Hypnotism & Addictive Behaviors Vs. Nicotine Patch

When you make the decision to quit smoking, you may decide to quit cold turkey or turn to nicotine patches and gum. Medical studies now show that hypnotism is an alternative to these methods.

Time

• Makers of nicotine replacement patches recommend they be worn 16 to 24 hours a day for up to 12 weeks. Hypnosis generally only takes about three to four sessions and one program claims that it can stop smoking in four 25-to-30-minute sessions.

Behavior Modification

• Hypnosis can remove the urge to smoke during certain activities, such as driving or social events, something that nicotine patches won't affect. It can also remove any oral or manual fixation that gives smokers the urge to have a cigarette.

Quitting Subconciously

• Hypnosis affects the subconscious mind, replacing negative or stressful thoughts with positive ones. It can also create a subconscious aversion to smoking and its effects.

Combining Methods

• A study at the San Francisco VA Medical Center recommends combining hypnosis and nicotine patch therapy to quit, especially when smokers have previously struggled with depression.

What Hypnosis Can't Do

• Hypnotism is not a magical cure for quitting smoking. If you are not ready to quit, hypnotism can't force you to quit.