Running head: PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE 1
Preventing Drug Abuse
Tina Brigitini
Argosy University
Preventing Drug Abuse
“Preventing or delaying use of psychoactive drugs, alcohol, and tobacco among adolescents is a critical, national public health goal. The simplest and most cost-effective way to lower the human and societal costs of drug abuse is to prevent it in the first place.”(“Preventing Drug Abuse”) Dealing with drug abuse issues after the fact is costly as well as painful for many people, families are subjected to loss of loved ones, relationships suffer, and we continue to produce more and more addicts as a result.
There are many effective strategies that have been implemented and have produced desired effects. There have also been many non-effective prevention strategies, however due to the inability to measure effectiveness in a relatively short time span, the ineffectiveness is not known for some time after implementing.
In consideration to the efforts to minimize cigarette smoking, considered to be the doorway to substance abuse, I would like to make mention of the media as a source to many drug abuse issues of today. People do not tend to differentiate a street drug from a prescription drug, particularly children. I have witnessed children referring to medication as the cure all for all pain; they regard medication as the appropriate treatment to all that ails regardless of what
behavior they may be doing to create the issue.
Our country took a stand and banned cigarette commercials aimed at getting children addicted for the sake of a profit, why then do we continue to allow the pharmaceuticals companies to profit by brainwashing children to the idea of drug use? “The first is that a coordinated approach using schools, parent and peer groups, civic organizations, police, newspapers, radio, and television can have a much greater impact than an isolated program that occurs only in school.”(Hart, Ksir, & Ray, 2009) Why would a child resist the temptation of a
drug in the school yard if their brains have been programmed to think that drugs are ok? This is an oxy-moron, similar to the idea of reducing gang violence yet our country goes to war and arms the biggest gangs to fight for our country. This is the example of the impact the macrocosm has on the microcosm. The child opens the medicine cabinet to see all the prescription drugs their parents are taking, with little understanding of the difference between a drug prescribed and a drug at hand. “Take this drug and you will feel better.” “As a result,
adolescents are more likely to exercise poor judgment, especially in terms of evaluating and appreciating the risks and long-term consequences associated with high-risk behaviors such assubstance use” (Hart et al., 2009) Don’t we all self-medicate? Cigarettes, coffee, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, all take the edge off.
The old adage, practice what you preach applies to all forms of self-medication whether it be prescribed or recreational. When we legalized alcohol we
basically gave all people the freedom to become addicts. If we want to be pro-active in preventing drug abuse we would need the media to educate children in ways to self-medicate in healthy ways, exercise, meditation, yoga, and bodywork. What if we ran a campaign aimed at getting our children addicted to relaxation techniques that produced euphoria, where drugs were not necessary for coping later on in life?
Educating our children through the school systems to the dangers has been effective, one such method is “Project Alert” which found that education in seventh grade with a booster in eighth grade and a follow up fifteen months later produced a four percent difference between controlled group and non-controlled group in relation to marijuana. “A Cornell University study of six
thousand students in New York State found that the odds of drinking, smoking, and using marijuana were 40 percent lower among students who participated in a school-based substance abuse program in grades seven through nine than among their counterparts who did not”. (“Preventing Drug Abuse”)
Other successful interventions include peers, parents, and communities, such as the YMCA’s or church organizations. These each have a strong capacity to influence children to discern what may be harmful to them while helping them to hold their power in a tough situation like being faced with the pressure of trying marijuana or alcohol.
One of the methods used in my neighborhood when I was a teenager was a parent holding a teen meeting at their house once a
week, the parents took turns. The problem was that parents were not educated to the types of drugs that infiltrated the school systems, nor were they educated to how to communicate with teens around drug abuse and the potential dangers. In the end, the meetings were fun and possibly effective as there were twenty-two teens in this neighborhood, of the twenty-two teens, all used both marijuana and alcohol and only five went on to experiment with hallucenogenic drugs.
Educating adolescents with a focus on prevention is one of the most effective methods of prevention; why not begin training them for the workplace while in school? Why not implement random drug testing for high school students?
We have identified adolescents as a group most susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse and yes, this is the beginning of creating a safe society for all.
Another group to consider is the elderly population, this group has gone undetected for a variety of reasons, and many of those reasons seem to coincide with the behaviors of drug abuse and aging making it difficult to differentiate. Implementing programs to assist the elderly population while educating to the
dangers would serve our society well. The major differences are the ability to obtain a recreational drug or a pharmaceutical drug. The doctors are writing prescriptions at an alarming rate, of course their job is to help the patient to alleviate the symptom of the complaint. The misfortune to this vicious cycle is that the elderly often fall victim to the hands of the medical field, they have not learned that they may have choices to which drug they say “NO” to. Why
not a campaign “JUST SAY “NO” to the pharmaceutical drugs aimed at the elderly?
Drug problems in our society are not solely the street user or the drug pusher; they are in it for the money as well, this is no different on some level as our doctors and pharmaceutical industries. We must look at this problem and treat all the root causes not just the issue of drugs.
There are many recovered drug addicts using their experience and their wisdom to share with the youngsters today in an effort to show them the alternatives to drug abuse. This is part of the community education, educate the children to understand the importance of education, of psychological well being, give them support groups where they can share their concerns. Keep kids off the street and create programs aimed at becoming productive contributing citizens,
programs like these will increase their self-awareness and self-esteem, the very reasons many adolescents turn to drugs to begin with.
References
Hart, C. L., Ksir, C., & Ray, O. (2009). DRUGS, SOCIETY & HUMAN BEHAVIOR (13th ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Preventing Drug Abuse. (). Retrieved from www.ncjrs.gov
In my line of work, holistic therapies, I am witness to some very sad circumstances that can be avoided. As we all know, there is an urgent matter of drug addiction to address. If we all get involved, we can make a difference. Education, education, education!!!
People living with chronic pain are typically those who have been injured or have chronic disease. Most are on disability leaving limited funding for alternative therapies while insurance covers physical therapy and drugs.
Although there are many available options in holistic health care; options are not covered by insurance companies. This lack in our health care system is contributing to the overwhelming number of people becoming addicted to pain killers and later turning to street drugs when the Doctor cuts off the supply of meds.
People are literally dying as a result of injuring a coccyx bone, recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident, and back surgeries! What is killing them is the ADDICTION to pain medication. There is something so radically wrong with this picture. People should be healing from their injuries and getting back to work. Instead they are lucky to heal from the injury and addiction prevents them from reclaiming their lives again.
This problem is one that seriously upsets me. Back in 1997 and 1998 I myself had to undergo two back surgeries. Ironically enough, one my clients also had the surgeries, not twice but three times. Today I am alive to write this, she was dead at 43 years old. Her death was the result of drug addiction to the point that her body shut down. She was a lively, successful, and intelligent woman with much to live for. She loved her dogs, her niece, her fiance`, was a successful business woman, and had a family that loved her. She is gone as are many others with similar stories.
Today as I continue to see people die at alarming rates it occurs to me that I can do only so much to support people. I seriously hate watching people suffer. If I only could, I would. I would dedicate my life to end suffering and on many levels I have done that, emotional or physical pain.
Here is the dilemma; I can discount services so that it is affordable but I can’t afford to give products away to support right nutrition. If I can do anything to stop this epidemic, it will be in offering a comprehensive program with a lot of options to support people in not only managing pain, decreasing their level of pain through right nutrition, exercise, floating, energy balancing, massage, medicinal oils, meditation, and hypnosis.
In order to deliver a successful program I will need to reach out to the masses for the funding of this program. People in pain need more than one session, more than one bottle of enzymes, more than one hypnosis session, and so forth. Properly funded people will heal over time and reclaim their lives.
If you or anyone you know is suffering with chronic pain issues, please let them know there are options. I will work with anyone within their budget to support a change in drug addiction in our country.
Brace yourself for the Indigo’s, they are growing up and ready to their work.
From http://www.2012-spiritual-growth-prophecies.com/indigo-child.html
“What are the behavioral patterns of Indigos?
They are born feeling and knowing they are special and should be revered.
An indigo knows they belong here as they are and expect you to realize it as well.
These children are more confident and have a higher sense of self-worth.
Absolute authority, the kind with no choices, negotiation, or input from them does not sit well. The educational system is a good example.
Some of the rules we so carefully followed as children seem silly to them and they fight them.
Rigid ritualistic systems are considered archaic to an indigo child. They feel everything should be given creative thought.
They are insightful and often have a better idea of method then what has been in place for years. This makes them seem like “system busters.”
Adults often view an indigo as anti-social unless they are with other indigos. Often they feel lost and misunderstood, which causes them to go within.
The old control methods like, “Wait till your father gets home,” have no affect on these children.
The fulfillment of their personal needs is important to them, and they will let you know.”
Yesterday I had a young man stop in asking for work. I thought he was interested in some administrative work or float tank supervision; wrong! He’s an Indigo and wants to work here doing tarot card readings, palm readings, and psychic readings. Interesting I thought; he was so young I had to see what he was doing so I asked him to read my palm. Well, he nailed it! Needing to test him a little more I asked him to do a tarot card reading for one of my students, he nailed it again. In further conversation wanting to know what else he was doing I asked him what else he does; he went on to say he also works as a medium, ok then show me your stuff. I wasn’t meaning to read me but he did anyway; turns out not many souls hanging out with me but my grandfather is around me. Knowing nothing about my student he went on to read her, again he nailed it.
Needless to say I was very impressed. These kids are young and have a little to learn about putting themselves out there to the public. With a little training they are going to show the world that the veil is gone. They will travel the multiple dimensions of existence and bring the messages back to end suffering.
Of course I am highly considering bringing this young person on to do readings at the center. A little training to fine tune the natural born skills and I believe we have someone pretty amazing. I will keep you posted as to how this turns out and his availability should we be in agreement to move forward. You too will be impressed!
Wikipedia definition of Indigo:
“Indigo children, according to a pseudoscientificNew Age concept, are children who are believed to possess special, unusual, and sometimes supernatural traits or abilities.[4] The idea is based on concepts developed in the 1970s by Nancy Ann Tappe[5] and further developed by Jan Tober and Lee Carroll. The concept of indigo children gained popular interest with the publication of a series of books in the late 1990s and the release of several films in the following decade. A variety of books, conferences and related materials have been created surrounding belief in the idea of indigo children and their nature and abilities. The interpretations of these beliefs range from their being the next stage in human evolution, in some cases possessing paranormal abilities such astelepathy, to the belief that they are more empathetic and creative than their peers.”
Kids today are bombarded with information, busy minds every second of the day, text messages, social media, not to mention school work, homework, and activities. Where is the time to process emotions? There has never been a greater need than today to engage children in deepening a connection to themselves.
What we are seeing from generations x and y is an increase in emotional imbalance; anxiety, depression, bi-polar, etc.. Let’s take a look at the options in supporting the children that communicate mainly through text and social media.
Great balance kids
It only makes sense that we begin to work to balance children so that they can grow up to be healthy, self-sustaining adults. There are many affordable -options to support children naturally to becoming balanced self-sustaining individuals. Kids benefit greatly from yoga, the calming effects of pure essential oils, massage therapy, energy balancing, and sound therapy to name a few.
My many years of supporting adults to move beyond “victims of trauma” to empowered adults greatly supports the idea of working with children in taking a proactive approach to balanced adults in later years.
While I don’t claim to be an expert in the cause of anxiety what I can share is that anxiety appears to be a result of suppressed emotional expression to perceived childhood trauma. We have the tools to ward off imbalances while they are young.
Unfortunately, as a society we our trained to wait until symptoms appear before taking corrective action. By the time clients are presenting symptoms an imbalance in the energetic field has been present for many years; however undetected.
Children are aware of circumstances in their environment, they are confused by actions of adults, and they are affected by the pain, fear, sadness, of those closest to them. Their brain however is not developed to process this information as an adult would. This inability to intellectualize life leads the child to create an experience with limitations that remain true later in life.
Energy balancing is very different than psychotherapy; balancing energy clears the trauma which disengages the charge, or the hold. Children advancing into young adolescents, teen years, and later as young adults will have an ability to process information clearly.
Engage children in activities to move their energy, to become more connected to their bodies, and to find that quiet time within their own mind to become acquainted with their emotions. This may be yoga, meditation, bodywork, qigong, or any other holistic options that is energy based.
This is the time to support children and we can make this world a better place.
We have programs to support the kids today in becoming more balanced. Please see our website for options.
“For depression, flotation was equal to counseling at near 70%, with relaxation training at 53% and physical therapy and medication at 20%.”
Flotation REST in Applied Psychophysiology Thomas H. Fine, M.A. and Roderick Borrie, Ph.D.
Thomas H. Fine is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry of the Medical College of Ohio. He began his research and clinical work with Biofeedback in 1975, and, with John Turner, initiated the Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy research program at MCO in 1978.
Roderick A Borrie, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist at South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, New York. He began his exploration of therapeutic uses of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy at the University of British Columbia with Dr. Peter Suedfeld, and continues to use it in current work with patients suffering chronic pain and illness.
Introduction
Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) has fascinated many researchers, clinicians, and explorers of consciousness, promising something special - a powerful transformation, a mystical peak experience, an intense change in biochemicals, improved performance, or a healing of our ills. Beyond the fascination, Flotation REST has established itself as a unique method in the field of applied psychophysiology. Flotation REST has proven to be a technique with predictable psychophysiological effects and powerful clinical and performance applications. This article will provide the reader with an introduction to the basic research into Flotation REST’s psychophysiological effects, and a brief overview of the clinical and performance applications currently in use by REST clinicians and researchers. The article will examine in greater detail the use of Flotation REST as an intervention for chronic pain.
REST is an acronym for Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique, a name developed in the late 1970s by Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie for a technique that had previously been called Sensory Deprivation (SD) or Sensory Isolation. Since much of the early SD research had been misinterpreted, especially by writers of introductory psychology texts, a widely accepted myth developed that SD environments were highly stressful, even models for producing psychotic like experiences. This led to difficulties with the Sensory Deprivation concept. Ultimately Suedfeld and Borrie proposed that, since the process involves restricting the environmental stimulation that the patient or subject experiences, REST would be a more accurate and less provocative acronym.
Flotation REST is a special type of REST popularized by John C. Lilly, M.D. Lilly developed an immersion system in the late 1950s at that was used in early SD experiments. In the 1960s he developed a flotation system in which a person floats in a light free, sound reduced chamber in a highly concentrated solution of Epsom Salt and water maintained at a constant temperature of 9,4.5 F (Lilly, 1977, p. 118).
Both Wet and Dry REST systems have been utilized in research and practice. Wet-REST systems utilize flotation in salt water, and Dry-REST systems utilize a modified REST environment in which a pliable 15 mm. polymer membrane separated the floater from the fluid (Turner, Gerard, Hyland, Neilands, & Fine, 1993).
At the Medical College of Ohio, John Turner and I conducted a series of studies investigating the psychophysiological effects of brief sessions of Flotation REST. The REST environment used in all of these studies was a plastic or fiberglass chamber, approximately 1.1 m. x 1.3 m. x 2.5 m. filled to a 25 cm. depth with saturated epsom salts (Mg SO) solution having a specific gravity of 1.28 and temperature maintained at 34.5 C. The chamber was light-free and the sound level was less than 10 decibels, with further attenuation due to submersion of the ears in the solution. The general protocol consisted of 30-40 minute sessions repeated approximately every third day with a total number ranging from 4 to 20 sessions per study.
The first parameter we addressed was the subjective report of the REST experience. We utilized several indices of subjective reports including the Spielberger state anxiety scale, Zuckerman multiple affect adjective checklist (Turner & Fine, 1990a), profile of mood states (POMS) (Turner, Fine, Ewy, Sershon, & Frelich, 1989), and subjective rating scales of emotion and relaxation. All of the initial studies found marked pre-post and across-session changes indicating relaxation, an increase in positive emotion and a decrease in negative emotions. In addition, an analysis of well over 1,000 descriptions of the REST experience indicated that more than 90% of subjects found REST deeply relaxing.
Psychophysiological Effects of Flotation Rest
In choosing physiological parameters of the REST effect on relaxation, we examined the basic physiological and biochemical hormonal changes associated with stress responding. Physiological parameters measured included blood pressure (BP), muscle tension (EMG), and heart rate (HR). Hormonal parameters included both adrenal axis hormones such as ACTH, epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and aldosterone, and hormones not mediating stress responding (luteinizing hormone and testosterone). Both within and across-session decreases have been observed in various hormones. Hormones directly associated with the stress response. Cortisol, ACTH and epinephrine showed decreases during REST sessions, whereas luteinizing hormone, which is not associated with the stress response, showed no change (Turner & Fine 1983). Likewise, across-session decreases were observed in adrenal-associated hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, renin activity), while a hormone unrelated to stress response (testosterone) did not shown across-session changes (Turner & Fine, 1990a). In a separate study, we examined the across-session effect on both mean cortisol values and their variability, observing a decrease in both parameters (Turner and Fine, 1991). This suggests the possibility of a resetting of the regulatory mechanism of cortisol across sessions. Furthermore, cortisol, which has received more attention than the other hormones, and Blood Pressure, have been shown to maintain the REST effect after cessation of repeated REST sessions (Turner & Fine, 1983). This phenomenon suggests that the REST effect may be more than a simple, immediately reversible response.
Interestingly, in comparing hormonal and BP changes in REST with these changes in another relaxation condition (biofeedback), REST consistently showed greater hormonal effects but similar BP effects to biofeedback assisted relaxation (McGrady, Turner, Fine, & Higgins. 1987). These results led us to consider that REST affects different mechanisms than the biofeedback (since it affected cortisol levels when other methods did not) or was simply more powerful (i.e. REST reached the threshold for cortisol change but biofeedback did not).
Clinical Applications of Flotation REST
These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that Flotation REST serves as a powerful relaxation inducer and has clinical potential in working with patients who have stress-related disorders. There have been several clinical studies that have employed REST as a treatment. The disorders treated include essential hypertension, muscle tension headache, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, psychophysiological insomnia, PMS, and rheumatoid arthritis (Fine and Turner, 1985; Rzewnicki, Alistair, Wallbaum, Steel, Suedfeld, 1990; Fine and Tumer, 1985; Goldstein and Jessen, 1990; Turner, DeLeon, Gibson, & Fine, 1993). The treatment paradigms used in these studies were similar, with REST serving as the primary method of relaxation induction and training. All of these studies demonstrated positive results from the use of REST. One of the unique effects of REST demonstrated in these studies was that chronic pain patients frequently experienced an absence of all pain during flotation, and that this spontaneous anesthesia could remain for up to several hours after the session. Unfortunately, as with many bio-behavioral treatment approaches, the large scale controlled trials have yet to be undertaken.
Flotation REST and Performance Enhancement
A separate, exciting area is the use of Flotation REST in the enhancement of human performance. Several studies, carried out primarily in the research programs of Peter Suedfeld at the University of British Columbia and Arreed Barabasz at Washington State University, have demonstrated enhancement of scientific creativity, instrument flight performance, and piano performance. Several studies of sports performance have had positive results including studies of basketball, tennis, skiing, rifle marksmanship, and dart throwing. In several of the studies the Flotation REST condition was varied with relaxation, or imagery training and always had a more powerful effect. Often, Flotation REST was used with imagery or without imagery, and no difference was, found. Flotation REST, either wet or dry, was sufficiently powerful to affect a change in performance. Barabasz suggests that because REST potentiates imagery while disrupting over learned psychological processes, the technique is especially suited not only for the acquisition of new im- proved skills but the unlearning of less adaptive ones.
Flotation Rest and Pain Management
An in depth examination of the role of Flotation REST in the management of pain can provide us with a clear picture of the psychophysiological nature of the treatment. Pain programs are generally used as a last referral resort for patients whose intractable pain has not responded to the traditional medical treatments. Biobehaviorally based pain management utilizes counseling and behavioral medicine techniques such as relaxation training, meditation. biofeedback, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis. The goals of such treatment are the development of pain avoidance skills, the establishment of routines for optimal fitness within the limitations of a disability, the reduction or elimination of pain, when possible, and/or the patients acceptance of some level of pain.
Flotation REST can have an important role at several stages of the pain management process. By reducing both muscle tension and pain in a relatively short time and without effort on the part of the patient, flotation provides a dramatic demonstration of the benefits of relaxation. Relief is immediate and, although temporary, offers promise of further relief from REST and other relaxation-based strategies. Symptom reduction gained from flotation can increase a patient’s motivation and interest in the remainder of the therapy plan. Pain patients generally come into treatment feeling suspicious and skeptical, requiring a clear demonstration that they can be helped. Flotation can be the vehicle for that demonstration.
Cara floating for peace
The relaxation following flotation can be used to facilitate relaxation training. In the treatment reported here, training in relaxation and other psychological pain control strategies occurred during the flotation REST sessions as well as in counseling sessions. Specially prepared audio programs introduced patients to breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery and hypnotic suggestions for pain reduction while they floated. Training and practice in those same techniques followed in counseling sessions and at home.
The most common etiologies of pain in this group of patients were from motor vehicle accidents, work accidents, or chronic illness. Most had endured their pain for longer than six months and had also suffered various levels of anxiety, anger, and depression. These emotional problems must be considered in the treatment of chronic pain patients.The first data are pre-post pain ratings from 16 patients who floated from one to 16 flotation sessions. Each patient reported on up to four body areas, providing a total of 253 pre-post , measures. The average percentage of relief, as measured in decrease from the pre-session value, was 31.3% for all sessions and all measures. To determine whether flotation REST provides more pain relief to some parts of the body as opposed to others, these measurements were examined by body area. Pain reduction in most body areas was close to the overall mean of 31%, except the upper back, which showed a 63.6% pain reduction, the arms which showed a 48.2% reduction, and the legs, which showed a 15.3% pain reduction. The duration of relief varied from two hours to seven days.
A second set of data came from a survey mailed to patients who had completed the program. The questionnaire asked patients to assess how much pain relief they received from the various components of the pain program (Flotation, relaxation training, and counseling) and from other treatments they had received medication (pills and shots), physical therapy, chiropractic, and surgery. Short-term pain relief, long-term pain relief, relief from anxiety or stress, and relief from depression were indicated separately. Additionally, they were asked whether each treatment improved their outlook and/or helped them cope with their pain.
All 27 respondents had received treatments other than those from this pain program: 81% had used pain medications; 56% had had some form of pain injections; 70% had received physical therapy; 59% had received chiropractic treatment; 22% had undergone surgery. These patients reported more short-term and long-term pain relief from flotation than from the other therapeutic modalities.
For non-pain symptoms, the comparisons were even more striking. Patients reported far more relief from anxiety and stress from flotation than any other modality. For depression, flotation was equal to counseling at near 70%, with relaxation training at 53% and physical therapy and medication at 20%.
Enjoy your unique experience.
Patients also claimed to have reaped a variety of other benefits from flotation, reporting improvements in sleep (65%), mental concentration (77%), energy (46%), interpersonal relationships (54%), ability to work (35%), ability to cope with pain (88%), ability to cope with stress (92%), and feelings of well-being (65%) resulting from flotation REST.
In answering the question, “Did this treatment improve your outlook toward your pain?” 96% responded positively for flotation, 100% for counseling, 100% for relaxation training, 50% for physical therapy, 24% for pain pills, 17% for pain shots, 15% for chiropractic. To the question, “Did this treatment help you cope effectively with your pain?” 96% responded positively for flotation, 92% for both relaxation training and counseling, 50% for pain shots, 44% for pain injections, 38% for physical therapy, and 17% for chiropractic. It is clear that flotation was rated on average as more effective than other treatments with respect to pain, anxiety and depression relief.
Flotation REST and Chronic Illness
Summing up thus far, the data are supportive of flotation REST being useful in pain reduction, stress and tension abatement, and mood enhancement. Besides chronic pain, other patients treated at our facility were those with chronic physical illnesses, those with cancer, those with trauma to the nervous system, those with depression or bipolar mood disorder. anxiety disorders, and those suffering overwhelming stress.
Uniquely, Flotation REST provides an effortless introduction to deep mental and physical relaxation. The majority of our chronic illness patients suffered from autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and Reiters syndrome. For these patients, discovering relaxation meant a dramatic reduction in symptoms, such as joint pain, headache, fatigue and depression. Several patients with lupus reported that regular flotation permitted them to reduce their dosage of prednisone while experiencing less frequency and severity of symptoms. Two patients with scleroderma reported relief from flotation. One reported relief from pain and stiffness that lasted almost a week after her third flotation session. As this patient continued she also experienced relief from her depression about the illness, a dramatic reduction in her use of steroids and other medications, a reduction in joint pain and swelling, and less frequent heartburn and headaches. After a three month course of treatment with flotation and counseling she was able to return to her job.
Flotation REST and Depression
When depression is in reaction to the circumstances of a physical injury or illness, Flotation REST can produce an immediate elevation in mood, probably due to the mood enhancing effects of deep relaxation as well as the optimism that occurs with the experience of physical relief. When depression is the primary diagnosis, flotation is best used as an adjunct to counseling and then only after the patient has gained a modicum of feeling in control. Caution is necessary in administering REST with depressed patients due to the often obsessive nature of negative thinking that will continue during the REST session. Once these patients have developed a better understanding of their disorder, flotation REST can be a mood elevator that speeds the course of therapy, especially when combined with positive guided imagery during the sessions.
REST and Applied Psychophysiology
The REST environment can be viewed, from a biofeedback perspective, as a system that enhances the connection between consciousness and physiology by reducing external information rather than amplifying internal information. We describe biofeedback as a process of amplifying and displaying information about processes that we normally do not attend to or are unable to discriminate from the wealth of informational noise always present. REST reduces environmental noise, and in a flotation environment one is able to be aware of all sorts of physiological information, (i.e. muscle tension, heart rate, etc.) that we are often not aware of in normal quiet environments.
REST is an ideal environment for the acquisition of biofeedback based learning. Many years ago Lloyd and Shurley published a paper demonstrating its effect on the acquisition of single motor unit control. Acquisition of single motor unit control was superior in the REST chamber (Lloyd & Shurley, 1976). Our investigations found the same advantage with heart rate control. Similarly Dry-REST environments might be exceptional environments for neurofeedback training. While we have learned much about REST in the last twenty years, its potential in applied psychophysiology has barely been exploited. In this age of cyberspeak, we might begin to think of expanding the clinical bandwidth of applied psychophysiology by taking another look at REST. References
Fine, T.H., & Turner, J.W., Jr. (1983). The Use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension, First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation, 136-143.
Fine, T.H. & Turner, J.W., Jr. (1985). Rest-assisted relaxation and chronic pain. Health and Clinical Psychology, 4, 511-518.
Goldstein, D.D. & Jessen, W.E. (1987). Flotation Effect on Premenstrual Syndrome. Restricted Environmenntal Stimulation: Research and Commentary, 260-273.
Lilly, J.C. (1977). The deep self. New York: Simon & Schuster.
McGrady, A.V. Turner, J.W. Jr. Fine, T.H. & Higgins, J.T. (1987). Effects of biobehaviorally-assisted relaxation training on blood pressure, plasma renin, cortisol, and aldosterone levels in borderline essential hypertension. Clinical Biofeedback & Health, 10(1), 16-25.
Rzewnicki, R. Alistair, B.C. Wallbaum, Steel, H. & Suedfeld, P, (1990). REST for muscle contraction headaches: A comparison of two REST environments combined with progressive muscle relaxation training. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary, 245-254.
Turner, J.W. Jr. DeLeon, A. Gibson, C. & Fine, T. (1993). Effects of Flotation REST on range of motion, grip strength and pain in rheumatoid arthritics. In A. Barabasz & M, Barabasz (Ed.),Clinical and experimental restricted environmental stimulation (pp. 297- 336). New York: Springer-Verlag.
Turner, J.W. Jr. Fine, T.H. (1983). Effects of relaxation associated with brief restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) on plasma cortisol, ACTH, and LH. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 9, 115-126.
Turner, J.W. Jr. & Fine, T.H. (1990a). Hormonal changes associated with restricted environmental stimulation therapy. In P. Suedfeld, J. Turner, & T. Fine (Eds.), Restricted environmental stimulation theoretical and empirical development in flotation REST (pp. 71-92). New York, NY: Springer-Verlag.
Turner, J.W. Jr. & Fine, T.H. (1991). Restricting environmental stimulation influences variability and levels of plasma cortisol. Journal of Applied Physiology, 70(5), 2010-2013.
Turner, J.W. Jr. Fine, T. Ewy, G. Sershon, P. & Frelich, T. (1989). The presence or absence of light during flotation restricted environmental stimulation: Effects on plasma cortisol, blood pressure and mood. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 14, 291-300.
Turner, J.W. Jr. Gerard, W. Hyland, J. Neilands, P. & Fine, T.H. (1993). Effects of wet and dry flotation REST on blood pressure and plasma cortisol, In A. Barabasz & M. Barabasz (Ed,),Clinical and experimental restricted environmental stimulation (pp. 239-248). New York: Springer-Verlag.
Author’s address for information:
Thomas H. Fine, M.A.
Department of Psychiatry
Medical College of Ohio
Richard D. Ruppert Health Center
3120 Glendale Ave.
Toledo, OH 43614-5809 [email protected]
Schedule your REST session in combination with any other therapeutic service to maximize results. Hypnosis, Energy Work, Polarity, Massage, Coaching, Meditation, you design your experience.
Come and explore what it means to create a lifestyle that supports your health, your finances, and your power to take control.
DoTerra Purest Essential Oils
Pain Reduction
If you knew how to keep your family healthy & safe for long term; wouldn’t you?
If you understood the power of financial independence and knew how to; wouldn’t you?
If you had the tools to treat your symptoms safely; wouldn’t you?
Wouldn’t you take control of your life and take your power back if you knew how?
Answering YES to any of the above is reason enough to attend!
August 8th from 10 am to 11:30 you will hear from three amazing woman and what they are doing to take control of their finances, their health, and their families.
Please join me on
Saturday, August 8th,10 am-11:30
in welcoming three awesome women who have created their life styles for health, freedom, and families.
I am delighted to share with you three women who have inspired my life with their dedication to creating a lifestyle of health.
Learn how you can take control of your life as these women share their story with you.
Presenting:
Cara Deane - Health & Wellness Coach
Cara holds her Master’s in Education, has taught in public schools for past ten years supporting students to become the best they can be. Cara is inspirational and motivational in supporting others to make the changes they want to make.
Destiny Green, Artist, Bachelor’s Biology
Destiny is three years into her five year graduate degree program as a Naturopathic Physician. A natural born healer with vast knowledge in science and bio-chemistry. Destiny shares her knowledge in supporting you to confidently take charge in your holistic healing process.
Jeanne Worrick - Author of “Sell-Like-A-Girl”
Jeanne shares her insight into the toxic world we live in and educates you to make educated decisions for the health of you and your family.
Cara, Destiny, and Jeanne will present their stories to you in the first hour. All will be available for individual questions over refreshments after the presentation.
The interview in it’s entirety was close to a half hour. This segment covers careers and floating. Questions? Please feel free to email me at [email protected] or give me a call at 508-612-7488.
Enrolling Now for Conscious Coaching (The Psychology of Energy) starts late summer.
Training in Clinical Hypnosis is much more than one would ever imagine.Training with me, Tina, is more than just hypnosis, it’s learning how to work the energy of the session in addition to learning techniques. You will see here that I will challenge you in creating your own change. You may experience personal as well as professional growth as a result of taking this course with me. It is my goal that I support your growth, help you to be confident in putting yourself out in the world in your unique individual way utilizing your gifts and talents with the integration of hypnosis as a tool. These sample video’s here give you an idea of the depth of this training. You will understand the energetic principles to support your clients to successfully reaching their goals while also reaching your own through the process of learning.
The application of hypnosis is so diverse, simply; you can create the application that best suits your current skills, and get your work out to the masses. Psychologists take hypnosis to provide clients with more tools to success, nurses take hypnosis to integrate with clients for pain management, massage therapists train to support the emotional aspect of their clients.
If you cannot help your clients to lose weight, process grief, eliminate anxiety, move them past fears and phobia’s, and wish you could; this is the program for you. Your clients are waiting.
If you have been putting this training off, you may be putting off your own success. Therapists who have taken this course have implemented strategies into their own lives and made changes they have been trying to make for a long time. This course isn’t just about your clients, it’s about you being the best you can be and creating success in all areas of your life.
When you consider education, you want to consider return on investment. How many times have you heard someone ask if you can help them to lose weight, improve performance, relieve anxiety, get better grades, help their kids self-esteem, and said “no”? This is opportunity you may be passing up to someone else who has the skills to support these clients. ROI is equivalent to 13 1/2 clients to break even if you charge $100. per session. This doesn’t include the money you are saving on your own self-improvement.
Is it time to take action and begin your own journey to experience your BEST SELF ever? Register now and save your seat for this fall! Seating is limited, the course is exciting, and the tools will support you in so many ways. Ready?
An integration or stand alone and create your hypnosis practice. Take a look at these, and take it from here. Next session begins in September 2015. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Register today while there are seats open.
A look at some recent grads:
Lynsey Smith-Practioner/Yoga Instructor
Karen Woeller-Practitioner/Instructor
Susan Bloomburg-Practitioner
Nancy Sciore-Practitioner
Bill Forsman-Manager
Angie DiBedidetto-Research Psychologist
Deb Kilzican-Massage Therapist
Pam -Practitoner/Instructor
Brooks-Marketing Specialist
Nancy Chapman-Senior Analyst
Karen Cawrse-Business Owner
Ally Ferruccio-Practitioner/Instructor
Christina X. -RN
Pat Delaney-Student Advocate Special Services & Energy Worker
Conversations with floater’s over the years have provided such insight into what makes the experience enjoyable. I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with so many people from so many backgrounds, and many who want to experience a deeper meaning to life.
Today I met with one of the early morning floaters who shared with me that floating in a small town in the country supported the whole experience of peace and calm. No rushing out to heavy traffic and horns honking. The peace continues on the journey home with the possibility of stopping at the Old Stone Church in West Boylston to enjoy the peace found in nature.
Peacefulness in nature presented itself this morning as I headed out for an early morning walk with the dogs. One would imagine running into another early morning dog walker; in this case a fox stands on the edge of the woods. Events like this help me to appreciate all nature has to offer. A couple streets away from my home in Boylston I can hear the sound of the rooster who seems to be as aware as I am of the presence of the fox. The fox fades into the trees and the sounds of the chickens and roosters become louder as if they are warning each other of the potential danger.
Peaceful Summertime
My five mile drive over to the West side of Boylston offers the connection with the Turkey life as they extend their wings as if to say good morning. On the way home it’s not unusual to see the deer gracefully claiming their territory of the woods.
For anyone driving in from 495 to 140 the beauty of the reservoir is breath taking. In the winter months it’s not unusual to see the crossing of coyote as they navigate the ice and the land in their business of hunting. The travel from the Route 2 and I-190 offer the traveler more breath taking views of nature, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall. The greenery this time of year is outstanding.
As a float provider, the best part of offering floatation is that I have discovered that there are a lot more people in this area who are welcoming the idea of awakening in a whole new way. Most floaters are people who are connecting with nature, a deeper part of who they are and why they are here. Connecting with nature supports this awakening process. I loved hearing a client express the idea of holding the float experience in a small town just outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Excellent feedback for me in consideration to a second location, should that opportunity present itself in the future.
On another note; very happy to see that Massachusetts is opening up to what Oregon and California have been doing for years. Oh well, we know we are a little slower to open up to the less than main stream activities.
Offering floating since 2002, the first location was challenging to some as the traffic was a little distracting, and leaving the parking lot was the next challenge. With many locations, including the home based, all have their ups and their downside. Ideally a tank deep in the woods would be best, since that is not possible we settle into the quaintness of small town of Boylston and West Boylston.
A brief update on the move: The wheels are in motion, it should not be long before the tank joins the rest of the amazing offerings at our center in West Boylston.
This is the ultimate combination for awakening! I see a lot of people doing one or the other and not mixing it up. The idea when I brought floatation into the business was to support clients to a deeper level who were already in the awakening process. I am surprised at the number of people not taking advantage of the power of this combined therapy.
The difference between floating and polarity therapy is this:
Polarity Therapy is amazingly powerful and effective in moving the blockages of energy that exist in everyone. Floatation as does polarity provides an opportunity to experience a deep relaxed state where the recipient is renewed as a result of each service. Floatation is clearing on many levels as the mind empties of the repetitious thoughts that simply take up space. Polarity supports this process as well through the cranial sacral techniques that are applied in each session. Floatation does not provide this, however it provides letting go of tension. The benefit to Polarity is the energy systems are balanced which deepens the ability to experience deeper connection to our awareness of who we are.
Personally, the combination of the two therapies is simply amazing for the awakening process. Many floaters come for the experience of floating and many utilize the tank as a tool for awakening on a much deeper level. Each experience is different in every session depending upon the individual goals and readiness to the next levels of awareness. I am passionate in providing both of these services to clients and would love to see more people experiencing the combination, at least for the experience.
