Smoking Cessation with Hypnosis

Hypnosis for smoking cessation is a therapeutic method based on the analysis of typical smoking situations in trance, so as to show the affected patient possible alternatives to smoking. With the help of this method, it is possible to reduce or, if necessary, eliminate the mental processes that promote addiction. The basic principle of smoking cessation by hypnosis is largely based on the creation of associations of smoking with a negatively charged imagination. For successful cessation, however, the generation of positive associations with smoke-free settings (situations) is also necessary, since the combination makes permanent cigarette abstinence possible. However, depending on the confidence in the procedure used and the strength of will to achieve a smoke-free life, the success rate varies significantly. With a strong desire to quit smoking and simultaneous confidence in the effectiveness of the procedure, success rates of up to 50% are possible.

Indications (areas of application)

Contraindications

If the smoker finds the procedure unsuitable for quitting smoking, this should be taken as a sign of a necessary discontinuation of therapy, since no success can be achieved on the basis of cessation. However, there are no medical reasons for the compulsory abandonment of the procedure.

The procedure

Hypnosis represents a suitable procedure for smoking cessation, because in the state of trance a deep relaxation of the patient can be achieved, which causes a simulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system (“resting nerve”) is a component of the autonomic nervous system which, when activated, causes a change in metabolic and bodily functions leading to the regeneration of energy stores. Furthermore, an activation of the parasympathetic nervous system results in a relaxation of short-term performance reduction. At the same time, however, other areas of the brain are activated, so that a suggestion (targeted influencing of sensation without being able to perceive it directly) is made possible. However, the benefit of the procedure varies depending on gender. Various studies have shown that men benefit more significantly from hypnosis for smoking cessation than women. Furthermore, it must be noted that passive hypnosis does not provide the affected smoker with the opportunity to actively respond to possible relapse situations. Therefore, the use of self-hypnosis has many advantages. Through self-hypnosis, there is a possibility of applying what has been learned and, if necessary, extending passive hypnosis through additional situational associations. Thus, self-hypnosis contributes to the active participation of the affected person in the therapy, so that the number of necessary applications can be reduced. The use of synergistic procedures such as autogenic training can also be considered useful on this basis. Basic principle of hypnosis for smoking cessation

  • Crucial to the functionality of the procedure is the fact that the use of tobacco is based on personal reasons and is maintained more or less consistently. Due to this, it is essential that the patient receives a completely individualized care, as only in this way a successful suggestion can be made.
  • For the success of the suggestion is crucial that the patient recognizes the suggestion as his own solution path, because only in this way an adequate effect can be achieved. A therapy oriented to the individual is therefore more successful.
  • Furthermore, however, it must be noted that the search for alternatives to tobacco addiction does not cause new addictive behavior. Therefore, it is important that the hypnotist addresses possible thoughts with a potential for danger and takes the thoughts from this focus.

Techniques of hypnosis for smoking cessation.

  • Introduction of the unconscious – the unconscious plays an important role in hypnosis, as such an additional factor as a “third person” can influence the suggestion.
  • Reframing – reframing is the reinterpretation of a situation to see it in a different context.
  • Variable solutions – for smoking cessation, linear solutions to problems are prevented in therapy, as these could contribute to a reduced long-term success of the therapy.
  • Motivation change – for a therapy success is furthermore important that the basis of the therapy motivation is not to give up smoking, but instead on the focus of being smoke-free. Thus, this method represents an extension of the “away from motivation” by a strong “towards motivation”.
  • Alternatives – finding alternatives represents an important part of the therapy, as already described.
  • Suggestion – the suggestion can be done in several ways. On the one hand, a so-called indirect suggestion during hypnosis is possible, on the other hand, there is the option of posthypnotic suggestion. Depending on the hypnotist, the use of methods varies.
  • Future prospects – the presentation of possible consequences of smoking can also be introduced into the therapy. However, it should be remembered here that stoking fears is not beneficial because, for example, discontinuation of therapy becomes more likely. Instead, the gain from ending the dependence should be addressed.
  • Assessment of relapse – the correct handling of a relapse into the addictive pattern requires the hypnotist to encourage reflection on the relapse. This method is designed to prevent possible future relapses.
  • Rituals – using repetition of actions, patterns should be established to create a smoke-free structure. Instead of reaching for a cigarette, this action pattern can be replaced by another action.
  • Knowledge transfer – the dangers of smoking must be known by the patient in order to carry out therapy on several levels.