Does Hypnosis Work for Smoking Cessation
If you’ve even been addicted to nicotine and attempted to quit smoking, you know how challenging it can be. Although many options are available to help you stop, such as nicotine patches, prescription medications, behavioural therapy, and support groups, not all of them may be suitable for you. This can often depend on the severity of your addiction, personal preference, your body’s individual reaction, and more. One of the available methods is hypnosis. Read this article to learn what happens during hypnosis, whether hypnosis works for smoking cessation, and explore other methods that can help you give up smoking.
When people hear the word hypnosis, they often picture something straight out of a movie, where the hypnotist has complete control over someone and can make them do things they normally wouldn’t do. However, hypnotized people remain conscious, aware and in control of their actions. Instead of having their mind controlled, they achieve a state of focused attention and deep relaxation through the guidance of a hypnotherapist, who uses verbal cues and imagery.
While responses vary between individuals, hypnosis can help you shift habits, thoughts, and perceptions through the guidance of your subconscious. For example, the effects of hypnosis have been observed in brain studies showing changes in areas responsible for attention and self-awareness. Hypnosis can be used to improve stress or pain, boost your confidence, and break unhealthy habits, such as smoking.
Does Hypnosis Work for Smoking Cessation?
If you’re wondering whether hypnosis for smoking cessation works, the answer depends on who you ask or the scientific study you read. Hypnosis is meant to weaken the link between smoking and pleasure or stress relief in a client’s subconscious. While some individuals report significant improvements like reduced cravings and improved willpower to quit, others may be less receptive to hypnosis and experience minimal or no changes. Additionally, the outcome may not only depend on the client but also on the skill level and training of the hypnotherapist. Since hypnosis is not generally considered a first-line treatment to help people stop smoking, it should only be used to complement other, evidence-based treatments.
Effective Methods to Quit Smoking
As mentioned above, there are plenty of methods that may work for smoking cessation. Some proven, first-line treatment options include nicotine replacement therapy like Nicorette Gum, Inhalator, or Nasal Spray. They can help reduce withdrawal symptoms by providing nicotine in a controlled manner. Similarly, prescription medications, such as Chantix and Zyban, reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and block the effects of nicotine. Particularly when combined with these medication-based treatments, behavioural therapy, counselling, or support groups can be highly effective.
Apart from hypnosis, other second-line treatments might be beneficial, but their evidence is mixed. These can include acupuncture, herbal remedies, mobile apps, and digital tools. Ultimately, it depends on the individual, and the effectiveness of a specific method can often only be determined through trial and error. Besides these options, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding smoking triggers can support your efforts to quit smoking and lead a healthy, long life.
