B. The Material of Dreams — Memory in Dreams

The Hypermnesic Dream: When Dreams Reveal Knowledge That Is Not Available in the Waking State

Dreams are often said to be a reflection of our waking lives, but what happens when a dream reveals knowledge that we do not have access to in our waking state? This is the phenomenon of the hypermnesic dream, in which the dreamer is able to access memories that are otherwise inaccessible.

There are many examples of hypermnesic dreams. One famous example is the dream of the French philosopher, Alfred Maury, who dreamed that he was talking to a woman who told him that she was from Mussidan, a city in France. Maury had never heard of Mussidan before, but when he woke up, he looked it up in the encyclopedia and found that it was a real place.

Another example of a hypermnesic dream is the dream of the Marquis d'Hervey de St. Denis, who dreamed of a young woman with golden hair. In the dream, he felt like he knew her, but he couldn't remember where he had met her. When he woke up, he still couldn't remember her, but then he had the same dream again the next night. This time, the woman told him her name and where he had met her.

These are just a few examples of hypermnesic dreams. They suggest that our dreams may have access to memories that are not available to us in our waking state. This is a fascinating phenomenon that has yet to be fully explained.

There are a few theories about why hypermnesic dreams occur. One theory is that they are a way for our brains to process memories that we have suppressed or forgotten. Another theory is that they are a way for our brains to make new connections between different memories. Still, another theory is that they are a way for our brains to prepare us for future events.

Whatever the reason, hypermnesic dreams are a reminder that our dreams are not just random nonsense. They may actually be a way for our brains to communicate with us on a deeper level.

If you have ever had a hypermnesic dream, I encourage you to write it down and reflect on it. What memories did it bring up for you? What did it mean to you? By paying attention to our dreams, we can learn more about ourselves and our subconscious minds.

References

Freud, S. (1911). The Interpretation of Dreams (3rd ed.). Hayes Barton Press.                                          

             https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-74204

 The Relation of the Dream to the Waking State

Photo courtesy of (Freud, 11911)

    Dreams have long been a source of fascination and mystery. What do they mean? Why do we have them? And what is the relationship between dreams and waking life? There is no single answer to these questions, as dreams can be interpreted in many different ways. However, some evidence suggests that dreams may be more connected to waking life than we previously thought. One study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that people who were shown images of faces before they went to sleep were more likely to dream about those faces. This suggests that dreams may be influenced by our thoughts and experiences in the waking world. 

    Another study, conducted by the University of Montreal, found that people who were stressed or anxious were more likely to have nightmares. This suggests that dreams may be a way for us to process and deal with difficult emotions from waking life. Of course, not all dreams are negative. Many people report having dreams that are pleasant or even meaningful. These dreams may offer us insights into our lives or help us to resolve problems. Ultimately, the relationship between dreams and waking life is complex and still not fully understood. However, the evidence suggests that dreams are more connected to our waking lives than we previously thought. They may be a way to process our thoughts and emotions, work through difficult experiences, and even gain insights into our lives. Here are some additional thoughts on the relationship between dreams and waking life:

1. Dreams can be a way for us to revisit and process experiences from waking life.
2. Dreams can help us to work through difficult emotions, such as anger, sadness, or fear.
3. Dreams can offer us insights into our lives and help us to make better decisions.
4. Dreams can be a source of creativity and inspiration.
5. Dreams can be simply a way for our minds to rest and recharge.

    No matter what your interpretation of dreams may be, they are a fascinating and important part of the human experience. They can offer us a glimpse into our subconscious minds and help us to better understand ourselves.

References

Freud, S. (1911). The Interpretation of Dreams (3rd ed.). Hayes Barton Press.               https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/L-999-74204

 A Meth Withdrawal Symptom Timeline??

STAGE ONE

Days 0 to 15

According to different sources, the withdrawal stage of meth from days 0 to 15 can involve various symptoms that can be acute or post-acute. Acute symptoms are those that appear shortly after the last use and peak within 24 hours. Post-acute symptoms are those that persist for longer periods of time and tend to be less severe. According to Thomas (2022), the following symptoms can occur:

Anxiety

Fatigue

Irritability

Lack of energy

Weight gain

Dehydration

Chills

Insomnia followed by hypersomnia (sleeping too much)

Dysphoria (low mood) could progress to clinical depression and suicidal thoughts

The inability to think clearly

Anhedonia (loss of ability to feel pleasure)

Withdrawing from others

Drug cravings

Honeymoon Phase

Days 16 to 45

The honeymoon stage of meth withdrawal is the second phase of recovery, which usually occurs from days 16 to 45 after quitting meth. However, this stage can also be risky, as some people may falsely believe that their meth problem has ended and that they no longer need treatment or support (Meth Recovery, 2018).

 

The Wall

Days 46 to 120 of meth withdrawal are known as the wall stage, which is the third phase of recovery.

During this stage, people may experience a decline in their mood and motivation, as well as an increase in their cravings and difficulty. They may find little pleasure in life and struggle with low energy, poor concentration, irritability, and insomnia. This stage can be very challenging and make people vulnerable to relapse, as they may be tempted to use meth again to escape their negative feelings or to cope with stress. However, this stage is also temporary and will eventually pass, as the brain continues to heal and adjust to the absence of meth (SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT of METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION, n.d.). 

Adjustment Stage

The adjustment stage of meth withdrawal is the fourth phase of recovery, which usually occurs from days 121 to 180 after quitting meth.

During this stage, the risk of relapse decreases, as the brain continues to heal and the cravings become less frequent and intense. People also feel more accomplished and optimistic about their recovery and their future. However, this stage can also present some challenges, as people may face stress, conflict, or temptation in their daily lives. They may also struggle with some residual symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, or insomnia (Falconberry, 2016). They may need to deal with the consequences of their past meth use, such as legal, financial, or health issues.

Resolution Stage

 During this stage, people have successfully overcome the most difficult challenges of meth withdrawal and recovery. They have learned new skills to sustain their sobriety, such as coping with triggers, managing cravings, and preventing relapse.                                   

     However, this stage does not mean that the recovery process is over or that the risk of relapse is gone. People may still face stress, conflict, or temptation in their daily lives that could challenge their sobriety.                                                           

                                                                                    

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