Hypnosis for Alcoholism. Is it worth a shot?
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Okay, so before we dive in, let’s accept that there’s no magical cure for alcoholism. It’s an addiction that might need both therapy and medication. That said, hypnosis for alcoholism can be a complementary approach to help you stop drinking.
How does hypnosis work?
If you’re new to hypnosis, your idea of it may be a pocket watch or a swinging pendulum. Yes, there are a lot of misconceptions about how hypnosis works. Some even think it’s a stage trick or a form of brainwashing.
But actually, at the core of hypnosis is helping the mind and body to relax. In short, it’s nearer to a yoga or mindfulness session than the others.
So, what happens in a hypnosis session?
A clinical therapist leads you into deep relaxation with a series of verbal cues and repeated words or phrases. When you’re in a trance, he or she’ll be able to tap into your subconscious and carefully unravel the thoughts buried in your inner mind. You might seem sleepy, but actually, you’re hyperfocused.
Pretty amazing, right? Relaxed but focused and aware.
Also, he or she’ll tell you helpful suggestions to improve your current situation. This can be as simple as helping you see turbulence as ordinary when you have flight anxiety or a little more complex, like resolving a childhood trauma.
Hypnotism has been used in treating various conditions such as depression, pain, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, smoking, weight loss, and insomnia.
Alcoholism and Signs of a Drinking Problem
Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a form of addiction wherein someone has excessive or continued intake of alcohol, leading to physical and psychological dependence.
Globally speaking, experts estimate that 107 million people are suffering from alcohol abuse. In the United States, the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 14.5 million people aged 12 years and older had AUD.
Beyond these numbers, alcoholism can lead to mental disorders, cancer, liver cirrhosis, and also injuries from violence and car collisions.
Now, here are the common signs of alcohol dependency:
- Stressing over your next drink and scheduling events involving alcohol
- You can’t stop drinking even if you want to
- Going for a drink instead of doing your responsibilities
- Having physical withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink, such as shaking, sweating, and nausea
Hypnosis for Alcoholism
As for using hypnosis to address alcoholism, you can’t expect to work it out overnight, but this alternative treatment may help.
A 2018 study compared the effectiveness of hypnosis to motivational interviewing, a widely recognized treatment for substance abuse. Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique used to help someone find the inner motivation to change his or her behavior.
In the said study, the participants were divided into two groups. The people in the hypnotherapy group imagined themselves feeling calm when they felt the urge to drink, turning down a drink at a party, and deciding not to go into the liquor store.
A year later, these participants reported less emotional distress. Moreover, more from the hypnotherapy group reported complete abstinence compared to the other group.
Similarly, an earlier study with substance abuse disorder concluded a 77% success rate. The study mentioned that alcoholism is considered a form of substance abuse.
Through hypnosis, you may be able to accept your problem and remove the blocks to positive change.
If you’re ready to be in control, instead of being controlled by your next drink, book a hypnotherapy session with certified clinical hypnotherapist and Everybody in Mind Wellness Center founder Carla Chalah.
Hemisphere Hypnotherapy
I'm Carla Chalah
Your journey to holistic well-being and personal growth begins here.
My practice is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life through the transformative power of hypnotherapy.
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Welcome to Hemisphere Hypnotherapy, where your journey to holistic well-being begins. My practice is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life through the power of hypnotherapy.
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