The "intoxication state of consciousness": a model for alcohol and drug abuse.

An intoxication model based on altered states of consciousness is described and illustrated with research on marijuana. The intoxication state of consciousness influences social behavior and cognitive functioning and may help engender and stabilize social cohesion. Treatment implications include cognitive labeling of cues that trigger abuse, training for moderated drug use while intoxicated, and offering alternative altered states through meditation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The author describes a model of intoxicant use based on altered states of consciousness and reviews his own and others' research on marijuana to illustrate the utility of this model, which is derived from both introspective reports and observed data. The relationship of social behavior and cognitive functioning to the "intoxication state of consciousness" is discussed. This state of consciousness may have an adaptive value in engendering and stabilizing social cohesion. Possible treatment implications include cognitive labeling of cues that precipitate episodes of abuse, training for moderated drug use while patients are intoxicated, and providing abusers with altered consciousness through other means, such as meditation.