Hypnotherapy for Addiction
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Hypnotherapy is one of many evidenced-based therapies that can be used to treat substance use disorders. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, also referred to as a trance state, which is deliberately induced by one person onto a subject or patient. The change in consciousness that occurs under hypnosis is more than just a feeling. Rather it’s a change that can be measured and observed on EEG readings of the brain. As a family of rehab centers that offer hypnotherapy for addiction, Legacy Healing Center is sharing more on this approach and how it supports recovery.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that combines the psychological process of hypnosis with psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy is conducted by a trained therapist, typically a licensed psychologist, with a client who’s informed about, understands, and consents to the process.
During hypnotherapy, a person becomes less aware of what’s going on around them, allowing them to focus deeply on their inner experiences. These experiences include their inner thoughts, feelings, memories, emotions, and sensations. This treatment is especially centered around connecting patients with their sensations, particularly relaxation.
Absorption is a deep form of mental focus. During hypnotherapy, the person who’s being hypnotized becomes deeply absorbed and mentally involved in whatever they’re perceiving, imagining, or thinking of. They concentrate very intently, similar to how you’d be absorbed in a good book or movie.
The dissociative aspect of the hypnotic trance means that the person being hypnotized separates the aspect of the experience that they’re focusing on from other potential distractions that they would normally be aware of. For instance, the hypnotist might suggest that their client lift their arm. Contrary to popular belief, the person being hypnotized is in control of what they’re doing.
How Can Hypnotherapy Help With Addiction?
While in a hypnotic trance, the person being hypnotized is more open to suggestions by the hypnotist or hypnotherapist. They generally become more passive and compliant with suggestions as directed by their therapist. Under hypnosis, the client can become more imaginative, more open to fantasy, and sometimes better able to access long-forgotten memories.
This relaxed and suggestible state can help people get a different perspective on their substance use disorders. What normally seems impossible – such as quitting drug or alcohol use – can seem achievable and desirable. Though everyone responds differently to hypnosis, some people undergoing hypnotherapy for addiction may develop a capacity to break free from certain long-term behavioral patterns in the waking state, such as substance abuse.
There are various myths about hypnotherapy, many of which raise questions about its effectiveness and safety. However, hypnosis is considered safe when performed by a trained hypnotherapist, and even self-hypnosis is considered a safe method.1
Additionally, when it comes to treating addiction, hypnotherapy can be helpful by allowing certain people the power of suggesting to strengthen their willpower. In overcoming urges to use drugs or alcohol, the hypnotic state decreases a person’s peripheral awareness. It heightens their attention and suggestibility to potentially effectively alter the networks of the brain capable of rewiring certain behavioral patterns.
However, hypnotherapy for addiction is not a magical solution but one of many methods that could supplement a professional treatment program. Our facilities recommend formal treatment, such as medical detox or substance-specific treatment, to ensure clients receive the physical and mental care they need and deserve.
Finding Addiction Hypnotherapy Near Me
Hypnotherapy is an effective form of care for addiction, but not the only one we offer. For more information about our levels of care and other therapy programs, call Legacy Healing Center today at 888-534-2295.
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Legacy Healing Center Employees Become Hypnotherapy Certified!