Hypnotherapy and Addictions

Hypnotherapy has helped many people overcome their addiction, whether it's struggling with compulsive eating, or using drugs or alcohol. Under hypnosis, you are more open to suggestion, and your rational defences are down, making it easier for the hypnotherapist to reach your unconscious mind and deal with the root of the problem. However, you should not fear this; a reputable hypnotherapist will only use the opportunity for healing. Forget everything you have ever seen of TV hypnotists making people do chicken walks. A hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you do not wish to do, and neither would they try.

Hypnotherapy recognizes that addictions have a physical component as well as an emotional one. By tapping into your thoughts and feelings, hypnotherapy can help you bring up past emotions and allow you to change your addictive behaviours beginning with your mind. You must be willing to acknowledge your addiction, and really think about what motivates you to drink, or use drugs, or engage in other unhealthy habits.

The hypnotherapist usually begins with a five or ten minute trance inducing exercise, and then asks their relaxed client to close their eyes and bring up a fantasy of themselves smoking a cigarette, or having their favourite cocktail. The hypnotherapist will begin to ask questions about how the substance makes the person feel. What positive thoughts or actions does the individual experience when drinking or using drugs? Since addictions are a way to cover up anxiety, past hurts or stress, people will most definitely be able to come up with ways that the substance relieves these things: maybe it's comfort or a way to combat loneliness.

Once this reasoning has been established, the hypnotherapist begins to ask about other experiences that make the person feel those positive emotions: perhaps hugging a loved one, sharing a laugh with a friend, or even relaxing outside on a sunny day. Over the course of hypnotherapy sessions, the client can start to conjure up these images when they are thinking about their addiction. The mind actually begins to change its pattern of thinking, and more positive thought patterns can emerge. Then, a person can use this technique when they feel a craving for the addictive substance.

Most hypnotherapists also suggest that addictions should be treated by a doctor, counsellor or other support system. With these forms of treatment, hypnotherapy can be a great help to anyone who has tried in vain to stop using drugs, alcohol, food, cigarettes or any other addictive substance. So, even if you've tried to quit smoking ten times over the past few years, don't be discouraged! Hypnotherapy can be very successful and allow you to walk away from your addiction.

Hypnotherapy is also a very attractive option, as you are not only dealing with the source of the problem and eliminating it; you are able to quit your addiction without painful deprivations. A number of people are able to overcome their addiction without uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms or intense cravings. Stopping an addictive behaviour can be a difficult thing to do, especially because your body has developed a "need" for the substance over the years.

The healing powers of hypnotherapy can help you get over any addiction. If you are interested in using hypnotherapy for smoking, drug use or food issues, learn more about hypnotherapy counselling - it can be a valuable tool in the road to recovery!