1. Consciousness

2. Levels of Consciousness
Preconscious Level  ideas are not in your awareness right now, but you could recall them if you had to
Unconscious Level  sometimes referred to as the subconscious; unavailable to awareness under most circumstances.
Freud believed that because some memories too painful and some emotions are considered inappropriate so we use “defense mechanisms” to push them away to the unconscious

3. Levels of Consciousness
Non-conscious Level  Level on which most of our biological functions occur
Altered states of consciousness  a person’s sense of self or sense of the world changes
Examples: sleep, drug use, mediation, hypnosis, and biofeedback
Déjà vu  French for “already seen,” this is the strong sense that we have previously seen or experienced the event currently happening already

4. Meditation
Meditation is the method of narrowing the consciousness so that the stresses of the outside world fade away
Ancient Egyptians used to gaze upon an oil-burning lamp
The Yogis of India stare at an intricate pattern on a vase or carpet
Some people repeat pleasing sounds called mantras, such as om or sheereem and mentally focus on the sounds

5. Meditation People who mediate focus on a peaceful, repetitive stimulus
By narrowing their consciousness, people can suspend planning, worrying, and concern
Studies have found that mediation can also lower blood pressure and heart rate

6. Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a system that provides information about something happening in the body
Through biofeedback training, people have learned to control certain bodily functions
Using biofeedback, people have learned to treat tension headaches, pain, high blood pressure, and other medical issues

7. Hypnosis
Hypnosis is when people respond to suggestions and behave as though they are in a trance
However, some psychologists wonder whether hypnosis is really an altered state of consciousness
Hypnosis began with the ideas of German physician Franz Mesmer, who used a magnet as a form of treating patients

8. Hypnosis Some doctors use hypnosis as an anesthetic
Others use it to help clients reduce anxiety, manage pain, or overcome fears
Some professional hypnotists will put people in a trace by asking them to focus on a specific item
Hypnotists usually suggest that the person’s arms and legs are becoming warm, heavy and relaxed
Then they may tell people that they are becoming sleepy, however hypnosis is NOT sleep

9. Hypnosis
People who are easily hypnotized are said to have hypnotic suggestibility
According to Freud, people can be hypnotize because they allows themselves to be
Role play  theory that people who are hypnotize are playing a part as if they are in a play
Hypnosis has been used to help witnesses remember details, people escape/prevent pain, and people to quit bad habits
Posthypnotic suggestion  someone is given instructions during hypnosis that are to be carried out after the hypnosis is over

10. Drug Use and Consciousness
Some drugs slow down the nervous system and some speed it up
Depressants  drugs that slow the activity of the nervous system; generally give people a sense of relaxation
Intoxication: state of being drunk, usually on alcohol; causes slurred speech, blurred vision, loss of balance, and trouble concentrating
Narcotics  depressants used for pain relief and to help induce sleep
High doses can impair judgment and memory, cause drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and even death
Examples: morphine, heroin, codeine

11. Drug Use and Consciousness
Stimulants  drugs that increase the level of nervous system activity
Nicotine increases the release of adrenaline, reduces the appetite, increases metabolism
High risk of lung cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, and other health issues
Amphetamines are known for their ability to help people stay awake and reducing appetite; sometimes called “speed” or “uppers”
Amphetamines can cause hallucinations (perception of an object or sound that seems real but it not) and delusions (false idea that seems real)

12. Drug Use and Consciousness
Hallucinogen  drug that produces hallucinations and/or feelings of relaxation and pleasure
Marijuana releases THC into the body which can cause mild hallucinogens and feelings of euphoria
Results in impaired coordination and perception
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), often called acid, is a hallucinogen with unpredictable side effects
Can cause panic and confusion, memory loss, violent outbursts, nightmares, and flashbacks