Success Rates of Hypnotherapy to Stop Smoking
Recently while I was watching TV, I ran into a commercial about a medication that can be used to stop smoking. Even though I am aware of commonly known brands like Chantix, I was surprised to notice that choosing medications to stop smoking is still a common use. However, there is a so much more effective and easier tool!: Hypnosis!
Time and time again, hypnotherapy’s effectiveness shows us how easy and effortless quitting smoking can be, without feeling terrible withdrawals physically and mentally! Moreover, it takes a much shorter time to quit smoking with hypnosis rather than nicotine patches, medications, or any other technique.
If you are clear on your goal of stopping smoking and looking for the most ideal method to help you, keep reading to learn about the effectiveness of hypnotherapy.
Factors of success to stop smoking with hypnotherapy
Based on the evidence, we know that hypnotherapy can work on many people successfully. However, there is still a slim part of the population that won’t get the ideal results. Don’t worry, there are some indicators of success with hypnosis that you can look for before committing to the process!
· Dedicated mindset to stop smoking
A clear “reason why” and complete commitment to the process of hypnotherapy is a must when it comes to quitting smoking with hypnosis. As hypnotherapists, we can’t make people do things that they are not willing to do. However, if your willpower is on board, let me assure you, this will be rather easy for you!
Sometimes among smokers, there is a thin line of motivation that can be misleading. Some smokers will like the idea of not smoking but they wouldn’t want to do any internal or external work related to this. In these cases, hypnotherapy may not be as effective.
· Following the instructions of your hypnotherapist clearly
Many hypnotherapists have various techniques that they use to help their clients quit smoking. These techniques are developed to enhance the success rates, specifically about this topic. Therefore, following the instructions and taking every step your hypnotherapist recommends is essential to your success.
For example, in my smoking program, there is a very specific preparation phase to quit smoking. There are multiple actions one needs to take for a week in order to be ready to quit. If these are not followed properly, this may jeopardize our success.
· Being open to hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy itself is a very unfamiliar technique for many people. Additionally, many people are spooked by the process of hypnotherapy. It is very important that you are comfortable with hypnotherapy as a technique so you can allow it to work.
If you think it won’t work or if your mind is stuck on the controlling tendencies of stage hypnosis, unconsciously you may tighten up and this can affect your success with hypnotherapy.
· Willingness to replace the old behavior
Smoking is a behavior that is so ingrained in one’s life and everyday habits, it’s important to create positive replacement behaviors to avoid getting back to smoking later on in life. Commonly, we hear smokers pair cigarettes with coffee, work break, meals, or even restroom visits.
For some smokers, cigarettes could be a coping tool for stress, and boredom, or some people even claim it helps them feel a sense of reward. Unless these internal needs are met, it may be inevitable to get back to smoking at some point.
Hypnotherapy can facilitate this positive replacement subconsciously while helping you adjust new day-to-day habits.
· Being graceful to yourself and to your body
Quitting smoking is a significant change for a smoker. An average smoker smokes about at least 20 years before they quit smoking. Think about it, a habit, that they’ve been repeating for 20 years (at least!). This means they will naturally feel differently in the first couple of weeks.
It is common to feel less energy, agitation, nervousness, or hunger in the beginning days. The best way of dealing with that is to be graceful with yourself and your body. Remember that you are going through a big change and it’s very normal to feel a bit “off” until your mind adjusts.
· Being comfortable with your hypnotherapist
Some hypnotherapists would just not be the best match for you. You may notice this as you speak to them over the phone during a consultation or the message they are giving when you look them up online. Whatever that feeling may be, just know that it’s very important to feel completely comfortable and trusting in your hypnotherapist.
Don’t be afraid to do your research until you find the person that can help you. Also, make sure to take advantage of those free phone consultations so you can have a better idea about their process.
Being comfortable with your hypnotherapist means that you’ll allow them to guide you and you’ll be in tune with their suggestions.
Smoking can be a challenging habit to break on your own. You are not alone, hypnotherapy can make it easy for you!
How successful is hypnotherapy for quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking with hypnosis is a well-researched area and there are multiple research articles pointing to the high result of success when using hypnotherapy. For example, in a study that was published in the journal of JCO Global Oncology, authors reported that hypnosis was helpful for 80% of the participants to quit smoking. More, the ones who didn’t quit noticed differences in their cognitive abilities.
Another study that was published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis showed similar results; reporting that 81% of the patients stopped smoking and 48% reported abstinence. Overall 95% of the participants found hypnosis to be an effective technique to quit smoking.
How many sessions does hypnotherapy for quitting smoking take?
My experience shows that quitting smoking with hypnosis tends to be a rather shorter process in comparison to other issues hypnotherapy can help with. Oftentimes, my clients quit anywhere between 1 to 4 sessions, of course in some cases it could be more.
However, every hypnotherapist employs a different technique. Some hypnotherapists can help to quit smoking in just 1 session while others may advise 6 sessions. I’d recommend focusing on the results rather than how long will it take.
Final words from B Hypnotized
Smoking can be a challenging habit to break on your own. Especially if you are just going cold turkey, at some point you may find yourself indulging in “one cigarette” that quickly turns into a pack.
To avoid this, not only hypnotherapy helps you break the habit but also changes your cognitive thinking about the habit so you are no longer affected by your old triggers. It’s effective, easy, and most importantly, doesn’t have any side effects. It’s worth a shot!
Click here to learn more about the process of hypnotherapy to quit smoking.