Why do you feel people are so attracted to altered states of consciousness due to substance use compared to meditation? 

For Ch. 5’s essay choose either A, B, or C.

A. In the past few years, laws have been passed in some states allowing for the medicinal use of marijuana. Some have even legalized it for recreational use. Why do you feel people are so attracted to altered states of consciousness due to substance use compared to meditation?  To support your ideas, review King’s (2017) “Psychoactive Drugs,” p.160 and  “Consciousness and Health and Wellness” p. 173 include a discussion of at least 3 research articles that have been published in peer-reviewed research journals.

B. Ever wondered what your dog or pet was dreaming about? An article in Psychology Today by Stanley Coren (2010) suggested that at a structural level, the brains of dogs are similar to those of humans. “Also, during sleep the brain (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Wave patterns of dogs are similar to that of people and go through the same stages of electrical activity observed in humans, all of which is consistent with the idea that dogs are dreaming.” So, do you think that animals dream and do you think the purpose of dreaming in animals is similar to the reasons why humans dream?  To support your ideas review King’s (2017) Sleep and Dreams p148 and include a discussion of at least 3 research articles that have been published in peer-reviewed research journals.

C. According to the American Psychological Association, “Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique in which clinicians make suggestions to individuals who have undergone a procedure designed to relax them and focus their minds.

Although hypnosis has been controversial, most clinicians now agree it can be a powerful, effective therapeutic technique for a wide range of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. Hypnosis can also help people change their habits, such as quitting smoking.” What do you think? Can you can see an advantage of using hypnosis for treatments related to pain, smoking, and other mental health concerns? Review King’s (2017) “Hypnosis” p169 and include a discussion of at least 3 research articles that have been published in peer-reviewed research journals.