Altered States

Synopsis

What actually happens to you when you drink a cup of coffee? Is chocolate really an aphrodisiac? How do drugs like alcohol and cannabis work? Did psychedelics play a part in human evolution? In this fascinating little book, leading psychopharmacologist Dr. Ben Sessa describes the drugs, legal and illegal, natural and synthesised, from nicotine to endorphins, sugar to antidepressants, that humans all over the world take every day to change their state of mind.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Nature of Altered States

* Definition: Altered states are distinct mental experiences that differ from ordinary consciousness.
* Characteristics: Altered states can involve changes in perception, cognition, emotion, and sense of self.
* Examples: Sleep, dreaming, meditation, drug use, hypnosis.

Chapter 2: Sleep and Dreaming

* Sleep Stages: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM (NREM) sleep.
* Dreaming: Occurs during REM sleep; vivid and often bizarre dreams.
* Example: A person experiences a lucid dream where they can control the dream content.

Chapter 3: Meditation

* Definition: A practice that involves focused attention and relaxation techniques.
* Types: Mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, yoga meditation.
* Benefits: Stress reduction, improved focus, increased self-awareness.

Chapter 4: Hypnosis

* Definition: An altered state characterized by heightened suggestibility and focused attention.
* Methods: Hypnotic induction techniques involve relaxation and eye fixation.
* Applications: Pain management, smoking cessation, anxiety reduction.

Chapter 5: Drug Use and Altered States

* Effects: Drugs can alter perception, mood, and cognition.
* Types: Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin), stimulants (caffeine, cocaine), depressants (alcohol, opioids).
* Example: A person experiences a psychedelic experience characterized by vivid visual hallucinations and a sense of timelessness.

Chapter 6: Near-Death Experiences and Out-of-Body Experiences

* Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Subjective experiences reported by individuals who have come close to death.
* Common Features: Tunnel visions, encounters with spirits, a sense of peace and tranquility.
* Example: A person who nearly drowned recalls seeing a bright light and encountering deceased loved ones.

Chapter 7: Altered States in Other Cultures

* Cross-Cultural Variations: Different cultures have varying beliefs and practices related to altered states.
* Examples: Shamanism, spirit possession, trance states in religious rituals.
* Anthropological Perspective: Altered states provide insights into cultural beliefs and practices.

Chapter 8: The Evolutionary and Neuroscience of Altered States

* Evolutionary Perspective: Altered states may have served an adaptive function in human evolution.
* Neurological Mechanisms: Changes in brain activity (e.g., decreased frontal lobe activity) are associated with altered states.
* Example: A study using neuroimaging techniques shows reduced activity in brain areas involved in self-control during meditation.

Chapter 9: Altered States in Art and Literature

* Artistic Expression: Altered states have been a source of inspiration for artists and writers.
* Examples: Surrealism, psychedelic artwork, literature that explores dream worlds and the subconscious.
* Literary Perspective: Altered states allow for the exploration of different realities and psychological experiences.