Can hypnosis help you to stop drinking?
By Dr. Greg Harms
Do you live in Chicago and wonder if hypnosis can be used to stop drinking? Curious if hypnotherapy helps to curb alcohol use? Trying to figure out if hypnosis is a smart choice for you?
If so, you wouldn’t be alone. Many people think about hypnosis as they come to terms with a drinking problem. Does this describe you? If so, please keep reading.
Hypnosis and Alcohol Addiction
We will first start out with the facts. As a stand-alone therapeutic approach, hypnosis has not been clinically demonstrated to make anyone stop drinking.
This is particularly true if a person has an addiction to alcohol or is struggling with alcohol use disorder.
And while some may claim hypnosis was curative, the body of clinical research doesn’t demonstrate this.
That’s not to say that some folks haven’t experienced desirable results. But in most cases, the person was doing other things to remain sober.
Other Things – What Does That Mean?
It means there may be some benefit when hypnotherapy is combined with sound treatment approaches like addictions counseling, 12-step support programs, and other wellness-focused activities.
How Hypnosis May Help with Alcohol Use
For some individuals, combining mental health counseling with hypnotherapy may hold benefits. Bear in mind that hypnosis is not “therapy” itself but instead, a tool that is used to facilitate therapy.
Here are some possible benefits:
- Feeling more relaxed when choosing not to drink
- Experiencing less stressed when in the presence of booze
- More mindful of the consequences of alcohol
- More aware of the impact of alcohol use on daily life
What About Recovery Clinics That Use Hypnosis?
Yes, it is true. Some recovery clinics do include hypnotherapy as part of their overall services. But the important thing to keep in mind is that hypnosis is used to supplement other approaches.
Many of the treatment facilities that employ the use of hypnosis do so in combination with:
- One on one addictions counseling with a licensed therapist
- Group support meetings related to alcohol use
- Other self-calming strategies
There is a great article on the site Drug Rehab that specifically speaks to the use of hypnosis for substance abuse issues.
What Should I Look for In a Therapist?
If you are struggling with a drinking problem or trying to change your relationship with alcohol, it’s important to gain the guidance, support and assistance of a trained professional who has a background in substance abuse.
Examples include:
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed Counselor
- Licensed Social Worker
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
If your therapist holds special certification in drug and alcohol counseling, even better. In Illinois, the initials CADC indicate a person is a certified alcohol and drug counselor. These same types of professionals are also good choices if you are trying to stop smoking.
Hypnotherapy In Recovery
Typically, hypnotherapy is used as part of substance abuse counseling to teach you calming skills. This is often accomplished through:
- Mindfulness-based meditation
- Guided imagery
- Progressive muscle relaxation
How Do I Know if I Have a Drinking Problem?
A great resource to consider is rethink drinking, made available by the National Institutes of Health.
Here, you will find an assessment to help you better understand the role of alcohol in your life. If you are concerned about your use of alcohol, talk to your doctor or with a mental health professional.
Getting Help in Chicago
If you live in Chicago and are want to change your relationship with alcohol, it makes sense to work with someone who has advanced training in this area.
A great resource is Psychology Today. Just type in your zip code to find someone near your location. Here is the link.
We’ve also created a Chicago substance abuse resource page for those seeking information on treatment facilities for alcohol addiction and dependency.
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Note: If you are concerned that you might harm yourself or someone else, please dial 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.