People can take many different approaches to overcome addiction. However, there is no form of treatment that is a one-size-fits-all proposition. In other words, there’s no one therapy that is appropriate for everyone. While there are many fine traditional options available, holistic treatment methods can work better for some people. One example is a hypnotherapy program for addiction. However, what is it, and how does it help? And finally, could it be right for you?
Do you or a loved one need addiction treatment services? Call us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
What Is Hypnosis for Addictions?
Hypnosis is a state of mind in which a person becomes more open to suggestion. The aim of hypnotherapy is to try and change a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior. When it comes to hypnosis, it’s easy to classify it as a holistic treatment method. However, you might be surprised to learn that it’s actually an evidence-based program for addiction. In fact, experts can use it to treat many psychological problems.
Hypnosis for addictions combines the process of hypnosis with the established and time-tested benefits of psychotherapy. This powerful combo helps some people overcome certain mental health issues faster than with conventional treatments alone.
Hypnotherapy is performed by a trained therapist in a relaxed setting. A therapist can only perform the hypnosis with the consent of the client. In fact, it’s typically only effective on people who are open to the whole idea of hypnosis.
The person undergoing hypnosis will typically be asked to focus on something else, such as a specific image or sound, while the therapist speaks to them in a calming voice. It is important to note that hypnosis is not a sleep state and the person will be aware of what is happening throughout. Some people may feel lightheaded or dizzy, but this is usually due to the relaxation response and is not harmful.
Is Hypnosis Effective? How Does It Help?
Firstly, it’s important to note that a hypnotherapy program doesn’t work on everyone. Experts believe that around 15% of all people are highly susceptible to hypnosis. They also believe that around 25% of people aren’t susceptible to hypnosis at all. While the remaining population can potentially benefit, they need to remain open-minded about the whole concept.
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that hypnotherapy may be effective for certain conditions. A review of 19 studies found that, in general, hypnotherapy may be a helpful treatment for anxiety and stress-related disorders.
At any rate, how does hypnotherapy help people who struggle with addiction? In the most basic of terms, it addresses underlying mental disorders that trigger addiction. In general, hypnotherapy is effective in helping people unlock and deal with blocked memories that could be causing trauma. As a result, this past trauma often leads to the development of certain mental disorders.
It’s this trauma that people have difficulty dealing with. Unfortunately, they don’t always choose the right methods to alleviate the problem. In far too many cases, people drink alcohol and use drugs to suppress the trauma and feelings that result from blocked memories. This behavior then progresses into a seemingly never-ending cycle of drug and alcohol abuse that can be devastating to people’s physical and mental health. Fortunately, hypnosis for addictions can unblock these memories and deal with them in a healthy and effective way.
What Problems Can Hypnotherapy Help People Overcome?
At first, the problems that hypnotherapy can help people overcome seem almost endless. However, psychologists typically use hypnotherapy for several distinct issues, including:
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
It should come as no surprise that the majority of these issues often accompany addiction. That’s just another reason why hypnotherapy can be an effective therapy to use during rehab.
Fight Back Against Your Addiction With Hypnotherapy
Do you want to see if hypnosis is right for you? Consider reaching out to Crestview Recovery to learn more about our hypnotherapy treatment program. Of course, we offer other programs as well, including:
- Family therapy
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Group and individual therapy
- Gender-specific rehab
- Rehab aftercare
- 12-step rehab
Don’t settle for an addiction program that limits you to only traditional therapies. While these therapies can be highly effective, they aren’t the only options available to you. In fact, the world of addiction therapy is much larger than that. When that’s the case, why would you want to limit the possibilities for treatment?
Learn more about hypnosis for addictions to see if it’s right for you. Reach out to Crestview Recovery today at 866.262.0531 to learn more about the programs that we offer.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
