Meditation Method used to try and narrow their awareness of the stress of the outside world In the old days, people gazed upon a lamp or stare at a pattern Now…more contemporary Goal is to focus on a peaceful, relaxing pattern Helps achieve “oneness” with the universe Shown to lower BP, heart rate, respiration rate

Biofeedback System that provided information about something that is happening in the body People learn how to control bodily functions Certain machines can help people control bodies Only use when supervised!!!

Hypnosis What is it? Altered state of consciousness during which people respond to suggestions and behave as though they are in a trance

Hypnosis How is it achieved?? Focus on something specific People can only be hypnotized if they believe in the process

Hypnosis How can we explain hypnosis? Freud We enjoy being taken back to a child-like state We like to be told what to do Role Theory We become engrossed in playing a part –Something that is out of our character

Hypnosis How is hypnosis used in Psychology?? Memory –Used to jog memories Ex. Witnesses to crime Deemed useless in court People often do not remember being hypnotized

Hypnosis Hypnosis and Pain Prevention Dentists and surgeons use to calm patients

Hypnosis Quitting Habits -Suggest things during hypnosis -Usually associate something repulsive or disgusting with the unwanted habit

DRUGS & CONSCIOUSNESS Altered States of Consciousness

DRUG or SUBSTANCE USE can cause… Stimulation or a distortion of consciousness Distorted perception(s) Change in moods Etc.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE Pattern of use that diminishes ability to fulfill responsibilities & meet the demands of life

DEPRESSANTS ALCOHOL In small doses… relaxing In large doses… puts a person to sleep Often slurs speech, blurs vision, and you may become clumsy Leaves you unable to focus on behavior

DEPRESSANTS Narcotics Addictive depressants used to relieve pain Ex. Morphine (Originally used during Civil War) Heroine (Used to cure morphine addiction) Codeine (derived from the Poppy Seed)

STIMULANTS INCREASE ACTIVITY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

STIMULANTS NICOTINE Most commonly used stimulant Can cause adrenaline rush You become attentive and alert Negative health impact

STIMULANTS Amphetamines Help people stay awake Effects –Experience hallucinations and delusions –HIGHLY ADDICTIVE AND DANGEROUS

STIMULANTS Cocaine Raises Blood Pressure, decreases supply of oxygen to the heart

DRUG TYPES Hallucinogens Distort visual & auditory perceptions Types LSD – “acid” PCP – “angel dust” Marijuana Hash

HALLUCINOGINS INCREASE HEART RATE Can cause anxiety and confusion

Treatments Detoxification (A.k.a Detox) Various attempts to get a substance out of your system to allow normal functioning Maintenance Programs Used for narcotics Subjects given controlled amounts of drug Controversial

Treatments Counseling Individual or group Used for stimulant and depressant addiction Support Groups Share experiences for emotional and moral support Ex. AA