Hypnotherapy

Based on positive results from different studies, many rehabs are incorporating this type of holistic treatment into their programs.

If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, you may be confused about your options for addiction treatment. While conventional methods are helpful for medical detox and treatment, there are many different ways to address addiction. One holistic treatment option that is finding excellent success in treating addiction is hypnotherapy.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to help a person create a positive change in his or her unconscious mind. Many people are familiar with stage hypnosis, but this type of treatment is more focused. It is delivered by a trained hypnotherapist who speaks with clients during a session, learning about different aspects of their life that they want to examine and change.

The therapist then puts the client into a hypnotic state, which relaxes the unconscious mind. This is when a person is more susceptible to changing old ideas and feelings, which is something that applies to addiction treatment.

Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Unfortunately, hypnosis has received a bad reputation thanks to silly stage gimmicks and even outright scams. The of hypnotherapy as a treatment is something much different. Hypnosis is an ancient therapy that has been used successfully for thousands of years.

Hypnosis, while effective, is not meant to be the single source of treatment for anyone’s substance use disorder or other issues. Instead, it is intended to be part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program that may also include several types of holistic treatment options.

As to the question of whether hypnosis works, it certainly does. One study published in the Journal
of the National Cancer Institute concluded that hypnosis was successful in alleviating post-surgical pain as well as fatigue, nausea, and other discomforts.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy as Addiction Treatment?

Hypnosis is being used with great success in addiction treatment. There are quite a few studies that confirm its effectiveness in this setting. One study called “Group Hypnosis of Drug Addicts” looks at using hypnotherapy to treat people who have an opioid use disorder. The goal of the treatment was to reduce or eliminate the participant’s use of heroin and other street drugs.

Of the study participants who receive hypnotherapy, 90 percent completed treatment. Within six months, 100 percent of those were still off of drugs and 78 percent remained abstinent at the two-year mark.

Based on positive results from different studies, many rehabs are incorporating this type of holistic treatment into their programs. This is a powerful supplement to a comprehensive addiction treatment program that can help in several ways. These include:

• Lessening withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol can be physically and mentally intense. Hypnosis can help manage these symptoms.
• Alleviating pain. Hypnosis can alleviate other physical and emotional pain that could be a barrier to addiction recovery.
• Changing addictive behavior. This holistic treatment works on the unconscious mind to alter ideas and change dangerous behaviors linked to addiction.
• Boosting emotional health. Hypnotherapy can treat co-occurring disorders as well as contribute to stronger overall emotional health.

If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, The Recovery Village offers a range of addiction treatment options that are customized to meet your needs. We include many holistic treatment choices to give you the best chance at recovery and finding a new way to live.

Contact us now to get answers to any questions and explore your admissions options with one of our addiction specialists.