by Joyce Hue, Clinical Hypnotherapist
Why is smoking so addictive?
There are many reasons why people, especially young teens who start smoking. It may be curiosity. Or peer pressure. Some teenagers simply enjoy the thrill of breaking rules and rebelling against parents or teachers.
Whatever their reasons, it only takes ten seconds for the nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the brain to release adrenaline, and create a buzz of pleasure and energy. The pleasure and energy fades quickly, leaving a feeling of tiredness and down. Since the body can build up a high tolerance to nicotine, more nicotine is needed to maintain that euphoric feel. This is why smoking can be so addictive.
Nicotine cravings can be very strong, making it difficult to quit. Research suggest that nicotine can be as addictive as heroin.
How can I quit?
There are many ways to quit smoking. The ‘cold turkey’ method calls for sudden cessation without any outside help. This only has a 4-7% success rate.
Nicotine replacement therapy (think vapes or patches) are another way of helping a person quit smoking cigarettes. However, you may simply be replacing one addiction with another.
Hypnotherapy is a safe, non-invasive way to quit smoking without the use of any drugs. There are also no adverse side-effects.
Hypnotherapy is a natural way of tapping into your subconscious mind to help you achieve behavioral changes that you want. It’s important to note that hypnotherapy cannot make you do something that you do not want to do. So if you do not want to quit smoking, a hypnotherapist cannot make you quit without your consent.
How does hypnotherapy help me quit smoking?
Smoking, just like all habits, is a reaction that is controlled by the subconscious part of the mind. Although we may consciously know that smoking is bad for us, our subconscious mind – which manages our feelings and beliefs – may think otherwise.
Hypnosis allows us to access our subconscious minds, allowing us to be more open to new ideas and suggestions. During the sessions, I bring my clients into the rapid eye movement state, which a natural healing and processing state – to help give their subconscious mind suggestions such as: ‘you don't have to try not to smoke; the habit will just start to go away.’
How effective is hypnotherapy?
Reports show that it’s very effective.
The New Scientist Magazine found that "hypnotherapy enjoys a greater success rate than any other method in helping people stop smoking."
Celebrities like Ellen De Generes, Drew Barrymore and Matt Damon credit hypnotherapy for helping them to kick their addiction.
What can you expect?
Quitting smoking is as easy as 1, 2… Sessions.
The sessions will help you to identify your underlying reasons for smoking and resolve your smoking triggers and compulsions. By accessing and reprogramming your subconscious mind, I can help you to immediately stop your cravings.