Drug-induced ego states. I. Cocaine: phenomenology and implications.
J V Spotts, F C Shontz
International Journal of the Addictions April 1984 DOI: 10.3109/10826088409057173 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Measures | Q-sort, Semantic Differential |
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | The authors argue that chronic cocaine use produces a distinct ego state that is pleasurable at low use levels but marked by fear, anxiety, paranoia, and eventual breakdown of reality contact at high levels. They contend that low-level users seek relief from insecurities and boredom, while heavy users are driven by overvaulting ambitions and strivings for self-sufficiency, and that psychotherapy must address counterdependency, anger, despair, betrayal, and unacknowledged spiritual needs. |
Abstract
The ego state experienced by chronic users of cocaine is described in terms of sensorimotor functioning, cognitive functioning, emotionality, spatiality , temporality , causality, and materiality . At low use levels the state is pleasurable, but at high levels fear, anxiety, and paranoia increase, and ultimately reality contact breaks down. Q-sort, Semantic Differential, and other data suggest that low-level users take cocaine to overcome personal insecurities and relieve boredom. Heavy users take it to support overvaulting ambitions and intense strivings for self-sufficiency. Psychotherapy with such persons must deal with their counterdependency , anger, and despair, and with their underlying sense of betrayal . These persons have unacknowledged needs for spiritual experience that must be dealt with openly. A description of persons most vulnerable to heavy use of cocaine is provided, and recommendations for research and social policy are presented.
Comparable studies
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| From dopamine to salience to psychosis--linking biology, pharmacology and phenomenology of psychosis. | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How do the brain's time and space mediate consciousness and its different dimensions? Temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC). | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The phenomenology of deep brain stimulation-induced changes in OCD: an enactive affordance-based model. | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |