Can Hypnotherapy Treat Addiction? Risks, Benefits and Effectiveness

The word “hypnosis” often brings stage performances and quirky, mind-bending tricks to mind, yet this altered consciousness is far from mere entertainment.

In fact, hypnosis is grounded in science, and recent research is reigniting interest in its potential to address serious issues—particularly drug addiction. Hypnotherapy, which applies hypnosis in a therapeutic setting, seeks to tap into the mind-body connection, allowing individuals to bring awareness to the subconscious and confront deeply rooted behaviors.

Studies show a 77% success rate among participants with alcohol addiction followed up for at least a year. But does hypnotherapy work for addiction? Read on to discover how this mind-body can help patients to overcome substance abuse.

Table Of Contents:

• What Is Hypnotherapy?
• How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
• Hypnotherapy Benefits and Risks
• Does Hypnotherapy Work?
• How Much Is Hypnotherapy?
• Is Hypnotherapy Covered by Insurance?
• Finding Hypnotherapy Near Me
• Break Free from Addiction
• People Also Ask

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses hypnosis—a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility—to help individuals address a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral issues.

Unlike the dramatized portrayals often seen in entertainment, clinical hypnotherapy is a legitimate, science-based technique used by trained professionals to help patients gain insight into their subconscious mind and encourage positive change.

Hypnotherapy is frequently applied in areas such as:

• Addiction treatment – Helping individuals break free from substance dependency.
• Pain management – Assisting with chronic pain relief, particularly in fibromyalgia and arthritis.
• Anxiety and stress reduction – Promoting relaxation and helping manage anxiety disorders.
• Phobia treatment – Reducing the fear response in phobias (i.e., fear of flying, heights)
• Sleep disorders – Addressing issues like insomnia and improving sleep quality.
• Weight management – Supporting individuals in achieving healthy eating habits and weight loss.
• Smoking cessation – Assisting individuals to quit smoking by reprogramming habitual behaviors.
• Trauma and PTSD support – Helping individuals process trauma and reduce symptoms associated with PTSD.

In a hypnotherapy session, a practitioner guides the patient into a relaxed, focused state that makes them more receptive to therapeutic suggestions and self-reflection. This relaxed state, known as a hypnotic trance, allows the individual to explore emotions, memories, and behaviors that may be challenging to access in a regular conscious state.

While the exact mechanisms of hypnosis are still debated, studies suggest it can promote significant mental and emotional shifts, enabling people to adopt healthier coping mechanisms and new perspectives.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

As commented on, hypnotherapy works by guiding individuals into a deeply relaxed, focused state where they become more open to suggestions and introspective exploration.

This trance state is similar to daydreaming or being absorbed in a book, where awareness of the immediate environment fades, and the mind becomes more receptive to focusing inward.

During this process, a trained therapist uses relaxation techniques and verbal cues to help the patient enter this trance. Then, it introduces targeted suggestions aligned with the patient’s therapeutic goals. Here’s a closer look at how hypnotherapy works step-by-step:

Induction

The hypnotherapist begins by inducing a relaxed state using guided breathing, visualization, or progressive relaxation techniques. This process helps the patient become more comfortable and shifts the mind from active awareness to a calm, focused state.

Deepening

Once the patient is relaxed, the hypnotherapist may use additional techniques to deepen the trance. These might include imagery, counting down, or suggesting relaxation with each breath. This helps the patient achieve a state of heightened suggestibility and receptivity.

Therapeutic Suggestions

With the patient in a deeper state of relaxation, the therapist introduces suggestions related to the patient’s goals. These suggestions can involve visualizing success in overcoming fears, reframing unhealthy habits, or cultivating new positive associations.

For example, in treating addiction, the therapist might suggest that the patient feels a sense of control over their actions or experiences reduced cravings.

Exploration and Insight

In some sessions, the therapist may guide the patient to explore past events, emotions, or subconscious patterns that may contribute to current issues. This approach is often used in treating trauma or deep-seated emotional challenges.

Reintegration and Awakening

After completing the therapeutic work, the hypnotherapist guides the patient back to full awareness. They may count, instruct the patient to take deep breaths, or suggest that the patient will feel refreshed and alert upon awakening.

Hypnotherapy is particularly effective because it bypasses the conscious mind’s defenses, allowing patients to work directly with the subconscious mind. This can facilitate changes in perceptions, behaviors, and emotional responses that might be difficult to achieve through conscious effort alone.

Hypnotherapy Benefits and Risks

Like any medical approach, hypnotherapy comes with its own set of benefits and risks. While it can be highly effective, it also carries potential downsides, including the risk of uncovering distressing memories or fostering a dependency on the therapist.

Because hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind and can bring forth powerful emotional responses, sessions should always be conducted under the supervision of a trained professional.

Among the benefits and risks of hypnotherapy, you can have:

Benefits of Hypnotherapy

• Hypnotherapy supports recovery from addictions by addressing underlying triggers and helping to healthier coping mechanisms.
• It effectively reduces stress and anxiety when patients enter a relaxed state.
• Hypnosis has been successfully used to reduce chronic pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis.
• Hypnotherapy can be beneficial for individuals struggling with insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• It can help individuals confront and manage deep-seated fears or phobias, as well as support trauma processing.

Risks and Limitations of Hypnotherapy

• It may bring up traumatic memories or emotional responses that can be distressing without proper psychological support.
• It can sometimes lead to the creation of false memories, primarily when the therapist uses suggestive language.

• Success often depends on individual suggestibility, which may not work for everyone.
• Hypnotherapy and other treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), should typically be used.
• Patients may become reliant on their hypnotherapist for relaxation or coping.

Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Hypnotherapy’s effectiveness has gained recognition in clinical settings. For instance, an international survey of nearly 700 hypnosis practitioners found that clinical psychologists primarily practiced clinical hypnosis and rated it as “highly effective” in seven key areas: 1) stress reduction, 2) enhancing well-being, 3) surgical preparation, 4) anxiety management, 5) mindfulness, 6) childbirth, and 7) boosting confidence.

For addiction, combining intensive treatment—20 daily hypnotherapy sessions—with hypnosis has shown promising results in addiction treatment. This method achieved a 77% success rate, with patients maintaining their progress for at least a year post-treatment.

How Much Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy sessions can cost between $75 and $300 or more per session, depending on a few factors:

• Location: Hypnotherapy sessions in larger cities or with specialized hypnotherapists are more expensive.
• Experience: Therapists with more experience and expertise may charge more.
• Treatment: Some treatments require more expertise and may cost more.
• Package deals: Some hypnotherapists offer discounted rates for packages of sessions.
• Insurance: Some insurance plans offer partial coverage for mental health services.

Consider that hypnotherapy is a specialized treatment plan, and many reputable hypnotherapists limit the number of sessions they see each day.

Is Hypnotherapy Covered by Insurance?

Yes, some insurance companies cover hypnotherapy if it’s medically necessary and performed by a licensed professional. However, coverage for treatment varies by insurance company and plan, so you should always check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.

Many insurance companies cover 50–80% of the cost of hypnotherapy. However, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover hypnotherapy. If your insurance doesn’t cover the costs of rehab or hypnotherapy, you can explore alternative payment options, such as flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health spending accounts (HSAs).

Finding Hypnotherapy Near Me

If you’re considering hypnotherapy to address issues like addiction, stress, or anxiety, finding a qualified practitioner nearby is key to ensuring a safe and effective experience. Hypnotherapy works best when guided by a certified professional who understands your needs and goals.

Here are some quick tips to help you find reputable hypnotherapy services in your area:

• Search online for “Hypnotherapy near me” or “Hypnosis therapy near me.”
• Use therapist directories like Psychology Today or GoodTherapy.
• Ask your primary care doctor or mental health professional for recommendations.
• Check with local addiction treatment centers or clinics that offer cognitive-behavioral therapies.
• Join online forums or support groups where others share recommendations.
• Look for licensed therapists with experience in addiction and therapy.
• Verify that the therapist is certified and trained in hypnotherapy.

Break Free from Addiction

Hypnotherapy is a scientifically backed therapeutic approach that can offer substantial benefits, particularly in treating addictions, managing stress, and facilitating behavior change.

When used under professional supervision, it can help individuals access deeper layers of the subconscious mind, leading to long-lasting positive outcomes. While it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, research and real-world results demonstrate its effectiveness, especially when combined with intensive treatment plans.

If you’re considering hypnotherapy as part of your recovery process, contact local rehab centers that may offer specialized programs that incorporate this powerful tool.

People Also Ask

What is hypnotherapy and what does it do?

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to induce a relaxed state, allowing individuals to access their subconscious mind. It helps treat conditions like addiction, anxiety, pain, and phobias by encouraging positive behavioral changes.

What are the disadvantages of hypnotherapy?

Disadvantages include the potential for emotional distress, false memories, or dependency on the therapist. It may not work for everyone, and results depend on individual suggestibility and the therapist’s expertise.

Does insurance cover hypnotherapy?

Insurance coverage for hypnotherapy varies by plan and provider. Some policies may cover it if provided by licensed therapists for specific conditions, such as addiction or pain management. Always check with your insurer.

Page Sources

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