Treating Drug Addiction With Hypnosis

Hypnosis & Drugs

Hypnosis may not always be taken very seriously, but studies have shown that it can be highly effective in some cases (Astin, et al., 2003). That is often because some individuals are more susceptible to the power of suggestion than others (Elkins & Rajab, 2004). These people are more easily hypnotized, while others claim they cannot be hypnotized at all. For those who are able to be hypnotized, the power of suggestion can help them overcome addictions to everything from caffeine to heroin (Elkins & Rajab, 2004). Marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol addictions have also been successfully treated with hypnosis in some people (Elkins & Rajab, 2004). This information can be used in many different settings, but it is important to note that it is not considered mainstream in its usage and it will not be the right choice for every person struggling with addiction to one or more substances. For those who respond well to it and those who really want to get better and beat their addictions, however, hypnosis can be a very viable option and well worth considering.

From a personal standpoint, people dealing with addiction can consider hypnosis as one of their options when they want to change their lives for the better and they desire to get clean and sober (Astin, et al., 2003). The correlation between mind and body is very strong, and can have a serious effect on how a person feels and what he or she is able to do in life. That can include finding the strength to conquer an addiction, as hypnosis can lower or even eliminate the desire for the drug (Elkins & Rajab, 2004). That makes a serious difference from a professional capacity, as well, since people who are able to conquer their addictions can go on to lead productive lives and work toward goals that they find valuable. When those who want to address their addictions are willing to do so, significant differences in their lives can be made (Astin, et al., 2003; Elkins & Rajab, 2004).

From a community or societal standpoint, drug addiction is a serious problem. It raises the crime rate, and can also lead to higher healthcare costs because people who use drugs are often not healthy, especially in their later years (Astin, et al., 2003). Traditional treatment options can be very expensive, and even if a person has insurance he or she is not usually covered for drug or alcohol programs. That allows these people to fall through the cracks, or keeps them from focusing on getting some help in order to conquer their addiction and improve things for themselves and the people who care about them. Hypnosis for drug addiction could be one of the ways to start changing this, and to start making a difference in the lives of these people. While there are no guarantees of it working, the same can be said for methods that are already in use. Since the success rates for traditional treatments are not high, it is clear that something new should be attempted.