Meditation, Hypnosis, and Drugs

Meditation

A method to narrow consciousness so the stresses of the outside world fade away; a way of being in the present moment.

Mantra

A repetitive sound used in meditation.

Biofeedback

A system that provides information about something happening in the body, allowing people to learn control over certain bodily functions.

Hypnosis

An altered state of consciousness during which people respond to suggestions and behave as though they are in a trance.

Hypnotic Suggestibility

The trait of being easily hypnotized because one is able to focus without getting distracted.

Role Theory (Hypnosis)

The explanation that people under hypnosis are playing a part as if they are in a play.

Posthypnotic Suggestion

Instructions given by a therapist during hypnosis that are to be carried out after the session has ended (e.g., for overeating or smoking).

Addiction

A state where the body craves a drug just to feel normal after taking it for a time.

Physical Dependence

When the body needs a drug to cope, leading to drug tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological Dependence

A need for a drug for emotional well-being, leading to feelings of confusion, anxiety, or panic if the drug is not taken.

Drug Tolerance

The body's reduced reaction to a drug, leading to the need for larger doses to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

The unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms experienced when stopping drug use.

Depressants

Drugs that slow the activity of the nervous system, giving a sense of relaxation (e.g., alcohol, narcotics).

Alcohol

A depressant that causes intoxication (slurred speech, blurred vision, clumsiness) and is linked to addiction and health problems.

Narcotics

Addictive depressants derived from the opium poppy, used to relieve pain and induce sleep (e.g., morphine, heroin).

Morphine

A narcotic introduced during the Civil War to deaden pain; addiction was known as "the soldier's disease."

Heroin

A powerful, addictive narcotic that produces feelings of pleasure; originally hailed as a cure for morphine addiction.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase the activity of the nervous system, speeding up the heart rate (e.g., nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine).

Nicotine

A common stimulant found in tobacco that releases adrenaline, reduces appetite, and raises metabolism.

Amphetamines

Stimulants known for helping people stay awake and reducing appetite (e.g., "speed," "crystal meth").

Cocaine

A stimulant derived from the coca plant that produces pleasure, reduces hunger, and deadens pain.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that produce hallucinations, leading to feelings of relaxation or panic (e.g., LSD, marijuana, ecstasy).

Hallucination

A perception of an object or sound that seems real but is not (e.g., feeling bugs crawling on you).

Delusion

A false idea that seems real (e.g., believing you can fly or that people are out to get you).

Marijuana

A drug produced from the cannabis sativa plant; its mind-altering ingredient is THC.

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

A powerful hallucinogen, sometimes called "acid," that can produce intense, unpredictable hallucinations and flashbacks.

Detoxification

A treatment for drug abuse involving the removal of the harmful substance from the body.

Maintenance Programs

A treatment for narcotic addiction where users are given controlled amounts of the drug or a substitute (e.g., methadone).

Counseling

A treatment for stimulant and depressant abuse, conducted individually or in groups.

Support Groups

A treatment where several people share common experiences to provide emotional and moral support (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous).

Health Benefits of Meditation

Includes lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular problems.

Non-Health Benefits of Meditation

Includes improved relationships, sports performance, concentration, and higher grades.

What Meditation is NOT

It is not being loud, floating, stressful, moving around, sleep, hypnosis, or for a specific religion.