Hypnosis for Addictions
Addictions are an attempt to give something to the self. They are not a character flaw. Most people with addictions had some kind of difficulty in childhood. This difficulty can range from a childhood trauma, like physical abuse to something more benign but still traumatic to a child’s personality like a highly critical and cold parent. These children will be more sensitive, perhaps anxious and so more likely to try to self medicate at an early age. The early exposure to brain altering drugs and the over stimulation of the pleasure center sets them up for addictive behaviors in life.
The addiction does not only need to be to drugs. Food in some cases can also act like a drug especially carbohydrates. These foods will increase pleasurable feelings and therefore increase addictive behavior. Texting is a relatively new addictive behavior. Texting stimulates the pleasure center in the brain and gives the texter a rush just like hard drugs. This behavior also has its dangers since people addicted to texting won’t or can’t stop while driving. This low level of communication also results in below average communication skills and can negatively affect relationships.
I use hypnosis to help my clients with addictions. By using hypnotherapy and training the person in self-hypnosis you give the addict a healthier alternative to drugs and alcohol. They now have something inside themselves that can be used to change their feelings. By helping them to give to themselves in a positive way, the addict gains control.
In order for hypnosis to work the person must want the change. Just like working with a smoker who says they want to become a non-smoker. If that person doesn’t truly want to quit smoking, they won’t. If the person really wants to overcome their addiction, hypnosis can make a huge impact on their ability to live clean and sober.
