Using hypnosis to stop addictive behaviour

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The deep-seated need is less about the substance or behaviour and more about how it makes us feel. For example, the smoker may have emotions that feel pacified by smoking a cigarette or have anxiety that is alleviated by a smoke break. If you look at addictions this way it becomes clear why it can be so hard to deal with them permanently, effectively and without prolonged withdrawal.

What is often overlooked is that the subconscious mind is so powerful that, when it has adapted to fulfill this need through an addiction, it guides us back to it. As long as there is inner conflict about the addiction, it will usually win; that is, unless we are strong-willed enough to resist or have a different ways to fulfil the need.

Hypnosis makes it easier to understand which need seeks to be fulfilled, and then offer different means to satisfy it. No matter how trivial your addiction, whether hoarding or nail biting, it's important to investigate truthfully what benefits you get from the behaviour or substance. Too often we turn towards the needy parts of ourselves with anger, frustration, resentment or guilt, yet gentle caring and non-judgemental self-talk can ease a strong desire and offer insight to the feeling behind the motivation.

After that, it's possible to introduce new, healthier ways of satisfying the fix you get from your behaviour or habit. Many people are surprised at how easy change can be after going through this process.

Using hypnosis to facilitate inner change has had so much success that the medical aid scheme run by Genesis allow members to use hypnosis through their medical savings. Hypnosis practitioners must be affiliated with the South African Institute of Hypnotism.

For more information about hypnosis, call the South African Institute of Hypnotism (SAIH) on 0861 102 318.