Altered states of consciousness therapy

Attaining altered states of consciousness is a basic human motive. People with substance use disorders pursue these states destructively through alcohol and drugs, yet rehabilitation programs often ignore this motive due to social disapproval, confusion between means and ends, and inadequate staff training. Alcoholics Anonymous directs members toward a spiritual awakening as an altered state, replacing the self-destructive pursuit of substance-induced highs. Failure to address patients' need for alternative methods of achieving altered states contributes to relapse. The authors describe an Altered States of Consciousness Therapy (ASCT) program that teaches patients to consciously manipulate affect and cognition to achieve a new consciousness.

Study at a glance

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.