ADDICTION AND TRANSCENDENCE AS ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Proposes the description of addictions as contracted states of conscio usness, and contrasts them with transcendence which involves the expan sion of consciousness. Compares both states of consciousness in terms of mood, sensation, attention, range of awareness, time and space, and alterations such as ''channel-switching.'' Concludes that everyone ha s addictive potential and tendencies to compulsions, but that through conscious focusing of attention and expansion of awareness when indica ted, the ancient virtue of moderation can be practiced.