Should you try hypnosis to stop drinking? Here is what the experts say

While some people can be skeptical of hypnosis, experts say it is a legitimate therapy that can help with a variety of physical and mental challenges, including, possibly, alcohol consumption disorder.

Clinical hypnosis has proven effective in the treatment of pain, anxiety, stress, side effects of cancer treatment, phobias and habits control problems, such as smoking and weight control, according to previous random controlled tests.

“Hypnosis is the oldest western form of psychotherapy, but it is underutilized,” said Dr. David Spiegel, associate president of Psychiatry at the Stanford University Faculty of Medicine in California and a leading authority in the field of hypnosis, to News Digital.

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What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not considered a therapy. Rather, it improves other treatments by inducing a state of greater concentration while reducing peripheral consciousness, experts say.

The purpose of people in a deep state of relaxation so that they can learn more easily.

Shawn Criswell, Ph.D., a mental advisor who practices in Oregon, defines it as “a gentle way of changing people’s approach to new ideas and perspectives that can help improve their lives.”

Criswell added: “This is partly connecting with their strengths and resources, empowering them in the process and directly contradicting the old and tired myth that in hypnosis, he will renounce the control of himself.” He is co -author, together with Michael Yapko, Ph.D, the latest edition of “Trancework: an introduction to the practice of clinical hypnosis”.

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Previous research suggests that hypnosis can alter brain activity related to attention and consciousness.

“Cerebral activation patterns during hypnosis, such as color, pain and sound, are similar to those observed during real experiences,” said Dr. Ryan Sultan, an assistant doctor at the Newyork-Presbyterian hospital and director of the Mental Health Information Laboratory at the Medical Center of Columbia University of Columbia, said News Digital.

Some people can choose to practice self -hypnosis, which described how the process of entering a state of trance without the guidance of a hypnotist.

Sultan compared it to enter a “controlled and simplified state” in which people may be more open to certain therapeutic ideas and suggestions.

“I have made patients stop drinking focusing on respecting and protecting their bodies.”

But the effects can be shortly, he said, some people can have difficulty maintaining the hypnotic state without external signals.

The treatment technique has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. To maximize your safety and effectiveness, Sultan recommended hypnosis by a qualified professional.

Can hypnosis cure alcohol dependence?

Hypnosis can help support people with alcohol consumption problems encouraging motivation, reducing cravings and helping to handle stress, according to Dr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City.

The expert emphasized, however, that hypnosis is not an independent cure for drinking problems. On the other hand, it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy focused, psychiatric support and medications directed when necessary.

“There is less evidence about alcohol problems, but I have made patients stop drinking focusing on respecting and protecting their bodies,” Spiegel said.

“One of my patients thought about that concept in hypnosis and said: ‘Do you mean that the body is the temple of the soul?'” He added.

Risks and regulations

Hypnotherapy presents little risk, according to Spiegel.

“The worst thing that can happen is that it does not always work,” Digital told News.

“It is better to seek attention from a psychiatrist or psychologist with specialized training in clinical hypnosis.”

Possible mild side effects include dizziness and emotional release. There is also the risk of false memories if used for memory retirement, Sultan warned.

Therapy is not recommended for people with serious mental illnesses, such as psychosis, experts say.

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Mayo Clinic also points out that side effects are unusual, but that some people may experience anxiety, drowsiness, headache and nausea.

“It is better to look for attention from a psychiatrist or psychologist with specialized training in clinical hypnosis,” Bazzi told News Digital.

“These professionals can objectively evaluate their susceptibility to hypnosis, determine if it is an appropriate and potentially effective intervention for their specific concerns and develop a comprehensive multimodal treatment plan adapted to their needs,” he added.

For those who are looking for a hypnotist, experts recommend visiting the websites of the American Hypnosis Society or the International Hypnosis Society, which offer professionals who have experience already often certifications in practice.

Warning signals of alcohol consumption disorder

Some 28 million Americans over 18 live with alcohol use disorder, according to 2023 estimates of the National Survey on Drug and Health Use.

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People may be drinking excessively if they consume enough alcohol in a single session to raise their blood alcohol level to more than 0.08, or if they drink more than a certain number of drinks in a week, experts say.

This generally equals women who drink four or more drinks or men who consume five or more drinks at the same time, or a weekly amount of eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men, depending on the centers for the control and prevention of diseases.

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The signs of an alcohol problem include experiencing a loss of control when drinking, continuing to drink despite the adverse consequences and experience compulsive cravings when it is not drink, often known as the “three Cs”.

Those who think they can have a problem of alcohol dependence and are interested in looking for alternative therapies should communicate with their doctor to obtain recommendations.