Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focus that can be used to alter thoughts emotions and behaviours. Hypnosis for smoking cessation works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed state where your subconscious mind is more open to suggestions. In this state, the hypnotist can introduce ideas and suggestions that align with your own personal goals to help you quit smoking.
Once you're in a deeply relaxed state the hypnotist introduces suggestions that align with your goals of quitting smoking these suggestions are designed to change your thoughts and behaviours related to smoking. For example, the hypnotist might suggest that you'll feel healthier and happier without cigarettes, or that the smell of smoke is unappealing. The idea is that these suggestions will take root in your subconscious mind an influence your thoughts and behaviours even after the hypnosis session has ended and overtime these new thoughts and behaviours can help you quit smoking. It also works to break the negative behaviours and thinking patterns associated with smoking, such as smoking to relieve stress. It is these negative thoughts and behaviours that often prevent people from successfully giving up. Quitting, in itself, does not deal with these underlying issues. So, when a person decides to stop smoking, the key aspect is to let go of the routine and change how they view cigarettes. Breaking an addiction like this is a challenge; it won’t be easy, especially if it is a lifelong habit, and changing how you think about something can be difficult. After the hypnotherapist brings you back out of the hypnotic state, they may teach you cues and other self-hypnosis techniques to support you beyond the hypnotherapy room - helping you to resist the urge to smoke in day-to-day life.
Research suggests that hypnosis may be effective in helping people quit smoking.
A 2021 study by Gilch et al., found that 86% of subjects no longer smoked six months after ongoing hypnosis however after the first six months only 32% did not begin to smoke again this suggests that while hypnosis may be affected in helping people quit it may be more effective in the short term than the long term. However, using ongoing hypnosis may be more beneficial to help long term. There is also some evidence that hypnosis can help people have already quit smoking. A 2017 study researched individuals who stopped smoking benefited more from using hypnosis as an ongoing preventative treatment.
The benefits of using hypnosis to stop to help you stop smoking can be varied depending on the individual. It can tackle the psychological addiction and habitual behaviours associated with smoking. It does not rely on medication and hypnosis may potentially reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It can foster a long-term positive attitude toward overall wellness and hypnosis can help people who have already quit smoking to continue down the path of not picking up that cigarette.
Please note that while hypnosis can be a very useful tool, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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Sources
Carmody TP, et al. (2017). Hypnosis for smoking relapse prevention: a randomized trial.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00029157.2016.1261678
Gilch LA, et al. (2021). A data-analytic evaluation of smoking cessation via online hypnosis.
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