PAPER 86

A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION PROGRAM ON DRUG ABUSE

HARTMUT SCHENKLUHN, DR. RER. NAT., and MATTHIAS GEISLER, CAND. PSYCH.

Drug Rehabilitation Center of Arbeiterwohlfahrt Kreisverband, Miilheim/Ruhr, Germany

Research completed September 1974.

In this prospective study of drug abusers in a rehabilitation center, the Transcendental Meditation program was shown to be effective in reducing the use of all classes of drugs.-EDITORS

As a result of a one-year study involving 76 subjects at the drug rehabilitation center of Arbeiterwohlfahrt in Miilheim/Ruhr, Germany, a developmental model for drug rehabilitation utilizing the Transcendental Meditation program, as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, was structured. The results of this longitudinal study confirm the positivt results of several previous retrospective studies concerning the influence of the Transcendental Meditation program OJ

drug abuse. A significant reduction in drug abuse in various categories was observed among those participating in the Transcendental Meditation program. After twelve months, total drug consumption was reduced by 57.6 percent (p < .001). The use of cannabis products was reduced 58.2 percent (p < .001), hallucinogens 90.8 percent (p < .001), amphetamines and barbiturates 96.3 percent (p < .001), and opiates 78.1 percent (p < .05).

A detailed study of the results revealed a trend of four phases in the reduction of drug abuse after participants began the Transcendental Meditation technique. These included a short-term and a two-phase long-term reduction in drug abuse, with an intervening period during which drug abuse somewhat increased. Based on these four phases of rehabilitative progress, a special therapeutic scheme was developed.

INTRODUCTION

Since there is considerable literature concerning the origin and development of drug abuse among today's youth (6, 7, 8, 16), this report will not deal extensively with these topics, but will give a description of the imple­mentation and results of a method that proved to be practical and successful in the drug rehabilitation of juveniles. For this reason we will present only a short outline of our initial conceptualization of the drug abuse problem.

Drug abuse, like the tip of an iceberg, is merely a small, visible part of a much larger, general problem of youth today. Drug abuse is symptomatic and indicative of criti­cal moments in the entirety of human ecology. Significant to this problem are the unsatisfactory psychological and social conditions of drug abusers, which arise primarily from inadequate social contact during early- and mid­childhood. Stressful social conditions and environmental demands (e.g., upbringing, social status, and education), as well as problems arising from difficulties during de­velopmental stages (e.g., stages of biological and social maturation), led to a weakening of the developing per­sonality. This usually results in a weak and disharmonious functioning of the ego; decreased sociability, reliability,

544

and resistance; a resigned and generally depressed attitude towards life and the future; a negative attitude towards social standards of adaptability and performance; and very often a dominant, narrow-sighted, and hedonistic view of consumption extending to parasitic, antisocial behavior patterns ( 6). The young person, impeded in his development, can no longer meet with the impinging demands of his environment or those arising from the difficulties of his own development. Because of the prob­lems that then arise, the young person is in danger of taking refuge in drugs, and he is thus caught up in a vicious circle described by Losch ( 16) as follows: personal problems lead to taking refuge in drugs, which leads in tum to increased personal problems. Considering this situation, Pfeiffer (20) came to the following conclusion:

The main problem of drug abuse is not in treating the hard core cases more or less successfully, but in help­ing those involved pre- and postclinically to improve in behavior, development, and maturation.

Tests performed by an American research team (21) show that the danger of drug addiction naturally decreases with increased psychological stability.

Three hundred psychologically stable persons were administered habit-forming drugs; there were no cases of drug addiction. A control group consisting of neurotic persons were not willing to give up the drug after only a few weeks of use.

SCHENKLUHN AND GEISLER REHABILITATION: LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON DRUG ABUSE -PAPER 86

Thus, it would seem to be more efficient for small drug rehabilitation centers to focus their attention on promoting development and maturation among light and medium drug users in order to stabilize them psychologically and thereby eliminate any danger of habit formation. Heavier cases of drug abuse should be submitted to drug­orientated hospitals for treatment.

The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program satisfies the aim of rehabilitation by bringing about a holistic development in physiology, psychology, and social be­havior towards more integrated, effective, and stable functioning. Another advantage of Transcendental Medi­tation is that it is completely natural. TM does not involve concentration, contemplation, autosuggestion, or any form of inner control. During the practice of the Tran­scendental Meditation technique, an increasing refine­ment of mental activity is experienced, which is based on the natural and innate tendency of the mind. This biologi­cal means of self-regulation has the following advantages:

1. It is easy to learn.

2. It is easy to practice in that neither the ability to concentrate nor a change in lifestyle is required.

3. Immediate results are experienced, due to its naturalness and spontaneity.

4. It allows optimum efficiency through the triggering of the inborn regeneration mechanisms of the nerv­ous system.

The essential part of the program-meditation twice daily, 15-20 minutes morning and evening-is carried out by the young people themselves at home. This brings great relief to the therapeutic team, which is then able to concentrate more on follow- up programs and personal treatment, which still may be necessary.

Studies using several objective tests (e.g., the Personal Orientation Inventory (14, 23), Northridge Develop­mental Scale (10), and Shelly Questionnaire (26) ) have shown the Transcendental Meditation technique to be systematic and perfectly adapted to objective studies. From these test results a measurable improvement in self-actualization could be observed over a remarkably short period. Research utilizing the Freiburger Per­sonality Inventory has also shown that the Transcendental Meditation technique is a practical method for individual development (9). Further evidence shows that Transcen­dental Meditation, by providing deep-rooted psycho­physiological regeneration ( 17), is an effective means of eliminating abnormalities in the personalities of prisoners incarcerated for drug-related crimes (18). Synchroniza­tion offront-to-back brain waves and periods of correlated brain wave frequencies, amplitudes, and patterns taken from all channels of the meditators' EEG's imply an in­creased harmony of brain functioning (2). Furthermore, there is recent evidence of increased enlivenment of the

lesser used, right cerebral hemisphere in right-handed people (and the left cerebral hemisphere in left-handed people) (11).

The regenerative effects of the TM technique can be understood by examining its physiological correlates. During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, metabolic rate, breath rate, and cardiac output markedly decrease. These results indicate a state of rest even deeper than that of deep sleep. Simultaneously, there is a significant increase in skin resistance (27), indicating deep relaxation and reduction in anxiety. A state of deep relaxation is further indicated by a marked decrease in the concentration of blood lactate (28).

This pattern of physiological data does not correspond with the data of any of the other known states of con­sciousness. Therefore, Wallace (27) has proposed that during the TM technique a fourth major state of con­sciousness, a state of restful alertness, is produced. Due to this extraordinarily deep state of rest, stresses and strains are eliminated that cannot be removed during dreaming or sleeping, and which are therefore usually suppressed.

Also, immediately after meditation signs of increasing alertness and improved coordination of mind, body, and senses are noticed. Similarly, it has been found that over the long term the regular practice of TM leads to an overall improvement in the psychological and physiological condition of the individual.

To date, various authors have demonstrated the follow­ing effects: faster reactions (25), increased perceptual ability (as seen in the ability to distinguish between vari­ous sound frequencies and intensities) (12), faster and more accurate reactions in complex perceptual-motor tests ( 4), increased learning ability ( 1), and reduced use of all kinds of drugs (3).

Several studies on TM and drug abuse have aroused special interest (e.g., studies by Winquist [525 subjects] (29); Benson and Wallace [ 1,862 subjects] (3); Otis [570 subjects] (19); the Richmond Community report (13); Shafii, Lavely, and Jaffe [126 subjects] (24); and a Swedish study by Brautigam (5) ). These studies unani­mously confirm the effectiveness of TM as a means of preventing and reducing drug abuse by as much as 80 percent. Those tested explained that this success is mainly due to the fact that TM is not a specific method for reducing drug usage, but rather it results in positive ex­periences and has a stabilizing effect on the individual.

The most common form of education in industrial na­tions is based primarily on intellectual and verbal de­velopment, but it neglects emotional development and therefore does not suffice to develop the entire per­sonality. Nonintellectual, affective qualities, such as understanding, a sense of social responsibility, sympathy, kindness, and love, remain underdeveloped, causing im-

545

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION PROGRAM: COLLECTED PAPERS, VOL. I

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Male

Female

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PROFESSION N %

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21 27.6 Pupil 39 51.3

Apprentice 15 19.7

Employee 7. 9

Laborer 7.9

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

AGE

FIG. 1. COMPOSITION OF THE TM GROUP. Age, sex, and profes­sion are illustrated.

balance and leading to an increased susceptibility to drugs. As Kniffki (15) states, because during the practice of Transcendental Meditation the awareness is drawn to subtler and subtler levels of thinking, to a field of pure consciousness, Transcendental Meditation can be used to enhance self-realization by expanding consciousness. Transcendental Meditation dispels the cramped state of the ego, allowing social introversion to be eliminated.

METHOD

In July 1972 the TM program was incorporated within the scope of the program for crisis aid of the Arbeiter­wohlfahrt (a German institution for laborers' welfare), Miilheim. By May 1973, 90 young people had begun the Transcendental Meditation technique. Thus, several TM courses were carried out over a period of about nine months. During the experimental period the TM group consisted of a relatively heterogeneous group of youths who had been practicing TM for various lengths of time. In most cases course fees were paid by the young people themselves; in cases of hardship 50 percent of the fee was raised from a special fund.

The basic TM course consists of a seven-step program, which ensures flawless practice of the technique and a correct intellectual understanding of the mechanics and effects of TM. Students are told to meditate every morn­ing and evening for 15 to 20 minutes. In addition to the initial instruction period there are weekly, nonrequired advanced meetings, which serve to give meditators deeper knowledge about TM and to ensure correct prac­tice and understanding of the technique.

Seventy-six (83 percent) of the 90 young people who started the Transcendental Meditation technique during the TM drug rehabilitation program were available during the entire therapeutic period. Figure 1 gives further in-

546

formation on the distribution of age, sex, and profession in the group.

The number and percentage of subjects using each of four categories of drugs prior to beginning the TM pro­gram are presented in table 1.

Most subjects were users of cannabis, hallucinogenic drugs, or a combination of drugs (World Health Organiza­tion classification).

According to the phases of drug dependence described by Schonhofer, Hasse, and Waldmann (22), most of the young people we dealt with were either in the second phase (experience of psychedelic drugs) or the third phase (drug dependence). Hardly any subjects were in the first phase (drug motivation) or the fourth phase (drug ad­diction).

Retrospective data (as far back as two years) concern­ing monthly drug usage were gathered by means of questionnaires filled out just before personal instruction in TM. Prospective data were regularly gathered for a period of twelve months after TM instruction. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their frequency of drug consumption:

1. No consumption

2. Light consumption (tasting)

3. Medium consumption (once a month or more)

4. Heavy consumption (once a day or more for can­nabis, amphetamines, and barbiturates; once a week or more for LSD, other hallucinogens, and opiates)

RESULTS

Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 show changes in drug usage for each test group, starting two years before therapy began and continuing throughout the one-year therapeutic period. The columns illustrate the percentage of drug users at different time periods; the various shaded areas indicate the percentage of subjects engaging in light,

TABLE 1

DRUG CONSUMPTION PRIOR TO START OF THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

(N = 76)

DRUG N

Cannabis 65 LSD 52 Amphetamines 27 Barbiturates 23 Opiates 16 Cocaine 7 Prescribed drugs 2 Other 25

%

85.5 68.5 35.5 30.0 21.0 9.0 2.5

32.9

SCHENKLUHN AND GEISLER

REHABILITATION: LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON DRUG ABUSE -PAPER 86

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Medium Consumption (once a month or more)

Heavy Consumption (once a day or more) 60 z

en :;:l Cl) 50 f-o u w 40 ;:a :;:l Cl) 30 ""' 0 w 20 c ~ 10 z w u c-. w c.. 24

FIG. 2. CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS (MARIJUANA AND HASHISH)

TABLE 2

UsE oF MARIJUANA AND HASHISH BEFORE AND AFrER SuBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

HEAVY USER MEDIUM USER MONTHS

N % N %

Before starting TM 24 25 38.5 21 32.3 18 21 32.3 32 49.2 12 23 35.4 30 46.1

6 23 35.4 18 27.7 4 21 32.3 19 29.2 2 17 26.2 21 32.3

After starting TM 1 1 1.5 2 3.1 2 1 1.5 17 26.2 3 1 1.5 20 30.8 4 1 1.5 23 35.4 5 2 3.1 22 33.8 6 2 3.1 21 32.3 7 3 4.6 16 24.6 8 3 4.6 15 23.1 9 3 4.6 11 16.9

10 3 4.6 13 20.0 11 5 7.7 9 13.9 12 4 6.1 10 15.4

medium, or heavy consumption of drugs. In all four groups there was a large decrease in drug usage shortly after subjects began the therapy. The reduction in use of LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs was marked. There was also a reduction in the use of opiates. In the case of cannabis products, the number of "sporadic users" was still relatively high 2-6 months after they started TM, whereas there were only a few cases of heavy drug use for the other drug categories.

Figure 6 illustrates the changes in total drug usage

LIGHT USER NONUSER TOTAL

N % N % N

8 12.3 11 16.9 65 3 4.6 9 13.9 65 0 0 12 18.5 65 4 6.1 20 30.8 65 4 6.1 21 32.3 65 4 6.1 23 35.4 65

0 0 62 95.4 65 3 4.6 44 67.7 65 7 10.8 37 56.9 65 3 4.6 38 58.5 65 7 10.8 34 52.3 65 4 6.1 38 58.5 65 0 0 46 70.8 65 2 3.1 45 69.2 65 3 4.6 48 73.9 65 1 1.5 48 73.9 65 4 6.1 47 72.3 65 4 6.1 47 72.3 65

during the test period. In order to determine these changes for each month, only that drug category (of the four drug categories) in which usage was highest was utilized for each subject. Since most of the participants used a combi­nation of drugs before starting TM, the total drug usage before therapy was, in most cases, even higher than in­dicated in this figure. Detailed data for all groups are found in tables 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The test results allow us to answer three basic ques­tions:

547

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION PROGRAM: COLLECTED PAPERS, VOL. I

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II

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2 3

TIME (months)

i Light Consumption (tasting)

Medium Consumption (once a month or more)

Heavy Consumption

(once a week or more)

4 5 7

FIG. 3. CONSUMPTION OF LSD AND OTHER HALLUCINOGENS

MONTHS

Before starting TM 24 18 12

6 4 2

After starting TM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12

TABLE 3

UsE OF LSD AND OTHER HALLUCINOGENS BEFORE AND AFTER SuBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNI()UE

HEAVY USER MEDIUM USER LIGHT USER NONUSER

N % N % N % N %

16 30.8 10 19.2 7 13.5 19 36.5 18 34.6 13 25.0 7 13.5 14 26.9 17 32.7 17 32.7 4 7.7 14 26.9 10 19.2 12 23.1 7 13.5 23 44.2 6 11.5 10 19.2 4 7.7 32 61.5 4 7.7 7 13.5 0 0 41 78.8

0 0 0 0 0 0 52 100 0 0 1 1.9 1 1.9 50 96.2 0 0 1 1.9 2 3.9 49 94.2 0 0 0 0 1 1.9 51 98.1 0 0 2 3.8 4 7.7 46 88.5 0 0 1 1.9 1 1.9 50 96.2 0 0 2 3.8 2 3.8 48 92.4 0 0 2 3.8 2 3.8 48 92.4 0 0 1 1.9 1 1.9 50 96.2 0 0 1 1.9 2 3.8 49 94.2 0 0 1 1.9 1 1.9 50 96.2 0 0 1 1.9 1 1.9 50 96.2

TOTAL

N

52 52 52 52 52 52

52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52

Are there changes in drug usage after starting TM? showed no significant change (chi square = 1.22, df = 2). Testing the average data on drug usage before and after There were also no significant trends for cannabis, subjects started TM, using the chi-square test, a signifi- amphetamines and barbiturates, and opiates before sub-cant decrease in drug abuse was found for all drug cate- jects began TM. For LSD and other hallucinogens a highly gories after subjects began TM. The results are sum- significant trend toward decreased consumption before marized in table 7. starting TM was found (chi square= 13.16, df=2,

Is there a tendency to give up drugs before starting TM? p < .001). For detailed results see table 8.

Trend analysis (chi-square test) of the total amount of Is there evidence for a trend in the quantity of drugs drug abuse for six to two months before starting therapy used as a result of the TM program? Trend analysis

548

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SCHENKLUHN AND GEISLER

REHABILITATION: LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON DRUG ABUSE

12

First Lecture on Transcendental Meditation Program

Start of Transcendental Meditation Technique i

Light Consumption (tasting)

Medium Consumption (once a month or more)

Heavy Consumption (once a day or more)

4 5 6 7 8

TIME (months)

FIG. 4. CONSUMPTION OF AMPHETAMINES AND BARBITURATES

TABLE 4

USE OF AMPHETAMINES AND BARBITURATES BEFORE AND AFTER SUBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

-PAPER 86

9 10 11 12

HEAVY USER MEDIUM USER LIGHT USER NONUSER TOTAL MONTHS

N % N % N % N % N

Before starting TM 24 6 19.3 10 32.2 4 12.9 11 35.5 31 18 7 22.6 14 45.2 0 0 10 32.2 31 12 8 25.8 13 41.9 3 9.7 7 22.6 31 6 5 I6.I 7 22.6 2 6.4 17 54.8 31 4 4 12.9 4 12.9 1 3.2 22 71.0 3I 2 4 12.9 4 I2.9 2 6.4 2I 67.7 31

After starting TM 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 100 3I 2 0 0 I 3.2 I 3.2 29 93.6 31 3 2 6.4 0 0 0 0 29 93.6 3I 4 0 0 1 3.2 0 0 30 96.8 3I 5 1 3.2 0 0 0 0 30 96.8 31 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 100 31 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 100 31 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 100 3I 9 0 0 1 3.2 0 0 30 96.8 31

IO 0 0 0 0 1 3.2 30 96.8 3I II 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 100 3I 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 100 31

(chi-square test) of the total amount of drug usage for the stabilized at a low level. Table 9 and fig. 7 present detailed period after subjects started TM showed different trends. results. First, there was a large initial decrease, then a slight increase, and then again a decrease. After the large initial DISCUSSION decrease there was a trend toward increasing drug usage during months one to four (chi square = 18.81, df = 1, The results reveal that the Transcendental Meditation p < .001) and toward decreasing drug usage during program has a strong effect on drug usage among months five to eight (chi square = 4. 65, df = 1 , p < . 05). juveniles. In all four drug categories drug usage was Finally, in months eight to 12 drug usage remained significantly reduced after the participants started the

549

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION PROGRAM: COLLECTED PAPERS, VOL. I

First Lecture on Start of

i Light Consumption

100 Transcendental Transcendental (tasting) rl) Meditation Program Meditation ~ Medium Consumption

~ 90 Technique

I (once a month or more)

0 80 Heavy Consumption 0 (once a week or more) ~ rl) 70 :::::> rl)

t) 60 Ill a 50 :::::> rl)

~ 40 ~ 30 < ~ 20 Ill u ~

f 10

0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

TIME (months)

FIG. 5. CONSUMPTION OF OPIATES

TABLE 5

USE OF OPIATES BEFORE AND AFTER SUBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

HEAVY USER MEDIUM USER MONTHS

N % N %

Before starting TM 24 5 31.2 2 12.5 18 5 31.2 3 18.8 12 4 25.0 2 12.5 6 6 37.5 1 6.2 4 7 43.8 0 0 2 4 25.0 0 0

After starting TM 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 6.2 0 0 4 2 12.5 0 0 5 3 18.8 0 0 6 1 6.2 1 6.2 7 2 12.5 1 6.2 8 2 12.5 1 6.2 9 1 6.2 1 6.2

10 3 18.8 1 6.2 11 1 6.2 0 0 12 1 6.2 0 0

Transcendental Meditation technique. The success of TM as an effective method for drug rehabilitation is evident.

The following conclusions may be drawn:

The sharp reduction in the use of amphetamines, bar­biturates, and opiates is based partially on the fact that relatively few test subjects were addicted to drugs when they began the program (see tables 4 and 5). A larger number of addicted individuals might possibly have re­quired a more intensive program to show comparable results.

There was less reduction in the use of marijuana be-

550

LIGHT USER NONUSER TOTAL

N % N % N

0 0 9 56.3 16 1 6.2 7 43.8 16 1 6.2 9 56.3 16 4 25.0 5 31.2 16 3 18.8 6 37.5 16 1 6.2 11 68.8 16

0 0 16 100 16 0 0 16 100 16 0 0 15 93.8 16 0 0 14 87.6 16 0 0 13 81.3 16 0 0 14 87.6 16 0 0 13 81.3 16 0 0 13 81.3 16 0 0 14 87.6 16 0 0 12 75.0 16 0 0 15 93.8 16 0 0 15 93.8 16

cause it is accepted as a common stimulant in some subcultures, similar to the way cigarettes and alcohol arc accepted in the dominant culture, and because it functions as a primary ingredient in social interaction. Separating the meditating group from the environment of the drug rehabilitation center-for instance, putting them in a youth meditation center-would bring better results be­cause it would lessen their contact with other drug users.

The sharp reduction in use of LSD and other hallucino­gens began partially before instruction in meditation, as was confirmed by a trend analysis of the sixth, fourth, and second months before subjects started TM (see table 8).

SCHENKLUHN AND GEISLER

REHABILITATION: LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON DRUG ABUSE -PAPER 86

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(tasting)

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Medium Consumption (once a month or more)

Heavy Consumption (once a day or more for cannabis, amphetamines, and barbiturates;

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FIG. 6. TOTAL DRUG CONSUMPTION

TABLE 6

ToTAL DRUG CoNSUMPTION BEFORE AND AFTER SuBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

HEAVY USER MEDIUM USER MONTHS

N % N %

Before starting TM 24 28 43.1 22 33.9 18 25 38.5 30 46.2 12 29 44.6 28 43.1 6 27 41.5 21 32.3 4 26 40.0 21 32.3 2 22 33.9 22 33.9

After starting TM 1 1 1.5 1 1.5 2 1 1.5 18 27.7 3 3 4.6 19 29.2 4 3 4.6 25 38.5 5 6 9.2 20 30.8 6 2 3.1 21 32.3 7 5 7.7 16 24.6 8 3 4.6 17 26.2 9 3 4.6 12 18.5

10 5 7.7 14 21.6 11 6 9.2 11 16.9 12 6 9.2 11 16.9

This may have been due to the TM introductory lectures, in which the audience is informed that TM allows one's consciousness to grow without the use of drugs.

The nonsignificant trend toward reduction of opiate usage up to two months before beginning TM and the complete elimination of opiate usage immediately after the TM program was begun is understandable in the light of the requirement that individuals wishing to begin TM must abstain from using nonprescribed drugs for 15 days prior to instruction in the technique. With more heavily

LIGHT USER NONUSER TOTAL

N % N % N

6 9.2 9 13.8 65 2 3.1 8 12.3 65 1 1.5 7 10.8 65 4 6.2 13 20.0 65 4 6.2 14 21.5 65 3 4.6 18 27.7 65

1 1.5 62 95.5 65 5 7.7 41 63.1 65 8 12.3 35 53.9 65 2 3.1 35 53.9 65 8 12.3 31 47.7 65 3 4.6 39 60.0 65 0 0 44 67.7 65 2 3.1 43 66.2 65 5 7.7 45 69.2 65 2 3.1 44 67.7 65 4 6.2 44 67.7 65 4 6.2 44 67.7 65

addicted individuals this requirement can only be met if some therapeutic help is given prior to TM instruction; in some cases this involves medical treatment. Therefore, a reduction in the use of opiates was already achieved among these subjects during the month prior to instruction in the TM program.

At the beginning of the program there was nearly a total absence of drug usage because of the 15-day abstinence requirement (Phase I). In the first through the fourth months after instruction in TM a significant trend toward

551

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION PROGRAM: COLLECTED PAPERS, VOL. I

PHASE I PHASE II PHASE III PHASE IV * I

I 100 I

(/) j I 0 START OF THER.APY :::::> ~ I I 0

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ll. 0 I:.Ll 0 <( E-o z 25 I:.Ll -----u ~ I:.Ll f;l.,

3 2 0 2 3 4 5 6 TIME (months)

7 8 10 11 12

*First loose contact with the therapeutical group.

FIG. 7. SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE PERCENTAGE OF DRUG USERS DURING THE THERAPEUTIC PERIOD

TABLE 7

COMPARISON* OF MEAN DRUG ABUSE TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS BEFORE AND TWELVE MONTHS AFTER

SUBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

DRUG

Cannabis LSD Amphetamines and

N

65 52

barbiturates 31 Opiates 16

Total drug consumption 65

58.2 90.8

96.3 78.1

57.6

6.28 7.66

6.77

6.18 2.53

p

<0.001 <0.001

<0.001 <0.05

<0.001

*Comparison of relative frequencies by chi-square test (dJ~ 1).

TABLE 8

TRENDS IN DRuG CoNSUMPTION FOR MONTHS Six, FouR, AND Two BEFORE SUBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

DRUG CHI p SQUARE*

Cannabis 0.32 NSt LSD 13.16 <0.001 Amphetamines and barbiturates 1.97 NS Opiates 5.20 0.074

Total drug consumption 1.22 NS

*Comparison of absolute frequencies, chi-square test ( df = 2). tNS =not significant.

552

PEARSON PRODUCT-MOMENT

CORRELATION

0.39

0.44

TABLE 9

TRENDS IN DRUG CONSUMPTION (TOTAL AMOUNT) AFTER SUBJECTS BEGAN THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE

PHASE

Phase II (mo 1 and 2 vs. 3 and 4) Phase III (mo 5 and 6 vs. 7 and 8) Phase IV (mo 8 and 9 vs. 10 and 11)

CHI SQUARE*

18.81

4.65

NDt

p

<0.001

<0.05

*Comparison of absolute frequencies, chi-square test ( df = 1). tND =no difference, therefore no trend.

PEARSON PRODUCT­MOMENT

CORRELATION

0.37

0.19

somewhat increased drug usage occurred (Phase II). In the fourth through ninth months, drug usage lessened significantly (Phase III) and came to a constant low level during the eighth through twelfth months (Phase IV). (See fig. 7.)

It is of interest that other studies on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on drug usage have produced similar results. Shafii, Lavely, and Jaffe (24) reported a similar increase in drug usage from the second to the sixth months (fig. 8); however, this retrospective study accounted only for subjects who were still medi­tating regularly. The results of the prospective study done by Brautigam (5) also show a slight increase in drug abuse

SCHENKLUHN AND GEISLER REHABILITATION: LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON DRUG ABUSE -PAPER 86

Subjects practiced TM Subjects practiced TM for 7-39 months for 13-39 months

(N = 49) (N = 49) 10

::r: ::r: ~ ~ z z 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 5 rart l).:l 5 0-;

ofTM 0-;

rart Cl) Cl)

l).:l l).:l ofTM ~ ~ - -~ ~

0 12 6 0 3 6 12 12 6 0 3 6 12

TIME (months) TIME (months)

FIG. 8. REDUCED MARIJUANA USE IN MEDITATORS AS REPORTED BY SHAFII (24)

CANNABIS Control Group Experimental Group

20

10

MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV MAY JUNE JULY AUG

::c: ~ 6 0 ::E 4 ~ ~ 2 ~

en ~

Experimental Group LSD

6

4

2

Control Group

~ MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV MAY JUNE JULY AUG

FIG. 9. REDUCED DRUG USE IN MEDITATORS AS REPORTED BY BRAUTIGAM (5)

until the sixth month (fig. 9). It is therefore assumed that these results indicate some characteristic pattern of with­drawal from drug use when the TM program is used in a drug rehabilitation setting.

The observed trends in the total amount of drug abuse (fig. 7) led to the following model for rehabilitation con­sisting of four phases:

1. Phase I: motivation and orientation

2. Phase II: self-confrontation

3. Phase III: growing initiative and confidence in mas­tering unsolved problems

4. Phase IV: initiative and self-development Each phase is dealt with individually in the following summary:

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SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION PROGRAM: COLLECTED PAPERS, VOL. I

PHASE

I. Motivation and orientation

II. Self-confrontation (growing awareness)

III. Growing initiative and confidence in mastering unsolved problems

IV. Initiative and self­development

TIME OF OCCURRENCE CHANGES

3 mo before to 2 mo after starting TM

1-6 mo after starting TM

4-9 mo after starting TM

From 6th mo after starting TM onward

Overcoming acute problems New, far-reaching experiences

First signs of openness towards the therapeutic team Frequent inner-orientation (experiences of new horizons led to the danger of enthusiastic exag­geration, great optimism)

Dissolution of rigid behavior patterns

A large decrease in drug usage

Advancing physical recovery with occasional symptoms of accelerated elimination of stress

Confrontation with unsolved problems of the past, which impair motivation toward personal development First unpleasant experiences of breaking away from the drug subculture Wavering between self-reliance and adoption of group standards Temporary increase in drug usage

Advanced physical recovery First attempt to solve past problems (e.g., school, work, parents, housing, military service)

Frequent, sudden, but short-lived urges to solve their problems

Freeing themselves from former group com­mitments Search for satisfactory social contacts and new friends A new concept of self

Cessation of drug usage or adoption of a modi­fied view of drug usage

Increased desire to unfold their own abilities

Taking up regular work or continuing their studies Participating in small, specific, object-oriented work groups Final detachment from drugs, establishment of new social ties

Cooperation in the drug rehabilitation center

THERAPEUTIC MEASURE

Immediate help Seven-step program for learning the TM tech­nique; subsequently, practice of TM twice daily for 15-20 minutes Establishing a confidential relationship

Personal interviews and verification sessions in order to ensure correct practice of TM and ade­quate understanding of the phenomena taking place Weekly group meetings in order to allow medi­tators to exchange experiences and to make new social contacts in a drug-free environment

Easing the normalization process by means of physiotherapy (bathing, sauna, massage, physi­cal exercise) Personal interviews in order to help participants to rely on themselves in problematic situations

Weekly group meetings in order to form new reference groups Emphasis on learning outside of meditation based on rest gained during meditation

Increased support during periods of difficulty and anxiety (e.g., contacting parents, looking for work and housing) Continuous close contact in order to help subjects overcome acute conflicts and to offer encourage­ment in case of failure Strengthening the new group structure by means of joint undertakings Weekly meetings with advanced talks to encour­age participants to continue with their studies Further, more intensive experiences with medi­tation during weekend residence courses

The Science of Creative Intelligence and other Maharishi International University courses of­fered in order to stabilize experiences and to train ex-drug users to become members of the rehabilitation staff Arranging for work and study opportunities and further care if necessary Advanced consultation-change from drug re­habilitation programs to general youth programs Weekly meetings arranged and led by ex-drug users, who are also trained to verify the practice of meditation Submission of problematic cases to the work groups of stabilized ex-drug users

Due to the high motivation in Phase I, there was a remarkable decrease in drug usage at the beginning of the TM program. Then from the first to the fourth month drug usage again increased. When individuals realistically confronted their situation, former conflicts and problems led to a return to limited drug usage. In the third phase drug usage was again reduced due to growing self-confidence and skill in managing problems. After nine months, 70 percent of the program participants had given up drugs completely.

Phases II and III (first through ninth month) naturally are the most difficult to handle. They require intensive therapeutic treatment and care in order to ensure the par­ticipants' mastering of acute problems and conflicts (e.g., personal interviews with their parents, choosing a profes­sion, looking for housing, and finding work). In Phase II (confrontation) disillusionment and growing awareness of the actual personal, social, and environmental situation quite naturally led to a weakening of motivation. As a result, optimism fades, and the meditator is faced more

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SCHENKLUHN AND GEISLER REHABILITATION: LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON DRUG ABUSE -PAPER 86

imminently with the danger of dropping out of the group. During Phases II and III subjects usually meditate less regularly, and if there is loose or no contact with the group, they often tend to stop meditating. Successful completion of these phases then results in the participants' experiencing increasing motivation, which is transformed into greater self-confidence and initiative.

During the last developmental phase (Phase IV), the therapeutic program is superseded by general youth work. At this point, most of the subjects have been growing in dynamism and have completely given up drug usage. This phase requires a separate follow-up program. Supersedure of the drug rehabilitation program by a youth program generally becomes necessary in order to allow for opti­mum development and to prevent the subjects from re­suming their former drug habits.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Support of our work by the MIU /FRSI Forschungsring Schopferische Intelligenz (Hannover, Germany) is grate­fully acknowledged.

We wish to thank all co-workers of the drug rehabili­tation center (Arbeiterwohlfahrt, Mi.ilheim/Ruhr, Ger­many) for their help in collecting data-especially Mrs. E. Vonscheidt, Mr. T. Pren, and Mr. C. Streicher; for translation, Mrs. B. Schmidt and Mr. A. Gawlikowsky; and finally for helpful advice on statistical problems, Dipl. Psych. T. Fehr.

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