ABSTRACT
The abuse of drugs of all kinds is widespread in the United States and the extent of abuse, particularly of marihuana and hallucinogenic drugs, is growing. Stanley F. Yolles, M.D., Director of the National Institute of Mental Health summed up the situation as follows: The spreading of the abuse pattern into unusual and exotic drugs and the involvement of increased numbers of people have serious implications. A preliminary observation suggested that the practice of Transcendental Meditation, as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, may be effective in alleviation of drug abuse. Individuals who regularly practiced Transcendental Meditation decreased or stopped abusing drugs, decreased or stopped engaging in drug-selling activity, and changed their attitudes in the direction of discouraging others from abusing drugs. Transcendental Meditation is acceptable among youthful drug abusers. Drug abuse is widespread and increasing in the United States, especially in student populations. However, few effective programs exist for the alleviation of drug abuse.
