Many people attribute drug addiction to a lack of willpower or morals. They incorrectly assume that they could stop if they really wanted to. They often don’t understand how anyone could become addicted to control substances in the first place. Drug addiction is a disease. While many people know that hypnosis can help people to stop smoking, they are unaware of how effective it is for drug addiction. Which is why many people ask, does hypnosis for addiction work?
What drug use does to the brain?
The brain releases a reward response, along with dopamine, when drugs are taken. A feeling of euphoria, along with the reward response, encourages the repeated use of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and opioids. However, the brain reduces the reward response each time, which causes addicts to chase and seek the initial high they experienced. As the high and reward response diminishes, drug users find it difficult to enjoy other activities they once found pleasurable, including intimacy.
Does hypnosis for addiction work?
Hypnotherapy is extremely effective in treating drug abuse for several reasons. Simply experiencing hypnotic trance can help patients relax, and in some cases, experience the reward response. Hypnotic techniques can help to minimize or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. It can also boost motivation and help addicts remain committed to their treatment program. Finally, and most importantly, hypnotic suggestions can rewire and retrain the unconscious mind, so that patients have no desire to take drugs.
The Hypnotic Experience
Patients often look forward to hypnotherapy sessions because of how calm it makes them feel. While they are relaxed, they are not asleep. By following the verbal instructions of a hypnotherapist who specializes in drug addiction, an attentive and calming state is achieved. The unconscious mind can then be programmed to help drug users break the cycle of addiction. Hypnotic suggestions, which can be thought of as directions to rewire the brain, can help free addicts from the desire to take drugs. Patients emerge from hypnosis with a new perspective, feeling refreshed.
Scientific Studies
Many rehab facilities include hypnotherapy as part of their treatment. They know and understand the scientific data supporting the use of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy can be used alone, or as a complimentary treatment for drug abuse. A study of drug addicts who used either heroin, cocaine, or marijuana were monitored for 2 years after utilizing hypnosis. 78% stayed clean of heroin and 100% remained free of cocaine and marijuana. At a six-month follow-up, 94% of the subjects who utilized hypnotherapy remained narcotic-free.
There are over 20 million people in United States who suffer from drug addiction. If you are one of the 45 million people in United States who is directly impacted by drug addiction, then you understand the challenges involved. Addicts and their loved ones need not feel powerless anymore. By rewiring the inner mind, addicts can get the help they need. Hypnosis for addiction is a powerful tool for recovery that should be utilized more often.