Drug-induced ego states. I. Cocaine: phenomenology and implications.
The ego state experienced by chronic users of cocaine is described in terms of sensorimotor functioning, cognitive functioning, emotionality, spatiality , temporality , causality, and materiality . At low use levels the state is pleasurable, but at high levels fear, anxiety, and paranoia increase, and ultimately reality contact breaks down. Q-sort, Semantic Differential, and other data suggest that low-level users take cocaine to overcome personal insecurities and relieve boredom. Heavy users take it to support overvaulting ambitions and intense strivings for self-sufficiency. Psychotherapy with such persons must deal with their counterdependency , anger, and despair, and with their underlying sense of betrayal . These persons have unacknowledged needs for spiritual experience that must be dealt with openly. A description of persons most vulnerable to heavy use of cocaine is provided, and recommendations for research and social policy are presented.
D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004532:Ego; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D005059:Euphoria; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012306:Risk; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013998:Time Perception / Q000187:drug effects
D003042:Cocaine