Is Hypnosis An Effective Form Of Addiction Treatment

For some, the word ‘hypnosis’ may conjure images of theatrical performers and showmanship. It might then be difficult to imagine this occurring side-by-side with addiction counselling and group therapy sessions in a rehab clinic. However, hypnosis has moved on from the eighteenth-century idea of mesmerism and has become more modern, more reputable, and, importantly, more applicable in medical contexts. Today, medical hypnosis is used to treat a range of different conditions, including chronic pain, paralysis, phobias and panic attacks. Research into the efficacy of hypnosis in addiction treatment has taken place since the 1960s. With the medical application of hypnosis becoming more accessible, it is important to challenge the misconceptions around hypnosis, describe how hypnotic techniques can be applied in the context of addiction, and evaluate the place of hypnosis in an addiction rehab programme.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis (also known as hypnotherapy) is a type of treatment that uses specific techniques ‘to treat conditions or change habits.’ These techniques are usually used when the patient is in what is known as a ‘hypnotic state.’ This ‘trance’ state has been described as a ‘waking state of awareness [..] in which a person’s attention is detached from his or her immediate environment and is absorbed by inner experiences such as feelings, cognition and imagery.’ This can sound intense, but for most people, this state feels deeply relaxing.

During hypnosis, sessions will take the following structure:

• Discuss goals for therapy and agree on appropriate methods
• Therapist establishes the hypnotic state
• Agreed methods are used
• Therapist brings you out of the hypnotic state

The techniques that are used will depend on your goals and situation. What is important to remember is that hypnosis does not equal a loss of control. Research has also established that it is not possible to use hypnosis on people who do not wish to engage with it. This means that hypnotic techniques cannot be used against your own will.

The specific state you enter into can make it easier to engage with – and therefore reflect on and change – difficult thoughts, feelings, behaviours and memories that can be linked to specific conditions.

Common misconceptions about hypnosis

For some people, hypnosis seems more at home at a Victorian side show than in contemporary clinical practice. This is typical because a lot of us have misconceptions about what hypnosis is, how it is practised and what it can achieve for us. For that reason, it is important to challenge some myths around hypnosis to clarify better the way that it functions during alcoholism treatment.

Some common myths include:

• The hypnotist has a magical power over the subject
• The subject fully loses control during hypnosis
• Hypnosis happens in a ‘special state’, and therefore, the treatment is not applicable when the subject is fully conscious
• Some people can be hypnotised; some people can’t
• Responding to suggestions in hypnosis suggests the patient is faking

Hypnotherapy in addiction treatment

But how can hypnotherapy be used as a form of addiction help? Typically, hypnotherapists may focus on four key areas in treating addiction. These are:

• The subconscious
• Suggestion
• Relaxation
• Imagery

 

Hypnosis

Hypnosis works on the subconscious. This means that it engages with our thoughts and feelings just below the surface. This is because an estimated 95% of our thoughts, feelings and memories live in our subconscious. This means that a lot of our emotional and cognitive workings can happen without us being aware of it. Hypnosis addresses this by attempting to tap into this rich inner experience. This may allow the therapist to identify specific cravings, triggers and behaviours that can be linked to addiction.

Suggestion

Suggestion is a process of changing habits or a specific train of thought. This allows a therapist to address the cravings, triggers and behaviours identified, and even to alter them through hypnotic suggestion.

Relaxation

All of this has to be achieved through a relaxed state. Once an individual is relaxed enough, it can feel more comfortable to address some of the difficult content of our subconscious. This can make it safer to talk and think about more difficult things.

Imagery

Another key element of hypnosis in addiction treatment is imagery. During a hypnotic state, you may be asked to imagine a life without substances, for example. Your therapist may help you build an image of throwing away bottles of alcohol, of destroying drugs, or even help you imagine what a life without cravings may look like.

How effective is hypnosis in addiction treatment?

One piece of research found that daily sessions of hypnotherapy had a 77% success rate for individuals dealing with alcohol addiction.
Another study found that combining hypnosis and traditional treatment was more effective at helping people stop smoking than traditional methods alone.
A case study showed that hypnosis was used to help a patient overcome her chronic cocaine addiction. Following 4 months of hypnosis, this patient ceased use of all drugs, where previously she had used cocaine on a daily basis.

Potential benefits of hypnosis

• It is a holistic approach
• It does not blame the individual
• It puts the focus on positive change
• It can help individuals regain control
• It can address addiction behaviours as well as their underlying causes
• There is evidence of successful recovery following hypnotherapy
• It enhances other forms of intervention

Potential limitations of hypnosis

• Some individuals are not comfortable with hypnosis
• There are ethical considerations and therefore, informed consent must be given
• It should be used as part of a comprehensive recovery plan alongside other therapies
• You should check your therapist has the appropriate qualifications
• It can be a longer-term treatment

Seeking professional addiction treatment

 

If you need help with addiction, contacting a professional is the best course of action. This can be a primary care provider, such as a GP, or a specialist rehab provider. You can then discuss the treatment options available and consider what mode of care is most appropriate for you.

 

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