The apparently ability some pirs, sheikhs and munchies have to induce
stunning experiences of bliss, electricy, or in entire groups -
this appears to be a skill that anyone can do.
[forum.culteducation.com]
In the wrong hands, this can be done to get people addicted.
And, there is no such thing as a 'positive addiction'.
People often get involved with addictive drugs and alcohol because
of fragile or wounded selves.
The addictive trigger mechanism thus created by use of the soothing or
elevating drug gives the feeling of self cohesion, gives the feeling of
self maturation.
But feelings are not facts.
One has only the illusion of having been healed, backed up by one's own
neurochemistry.
This doesnt build character structure. Thus one remains dependant on the source of bliss, whether it be a guru, marijuana, gambling, alcohol, etc.
stunning experiences of bliss, electricy, or in entire groups -
this appears to be a skill that anyone can do.
[forum.culteducation.com]
In the wrong hands, this can be done to get people addicted.
And, there is no such thing as a 'positive addiction'.
People often get involved with addictive drugs and alcohol because
of fragile or wounded selves.
The addictive trigger mechanism thus created by use of the soothing or
elevating drug gives the feeling of self cohesion, gives the feeling of
self maturation.
But feelings are not facts.
One has only the illusion of having been healed, backed up by one's own
neurochemistry.
This doesnt build character structure. Thus one remains dependant on the source of bliss, whether it be a guru, marijuana, gambling, alcohol, etc.
Quote
In some important ways, an Addiction Trigger Mechanism (ATM) mimics the functions of a self object in providing the self with an experience of relief
from dysphoric (painful feelings) states; however it is not a genuine self object.
(For)it (the addictive trigger mechanism) lacks the inherent capacity to add structure to and hence transform the self.
On the contrary, an ATM functions as an ersatz selfobject. As such it only mimics the structure building functions of genuine self objects. However, though lacking the power to transform the self, an ATM possesses the often deadly power to deform and in some cases, to destroy the self through
trapping the person in addictive ritual and habit.
Dissociative Anesthesia and the Transitional Selfobject in the Intersubjective Treatment of the Addictive Personality: Richard B Ullman and Harry Paul, page 112 of New Therapeutic Visons Progress in Self Psychology, The Analytic Press, 1992