It’s no wonder why so many people want to quit smoking. A 2019 research review showed that it’s the top cause of preventable illness and death in the world.
Stopping can improve your health, but for many people, quitting is a huge challenge. There are many methods and products for quitting smoking. One that gets a fair amount of attention is hypnosis.
Some people credit hypnosis with helping them quit. Studies have shown conflicting results and it’s clear that more research is needed.
It’s likely that hypnosis, when combined with other smoking cessation programs, can help some people quit smoking.
Read on to learn more about hypnosis for quitting smoking, how to find a qualified practitioner, and other tips for quitting.
If you’d like to try this method or any other, speak with a doctor, who can help you create a cessation plan that works for you.
Hypnosis has long been used as a form of entertainment. In that context, it looks like a form of mind control. The hypnotist holds power over the subject and pushes them to do silly things. But that’s all for show.
Hypnotherapy is real, but there’s no mind control involved. It’s more of a meditative state.
A trained hypnotist uses verbal cues to lead you into a highly focused, meditative state in which you might be more open to advice. The therapist makes suggestions based on your goals.
Unlike the folks in those stage performances, you won’t be under a spell. And you can’t be persuaded to do anything you don’t want to do.
Hypnosis alone may not be enough to help you quit smoking for good. But it may help:
- weaken your desire to smoke
- strengthen the desire to quit
- help you focus on your smoking cessation plan
Hypnosis may help reinforce other things you’re doing to quit.
A 2017 research review summarizing advances in hypnosis research noted that hypnosis, combined with other treatments, can enhance effectiveness of those treatments.
The review above also cited limited evidence that hypnotherapy may be effective for a variety of conditions, including smoking.
An old 2008 randomized trial concluded that hypnosis alongside nicotine patches compares well with standard behavioral counseling for quitting long-term.
But a 2019 research review suggested that when it comes to hypnosis and smoking cessation:
- hypnotists may exaggerate their rates of success
- positive results in uncontrolled studies may not reflect lasting success
- there’s not enough evidence to say if hypnotherapy is more effective than other types of counseling or quitting on your own
There’s no evidence that hypnotherapy has adverse effects or is in any way dangerous. You may be disappointed, …….
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/hypnosis-to-quit-smoking