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Hypnosis for Addiction Treatment

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When most people think of hypnosis, they think of the stage show act where the person is hypnotized and does things that they would not normally do. This is not what hypnosis is really about though. Hypnosis is a state of relaxed focus where the person’s mind is more open to suggestions. This can be used for things like helping people quit using substances and modifying behavior. It can also be used to help people better deal with pain, both mental and physical. As such, we are proud to offer a hypnosis program at our addiction treatment centers.

At Vertava Health, our treatment programs offer a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities shown to be effective in helping patients succeed on their path toward recovery. We encourage patients to explore treatment options with our trained specialists to find what best suits their preferences and needs for sobriety. To learn more about our addiction therapy programs, call 844.470.0410 today.

What Is Hypnosis Therapy?a woman undergoes hypnotherapy treatment at a hypnotherapy program under the care of an older woman

Hypnosis is a technique that is sometimes used on people with emotional and psychological difficulties to promote behavioral change. In the context of addiction treatment, hypnosis can complement traditional forms of treatment such as behavioral therapy and medication. Through hypnosis, some patients may feel more relaxed and open to the treatment process. Hypnosis may also help ease physical symptoms of withdrawal and aid in the treatment of mental health symptoms.

How Does Hypnosis for Addiction Work?

Hypnotherapy is a process that involves the use of hypnosis to alter physical or emotional sensations and promote healthy changes in behavior. Therapists using hypnosis guide patients through relaxation techniques and exercises to open the mind and introduce new associations with certain behaviors or experiences.

Hypnosis can make a person more open to suggestions and increase focus. A guided process may also promote a feeling of calmness in patients and elicit changes in negative habits or behaviors.

Hypnosis can tap into areas in the mind that may be closed off when someone is in their normal state. This can affect a person’s sensations, thoughts, emotions, and reactions to certain stimuli. While hypnosis has proven effective in treating some physical conditions, it is commonly believed by those who practice it to be a beneficial technique for emotional and spiritual healing.

Common practical uses for hypnotherapy include:

  • Acute and chronic pain
  • Stress
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Phobias
  • Mood disorders, such as depression
  • Gastrointestinal disorders

Hypnosis can be used in coordination with traditional psychotherapies as a beneficial aid within the treatment process. Its role within the treatment process can be determined both by the patient and their treatment team.

Can Hypnosis Treat Addiction?

Addiction doesn’t only affect what’s on the surface of a person’s life. Substance use and addiction can also take a psychological and emotional toll, often leading to significant stress and other emotional difficulties.

In combination with other addiction therapies, hypnosis may help address the internal and external struggles experienced by those with substance use problems. Getting sober requires stopping the use of a drug or substance, but staying free of substances requires treating both the mind and body.

Many people undergoing addiction treatment have difficulty opening up about their experiences. Hypnosis may help some people relax their minds and make them more open to healthy changes in behavior.

It may also ease some of the physical symptoms of early sobriety that can act as barriers in the treatment process. This includes common symptoms of muscle tension, spasms from withdrawal, and bodily pains.

When combined with proven treatment methods, other potential benefits of hypnosis for addiction treatment may include:

  • Increased focus and mental alertness
  • Introducing positive imagery to increase motivation and a sense of well-being
  • Reduced drug or alcohol cravings
  • Recalling forgotten or repressed memories
  • Encourages positive changes in behavior
  • Reframes how a person perceives their use of drugs or alcohol
  • Eases feelings of anxiety or depression

Hypnosis cannot force a person to act in specific ways, but it can serve as a tool for emotional support and allow a person to become more open to changing their negative habits.

Does Hypnosis for Substance Use Disorders Work?

Hypnosis is one of several techniques that can be used in the treatment of substance use, but it is not an evidence-based treatment method. How a person responds to hypnosis can vary based on their comfort with the process and other factors. While small improvements can sometimes be noticed within the first few sessions, it can take some time for patients to see its benefits. People who are suspicious about hypnosis or do not have a trusting relationship with their counselor may experience no benefit.

The reality of the recovery experience is that what is helpful for one person is not always beneficial for another. If you are interested in hypnotherapy for treating your or a loved one’s addiction, our treatment specialists at Vertava Health can help you find a program that meets your needs.

Using Hypnosis at Vertava Health

Our comprehensive approach to substance use treatment involves using various treatment modalities suitable for meeting each of our patient’s needs. Hypnosis is one of several holistic addiction treatment techniques our programs offer to supplement traditional treatments.

Our behavioral health centers are fully staffed with specialists who have extensive experience in treating all aspects of substance use and addiction. By seeking help through one of our treatment specialists, we can develop a customizable treatment plan suitable to meet you or a loved one’s needs.

Find Addiction Treatment at Vertava Health

Through the hypnosis program and other treatment options at Vertava Health, we work to help patients ease the symptoms of withdrawal and detox, as well as work through any emotional difficulties they may have. We may use hypnosis therapy alongside a range of additional therapies, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Family therapy
  • Yoga therapy
  • Massage therapy

If you or a loved one are ready to seek help for addiction, please reach out to us today by calling 844.470.0410.