to address this motive, contributing to relapse; proposes an Altered States of Consciousness Therapy program.

Abstract

Attaining altered states of consciousness is described as a basic human motive. The substance dependent population is distinguished from other populations because they pursue these states destructively by inappropriate use of alcohol and drugs. Despite a body of literature supporting the benefits of altered states of consciousness, alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment programs fail to address this motive because of social disapproval, means-end confusion, and inadequate staff training. The authors maintain that Alcoholics Anonymous directs its members toward an altered state of consciousness called a spiritual awakening, which replaces the self-destructive pursuit of substance induced "highs." Failure to address patients' need for alternative methods of achieving altered states of consciousness is presented as part of the reason for relapse. An Altered States of Consciousness Therapy (ASCT) program is described that can be used to teach patients to consciously manipulate affect and cognition to achieve a new consciousness.

Comparable studies

Other theoretical and historical papers on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Altered States of Consciousness 1966 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Functional neuroanatomy of altered states of consciousness: The transient hypofrontality hypothesis 2003 Theoretical or philosophical paper
The Psychedelic Mystical Experience in the Human Encounter with Death 1969 Theoretical or philosophical paper
A neurophenomenological approach to non-ordinary states of consciousness: hypnosis, meditation, and psychedelics 2022 Theoretical or philosophical paper
Hypnotic phenomena and altered states of consciousness: a multilevel framework of description and explanation 2003 Theoretical or philosophical paper

Citations in the library

Cited by 4

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