Today you smoked for the first time, tomorrow will be the second, then third, then fourth, then multiple cigarettes, and the cycle goes on.” There’s a reason why smoking is called an addiction. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, almost 92.9% of adults in India have reported that tobacco becomes an addiction. Even other studies have validated this report, stating nicotine as highly addictive, making it difficult for people to quit smoking.
And the health problems that come from it, simply don’t mention it. When you constantly start smoking, immediate issues like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath can be observed. Long-term health concerns like cancer, heart diseases, vision issues, hearing loss, and life span get shortened by 10 years compared to non-smokers.
In short, smoking needs to be quit, whether you are at any stage, because it affects not only your physical health but also your mental health. As I mentioned above, it’s a cycle that never stops. A small step that starts with curiosity becomes a daily routine, and no sooner does this become a full-blown addiction. And do you know this nicotine dependence is so much that when you avoid it, you feel depressed, irritated, and anxious until you light your next cigarette again.
How Hypnotherapy Works In Smoking Cessation?
Most people use nicotine patches, gums, inhalers, or medications to quit smoking. It works mainly by reducing the physical dependence of a person on nicotine. Another method is taking behavioural therapy and counselling. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is used to break old smoking behavioural patterns to help people develop new coping strategies.
But if these two solutions haven’t worked for you, Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy may be an alternative. It’s painless, drug-free, and brings a holistic approach to quitting smoking. Let’s understand how Hypnotherapy works in reducing smoking addiction:
- Firstly, the hypnotherapist assesses their clients to understand their smoking patterns, triggers, and reasons for quitting. After learning the personal goals, sessions are customized accordingly.
- With techniques such as guided imagery, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation, the client is taken into a deep, relaxed state, also called a trance. In this state, the subconscious mind is highly receptive to positive suggestions.
- In this relaxed state, the hypnotherapist uses verbal cues, affirmations, and visualizations to change how the client thinks and feels about smoking.
- More visualizations strengthen this process, and new patterns replace old smoking habits.
- Once this practice is over, the therapist gives suggestions to prevent future cravings and triggers. This also includes providing self-hypnosis tools and recordings for clients.
- Client’s progress is tracked from time to time to give them overall support during emotional triggers or stress after quitting smoking.
Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy To Quit Smoking
Hypnotherapy has gained popularity for its long-term healing, and various studies have already talked about its effectiveness. In 2019, PubMed Central reviewed multiple trials and found that Hypnotherapy was associated with higher quit rates, with success rates of 20% and 40%. Other studies have also found that Hypnotherapy has reported higher quit rates in comparison to nicotine replacement therapies and counselling.
This clearly proves how effectively Hypnotherapy works. Not only is it an effective technique to reduce smoking, but it also has other benefits in managing stress and anxiety, long-term mindset change, and addressing subconscious triggers directly.
To know how Hypnotherapy works better in comparison to other methods, here’s a breakdown for your reference:
| Method | Effectiveness | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypnotherapy | 20%-40% quit rates at 6+ months | Targets subconscious, personalized, no drugs | Effectiveness depends on therapist and client openness |
| Nicotine Replacement Therapy | 15%-20% quit success rates | Reduces withdrawal, well-studied | Possible side effects, cost, addiction to NRT products |
| Behavioural Therapy/Counselling | Variable, often 10%-20% | Addresses behaviour & triggers | Requires motivation, time commitment |
| Willpower | 3%-5% | No cost, self-driven | High replace rates |
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, Is Hypnosis an effective way to quit smoking? Surely yes. With success rates of 20% to 40%, studies have found Hypnotherapy to be a proven solution for people going through smoking addiction and frequent substance use. With no side effects or medication, you can change your smoking habits right from the root level. And guess what, Indian Counselling Services is providing an online hypnotherapy course in India that is globally recognized, interactive, and taught by a seasoned psychologist.
Register for our batches and step into the world of Hypnotherapy today!
