Hypnosis for Addiction
Everyone faces addiction at some point in their lives. Your addiction may be related to food and weight loss. You could be addicted to smoking or drinking alcohol. Or it may be something far tougher to overcome. No matter what your addiction is, when it begins to disrupt your life, it’s time to kick the habit
What is Addiction?
In 2014 a study was done by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The study indicated that 21.5 million Americans (ages 12 & up) had battled some form of addiction. The subjects all had an obsessive and often harmful attachment to something. Their urge to engage in their negative habit was nearly impossible to control in many instances.
There are two primary types of addiction. There are those who are addicted to activities such as sex, gambling, or the Internet. Then there are others who are addicted to substances. This can include drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and food.
Each of these potential addictions starts off as some sort of habit we have developed. And most habits are generally created to serve a useful purpose. At first, the purse may not be destructive. It may have actually helped with some other stress or tribulation. Over time, though, that habit becomes a powerful driving force in your life affecting your quality of life.
Along with this driving force is an obsession that all addicts struggle with. It As time goes on it becomes harder and harder to control the impulses. While they may initially feel in control, at some point others who care, begin to tell them that they are, in fact, loosing control. Everything compounding until they begin to choose their addiction over their jobs, families, relationships or responsibilities. In the end, an addict either seeks help or can lose it all.
This may sound familiar.
What Causes Addiction?
Researchers are still unsure what truly causes addiction. While we may not be able to pinpoint a cause, we can identify what increases the risk of addiction. Some of these factors are behavioral and others are chemical.
Behavioral Factors
- Genetics – Past family histories of addiction tend to indicate a greater risk for addiction. Furthermore, there is some evidence that certain genetic traits could also delay or speed up its progression.
- Background – Traumatic experiences during childhood such as abuse can increase your risk. In addition, depression (also potentially a genetic factor) can lead to addictive behaviors.
- Mental Health – Experts believe that people who experience frequent depression and anxiety are more vulnerable to addiction. Those who fail to appropriately deal with stress are also more likely to engage in addictive behaviors.
Chemical Factors
- Substance Use – Currently, experts believe that use of a substance during childhood can cause someone to be more susceptible to addictive behaviors. Experts believe that there is a link between the repeated use of certain substances and activities. These somehow relate to how the brain feels pleasure.
- Neuro-chemistry – Everything we do produces chemicals in the brain. In the case of addictive behaviors, the chemicals make you feel pleasure. That is the mental high one feels. Later, when that feeling disappears, the brain wants to feel that again. Eventually, this leads to a craving for the substance or impulse that created the initial emotional high.
- Chemical Tolerance – Over time, the repetition of an addictitive habit changes how the brain feels pleasure. This causes the individual to engage in their addiction more often. As your tolerance increases, the symptoms of withdrawal become more serve.
Consequently, all of this increases the risk of forming an addictive habit. With hypnosis, we identify and work through the underlying cause of the habit. This empowers the client to see their problem as something they control and overcome.
Signs of addiction
- Your need to engage in your addiction distracts you from normal life and day-to-day duties.
- You cease other activities that you used to enjoy.
- You have physical withdrawal symptoms when you cease the habit. These include irritability, anxiety, nausea and shakes.
- Your desire to consume or participate in a substance or activity is causing problems at work and in your relationships.
- It is having negative effects on your health, mood, and self-respect.
- You continue to participate in or consume your addiction despite the negative effects it has on your health, mood, and self-respect.
- You need to perform the habit more regularly to experience a “high”.
Seeking Help
If you find yourself or someone you know shows these warning signs seek help. The longer you engage in addictive behavior the harder it is to kick the habit. A great source of help is your doctor. In addition, there are also several organizations you can contact by phone or online if you would rather remain anonymous.
How is drug addiction treated?
Successful treatment has several steps and options:
- Detox (the process by which the body rids itself of a drug)
- Counseling
- A 12 step program
- Medication (generally used with substance addictions)
- Evaluation and treatment for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
- Long-term follow-up to prevent relapse
Hypnosis for Addiction
Today, hypnotherapy for addiction is a growing trend. With hypnosis, we aim to get to the root of the problem through hypnotic trance. In this state, your mind is more receptive to suggestions and ideas that are compatible with your ultimate goals. While connected to your subconscious, your hypnotists will provide the support and guidance required to alter ingrained behavioral patterns. In addition, your hypnotists will help you to rebuild your emotional health. Hypnotherapy for addiction can be an effective tool during the early stages of addiction during recovery.
Don’t Wait. Act Now!
If you find yourself struggling with Addiction seek help as soon as possible. If you would like to know more about our process please see About Hypnosis or feel free to Contact Us.
Call now for a free consultation with a hypnotist.
317-699-1066
Related Articles
- Hypnosis for Alcoholism: A True Story
- Hoosier Hypnosis St. Patty’s Day Edition
- Video Game Addiction
Why Hypnosis Helps
Relaxation
Hypnosis can help to induce a state of deep relaxation, which can reduce muscle tension and lower overall stress levels.
Cognitive restructuring
Hypnosis can help to change negative thought patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to anxiety and stress. This can help to improve a person's overall outlook and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Behavioral change
Hypnosis can help to change behaviors that may be contributing to anxiety and stress. For example, a person may be taught self-hypnosis to use when they feel anxious or stressed, which can help to reduce those feelings.
Improved coping mechanisms
Hypnosis can help a person to develop new strategies for coping with stressors, so they can handle difficult situations more effectively, which can reduce overall stress and anxiety levels.
Answers to common Questions about Addiction Hypnosis
How does Addiction Hypnosis work?
Addiction hypnosis works by inducing a trance-like state in the person, allowing them to enter a relaxed state where their subconscious mind can be accessed. The hypnotist then uses this trance state to make suggestions to the person that can help them break their addiction.
Is Addiction Hypnosis safe?
Yes, addiction hypnosis is safe when it is done with the guidance of a qualified and experienced therapist. It is important to be sure that the therapist is properly trained and experienced in addiction hypnosis before engaging in the process.
Can Addiction Hypnosis be used for any other addictions?
Yes, addiction hypnosis can be used for other types of addictions, such as food addiction, gambling addiction and substance addiction. It is important to ensure that the therapist is experienced in working with the specific type of addiction that the person is struggling with.
What should I look for in an Addiction Hypnotist?
When looking for an addiction hypnotist, it is important to ensure that they are experienced and qualified in addiction hypnosis. It is also important to ensure that they are compassionate and non-judgmental, and that they provide a safe and comfortable environment for the person to explore their addiction.
Is Addiction Hypnosis effective?
Yes, addiction hypnosis can be effective in helping people overcome their addictions. Studies have shown that it can be helpful in reducing cravings and improving motivation to stay away from substances.
How long does Addiction Hypnosis take?
The number of sessions needed for hypnosis for addiction can vary depending on the person and the specific issues they are dealing with. Typically, the process takes between six and twelve sessions.
What types of issues can Addiction Hypnosis help with?
Addiction hypnosis can help with a variety of issues related to addiction, including cravings, triggers, motivation and relapse prevention. The therapist can also use hypnosis to help the person identify and address underlying issues that may be contributing to their addiction.
What are the side effects of using hypnosis for addiction?
The most common side effects of using hypnosis for addiction include a sense of relaxation and calm, improved ability to cope with stressors, an increased sense of control over emotions and thoughts, and a generally improved overall well-being.