Hypnotherapy for Addictions
Addictions are an attempt to give something to the self. They are not character flaws. Most people with addictions had some difficulty in childhood. This difficulty can range from childhood trauma, like physical abuse, to something more benign but still traumatic to a child’s personality, like a highly critical and cold parent. These children will be more sensitive, perhaps anxious, and more likely to try to self-medicate at an early age. The early exposure to brain-altering drugs and the overstimulation of the pleasure center sets them up for addictive behaviors in life.
Hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl are the most dangerous. However, other milder opioids like Kratom and prescription medications are also very addictive. Marijuana, which in the past was not as full of THC as it is today, is also addictive. Then we come to the most common addictive substances, alcohol and nicotine.
In some cases, food can also act like a drug, mainly carbohydrates. Food addictions and weight control were the subjects of my dissertation. Through that process, I learned how the mind works under the control of sugars. These foods will increase pleasurable feelings and, therefore, increase addictive behavior. Worst of all, this substance is always readily available.
Texting is a relatively new addictive behavior. Texting stimulates the pleasure center in the brain and gives the texter a rush, just like hard drugs. This behavior also has its dangers since people addicted to texting won’t or can’t stop while driving. This low level of communication also results in below-average communication skills and can negatively affect relationships and careers.
I use hypnosis to help my clients with addictions. Using hypnotherapy and creating better brain chemistry without the drug and instead utilizing the mind’s natural endorphins, which are released during hypnosis, and training the person in self-hypnosis gives the addict a healthier alternative to drugs and alcohol. They now have a behavioral tool that establishes a new way to reset negative feelings. By helping them to give to themselves positively, the addict gains control. For hypnosis to work, the person must want the change, just like working with a smoker who wants to become a non-smoker. If that person honestly doesn’t want to quit smoking, they won’t. If the person wants to overcome their addiction, hypnosis can significantly impact their ability to live clean and sober.
