Treatment of Drug Addiction and Hypnosis

Hypnotic trance is an altered state of mind that can be induced with the help of hypnosis. It interacts with the subconscious mind and provides suggestion to that part of mind, which is not directly accessible in normal condition. Hypnosis is a proven technique that promotes improvement in both psychological and physical well-being of an individual.

The proponents of hypnotherapy claim that there is a potent relation between hypnosis and drug addiction. That means, using the different mind tools available under hypnotherapy, an addict's mental structure can be altered in such a way that he or she may not feel the urge to use substance any longer. However, there is no sufficient scientific report found in the support of such claim. Hypnosis is found to be beneficial in relieving pain sensation, so it can offer effective intervention at the time of withdrawal symptoms.

Hypnotic Influence on Behavior Modification

Current treatment of addiction focuses essentially on behavior modification. Hypnosis induces a mental state when an individual experiences increased awareness. Due to this increased awareness, the individual becomes more inclined to receive suggestions and ideas, which eventually help in behavioral modification. At this time, the individual will attain a state of open-mindedness, with freedom of imagination and heightened attention to different facets especially when approaching events.

In fact, the process of behavior modification can be enhanced with the appropriate application of hypnosis and drug addiction problem can hence be minimized. But before considering hypnosis as an integral mode of treatment, the willingness to giving up habit is absolutely required from the client. A typical hypnotist may help his clients to get a control over their lives in many ways. A successful hypnotherapeutic intervention may even influence an addict's motivation and inspire him to give up his habits of addiction.

During hypnotherapeutic session, the positive attitude and the belief in self-ability to succeed can be reinforced as an essential motivational technique. The therapist can offer their clients informed choices regarding hypnosis and how drug addiction problem can be encountered with the help of multiple hypnotherapeutic sessions. Additionally, the therapist may analyze the damages occurred at psychological, social and emotional level of an individual as a result of prolonged drug addiction.

Hypnosis and Other Therapies

The exact causes of addiction have not been fully identified. Same is true with the treatment of addiction. So, there is a great variety of treatments as suggested by different researchers, medical practitioners, and social workers. Hypnosis belongs to alternative therapeutic approach. Sole application of this therapy may not be found beneficial for treating addiction problem; however, the hypnotherapeutic approach in combination of other therapies such as 12-steps programs, medications, art therapy, and music therapy offer good results. Hence, we can conclude that the help offered from hypnosis and alleviation from drug addiction withdrawal symptoms may not be associated directly, but we can not also deny the indirect association between hypnosis and drug addiction, when the issue of effective behavior modification comes in.