Hypnotherapy for Drug Abuse

Hypnotherapy (the use of hypnosis to treat or cure pain or disease) is astonishingly effective in treating many types of addiction. Hypnosis induces a state of deep relaxation and awareness, helping patients gain the mental control they need to deal with cravings and prevent relapses. Addictions treatable by hypnosis include alcohol, tobacco and various types of drugs, such as marijuana, methadone or cocaine.

Hypnotherapy for addiction typically occurs later in the rehabilitation process, after the patient’s system has been de-toxified. Ericksonian or “conversational” hypnosis is usually the most effective way to cooperate with the patient and achieve long-term effects. Based on the groundbreaking work of Milton H. Erickson, Ericksonian therapy uses the power of positive thought to relax patients and create lasting effects with their full consent. A licensed clinical hypnotherapist can guide patients through the hypnosis process, helping them to explore their own mental state and move beyond their dependence on drugs. (1)

Below are some selected clinical studies on hypnotherapy for various types of substance abuse:

A comparative study of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of methadone addicts. Manganiello AJ, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1984; 26(4): 273-9. In this study, a significantly greater number of methadone addicts stopped using drugs after hypnotherapy; six months after the conclusion of the study, 94% of the former addicts had remained narcotic-free.

Utilizing Hypnosis in the Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders. Potter, Greg, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jul 2004. This study, conducted with variously addicted patients over the course of 7 years, showed a 77% success rate (drug-free) at the one-year follow-up. Subjects were addicted to alcohol, cocaine, or marijuana.

The use of hypnosis in cocaine addiction. Page RA, Handley GW, Ohio State University, Lima, OH USA 45804. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1993 Oct;36(2):120-3. In this documented case study, hypnotherapy was exclusively used to overcome a $500 (5 grams) per day addiction in a female subject. 9 years after the 4-month treatment period the subject remained drug-free. (2)

If you are suffering from a drug addiction, including alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances, hypnotherapy is a proven, medically viable option. As a certified clinical hypnotherapist, Isaac Farin applies hypnosis, mindfulness techniques and spiritual approaches to help you get the better of your addiction quickly. In addition to hypnotherapy, Isaac specializes in Ericksonian therapy, solution-oriented therapy and brief, systemic therapy. His strength-based approaches to sports therapy sessions, individual, couples and family therapy allow him to find effective, long-term solutions to mental and physical problems.

(1) Hypnosis as an Addiction Treatment. 2012. Drug & Alcohol Rehab Asia (DARA). July 30 2012. http://alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/hypnosis-as-an-addiction-treatment/

(2) Drug Addiction Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy Clinical Studies. 2012. Hypnosis Review Quarterly. July 31 2012. http://www.hypnosis-review-quarterly.com/drug-addiction-hypnosis-studies.html

(3) Ericksonian Hypnosis. 2012. Squidoo. August 15 2012. http://www.squidoo.com/ericksonian-hypnosis#module117896981