Hypnosis The Pros And Cons Of Using Hypnosis To Help Quit Smoking

When people talk about quitting smoking, they frequently mention hypnosis. In fact, hypnosis is one of the methods most frequently used by individuals wanting to quit smoking. Some people who have quit swear by this method, while many others feel as though they wasted their time and money.

Most people can be hypnotized. The goal of the hypnotist is to create a light trance so that the quit-smoking suggestions he or she offers can replace the desire and urge to smoke. Alternative behaviors are suggested to replace the desire for smoking. The cost can vary but typically runs about $60 per hour.

There aren't a lot of good studies evaluating the effectiveness of hypnosis on quitting smoking. One study showed that 23 percent of people who were hypnotized weren't smoking 6 months later. But according to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the rates drop off dramatically by about one year. The bottom line is we don't know if hypnosis works in the long run. Given these facts, many people who use hypnosis to quit like to combine it with some other method, like a good cessation program or a medication. This way, the behavioral issues and nicotine withdrawal can also be addressed.

Finding a good hypnotist may be a challenge because there aren't any good accrediting agencies for these professionals. If you choose this method, you will probably need to rely on friends and your personal doctors for a good recommendation. Hypnotists are typically not physicians because the subject is not taught in most medical schools.

The number of sessions needed varies depending upon the hypnotist and you. Some people are smoke-free after one session, while others require up to four sessions. Sessions may be conducted on an individual basis or in a group setting. One-on-one sessions typically last about an hour, whereas group sessions typically last several hours. Most hypnotists feel the individual approach has a better success rate than the group setting.

The Pros of Hypnosis:

1. Doesn't involve medications.
2. May require only one visit.
3. Good for people who feel their problem is a lack of willpower (although this is usually an
oversimplification).

The Cons of Hypnosis:

1. Can get expensive.
2. Doesn't address nicotine addiction.
3. Not proven to work in the long run.
4. Doesn't teach you how to stay quit or how to handle difficult situations.