Hypnosis As A Treatment For Drug Addiction

Can Hypnosis Help?

Hypnosis induces a hypnotic trance that allows a therapist to access a patient's subconscious mind as a means of offering guidance and suggestion to a part of the mind not normally accessible.  Hypnosis has been proven to improve the psychological and physical well-being of someone.

Hypnotherapy proponents argue that there is a direct relationship between hypnosis and drug addiction.  Accessing a part of the mind not available in normal circumstances, the hypnotist claims to alter the mind set of the patient so that they no longer have the urge to the harmful substances.

While no definitive studies have ever supported that claim, hypnosis has been found to be helpful in alleviating pain and thus can be of use during the detoxification process when the body can suffer excruciating pain.

Behavior Modification With Hypnotic Influence

Most modern addiction treatments concentrate on behavior modification.  Hypnosis creates an increased awareness in a person that encourages them to accept suggestions to help achieve behavior modification that will in turn allow them to cope with the temptations encountered in everyday living as well as those offered under special circumstances.

The patient must realize that the only way for hypnosis to be effective, they must be willing to give up their addictions.  This is a critical element and if it is not understood and agreed upon, the hypnosis will not work.

A skilled hypnotist can assist a person in gaining control of their lives by influencing the addict's motivation and thus allowing him to turn his back on his old addictive habits by reinforcing a positive attitude and a belief in ones self.

The skilled therapist offers clients information on how hypnosis can help overcome drug addiction problems.  If the therapist is a psychiatrist, they can also analyze the psychological and emotional levels of a person dealing with prolonged drug addiction.

Other Therapies

Scientists and medical experts have never been able to pinpoint the exact cause of addiction or of its treatment.  Each researcher, scientist, social worker or medical authority has their own theory in the way to treat addictions.

While hypnosis is not considered beneficial when used alone, when used in conjunction with other therapies such as a 12-Step program or non-addicting medicines, it shows much promise.

Thus, proponents of hypnotherapy conclude that, while hypnosis therapy may not directly relieve withdrawal symptoms, the indirect effect between drug addiction withdrawal symptoms and hypnosis cannot be denied when considered as a tool of effective behavior modification.