Can Hypnosis Cure Addiction? Here’s What You Need To Know
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Whether an old world style pocket watch swinging in front of your eyes comes to mind, or you think about someone mindlessly following instructions, the idea of hypnosis can feel mysterious. There are many misconceptions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Both can be a legitimate, helpful tool for people who are working to change their habits. Let’s take a look at how hypnosis work, and what you can expect to feel if you decide to try hypnotherapy for alcoholism and/ or drug addiction.
Does Hypnosis Work?
Studies have shown that hypnosis can be effective in treating several medical conditions. While hypnosis to stop drinking or stop using drugs can be an effective behavioral tool, hypnotherapy for alcoholism and/ or drug addiction can be even more helpful. Hypnotherapy combines two modalities of treatment – hypnosis and psychotherapy.
Researchers aren’t quite sure why hypnotherapy is effective, and how well it works is different from person to person. Most people experience a sense of relaxation and a relief of anxiety that can lead to less intense cravings. For a small group of people, hypnotherapy seems to be a miracle cure that rockets them into recovery. If you decide you’d like to try hypnotherapy, it’s important to enter treatment with an open mind. When expectations are extremely high or extremely low, it can be hard to focus on the therapy itself.
What To Expect When You Try Hypnosis
Hypnosis requires you to go into an altered state of consciousness. When a person is in a state of hypnosis, EKG scans show changes in brain activity. The mind enters a deep state of relaxation. This altered state of consciousness is known as a trance state.
When you work with a psychotherapist who is trained in hypnosis, they’ll talk with you about exactly what you can expect during your treatment. While you’re in a trance state, you’ll be more open to suggestion. This is when your psychotherapist can work with you to help you create thoughts that may result in long-term behavioral change. Your therapist won’t make suggestions randomly – the ideas you internalize during your trance state will be based on prior conversations with your therapist.
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
While hypnosis is different for everyone, most people report that they feel a deep ability to focus when they’re in a trance state. This can allow for you to zero in on issues that are causing you to deal with stress in unhealthy ways. During your trance state, you may be able to work with your therapist’s suggestions and find new ways to incorporate behavioral changes into your life.
If you’ve ever become deeply interested in a book you were reading, you may have experienced something similar to a hypnotic trance. The total focus on the story – the setting, the characters, the dialogue – can result in a feeling of surprise when you look around and realize you’re still in your living room, rather than in the story you’re reading. This deep, intense focus is similar to the feeling of hypnosis. The outside world seems to melt away as you become completely engaged in your own thoughts.
Hypnosis And Addiction
For many people, hypnotherapy is a valuable part of an addiction treatment program. Many people find success combining hypnotherapy with other types of therapy. Your therapist can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that makes sense for your needs. If you’re interested in trying hypnotherapy, be sure to mention this to your therapist. Being open to hypnotherapy can increase the likelihood that hypnosis will be successful for you.
Struggling To Make A Change? We Can Help
If you’re struggling to change your substance use, it can be hard to figure it out alone. Good news – you don’t have to. At Cardinal Recovery, we’re here to help you make the changes you need to live a happier, healthier life. We’ll work with you to create a treatment program that makes sense for your personality and your needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can hep you get your life back.
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