Using Hypnosis to Stop Smoking

In light of recent reports of adverse side effects associated with certain medications, including those related to dealing with nicotine addiction, many smokers who have seemingly exhausted their other options are turning to hypnosis in an attempt to finally stop smoking. Also, today more and more people are looking for completely natural alternatives for coping with a variety of ailments or conditions, including stopping smoking, and since hypnosis doesn't involve any drugs or chemicals, it has become a viable option for many who are trying to quit the habit once and for all.

What is Hypnosis?

Because the word hypnosis is derived from the Greek word hypnos, which means sleep, many people erroneously assume that being hypnotized is like being in a state of unconsciousness. However, in all reality, the exact opposite is actually true as while the body is deeply relaxed, the mind is as well, but it's also in a heightened state of awareness, allowing one to be completely in control at all times, even while in a deep state of hypnosis. And, despite the often humorous portrayal in movies and television of people in hypnotized states acting like mindless automatons, a person will never do anything against their will while hypnotized.

How Does Hypnosis Help to Stop Smoking?

Since smoking and nicotine addiction are inherently complex and involve far more than just a physical addiction to cigarettes, hypnosis is said to be rather beneficial, as unlike the variety of stop smoking products on the market today, it addresses the mental and emotional end of smoking. And, as every smoker is already well aware of, smoking cigarettes has the ability to weave itself into literally every aspect of your life, almost becoming a part of who you are. Advocates of hypnosis say that no pill or patch is able to get to the root of the addiction the way hypnotherapy does by offering positive suggestions and creating new, healthier conditioned responses to replace the usual desire to smoke.

This isn't to say that hypnosis can't or shouldn't be used in conjunction with other options for quitting smoking. In fact, one study recently found that people who added hypnosis to their plan to kick the habit were far more likely to succeed than those who simply tried on their own or used some type of nicotine replacement therapy.

Some people definitely seem to be more receptive to hypnosis than others, and therefore, one smoker may only need one or two sessions before becoming smoke-free, while another will need several before actually stopping for good. A hypnotherapist will be able to explain the entire process, which usually entails a quiet, dimly lit room and a soothing, calm voice making positive suggestions designed to reverse one's desire to smoke. The hypnotherapist, whether in person or via a DVD or some other medium, should also give you the tools necessary to utilize self-hypnosis so that you are able to use hypnosis for this or any other reason, such as increasing self-esteem, losing weight, or overcoming other addictions.