Optimal Being

In recent years, the intersection between physical exercise and its effects on substance use disorders has garnered significant interest within the scientific community. A new study delves into this relationship, exploring how regular physical activity might influence the severity of dependence among individuals who use illicit substances. The research, published in the  Journal of Psychoactive Drugs , provides evidence that engaging in frequent exercise may be associated with lower levels of dependency on various drugs. Substance use disorders represent a significant challenge to public health systems worldwide, characterized by high rates of relapse post-treatment. Traditional approaches to addiction treatment have often focused on psychological and pharmacological interventions, yet emerging evidence suggests that supplementary strategies, such as exercise, could offer additional benefits. The rationale behind this study is rooted in the complex interplay between physical activi...

If addicted opiate users are undergoing withdrawal treatment, supplementation with an extract of  Passiflora incarnata  reduces the symptoms of withdrawal . Psychiatrists at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran published a small human trial in 2001 in which they tried to help 65 opiate users overcome their addiction. They gave all subjects clonidine for 2 weeks to reduce the side effects of withdrawal. Some of them also used 60 drops of a liquid supplement containing   Passiflora incarnata   every day. The researchers do not provide details about the product. Results The subjects who received  Passiflora incarnata  in addition to clonidine suffered as much from the physical effects of withdrawal as the subjects who only took clonidine. However, supplementation did reduce the mental effects of withdrawal - and consequently the overall withdrawal scores Conclusion Supplementation with   Passiflora incarnata   did not reduce physical withdra...

E xperienced meditators can voluntarily induce unconscious states, known as cessations, without the use of drugs. This ability, observed in Tibetan Buddhist practice, allows meditators to experience a momentary void of consciousness, followed by enhanced mental clarity. Conducted across multiple countries, the study utilized EEG spectral analysis to objectively measure brain activity during these cessation events. By correlating the meditator’s first-person experience with neuroimaging data, researchers have gained insights into the profound modulation of consciousness achievable through advanced meditation practices. Key Facts: Experienced meditators can voluntarily enter a state of cessation, momentarily losing consciousness without external aids. The study analyzed 37 cessation events in one expert meditator across 29 sessions using EEG spectral analysis. This research opens new avenues for understanding consciousness modulation through meditation. Source:  BIAL Foundation A stu...