Many people who wish to quit smoking opt for hypnosis. Many habitual smokers seemed to have benefited from this method. But not everyone is appreciative of it as there are many who feel that this has been sheer waste of money and time.

Almost everyone can be hypnotized. The hypnotist aims to produce a light trance in those who desire to give up smoking so that the urge to smoke is replaced by the suggestions to quit smoking. The hypnotist may also suggest some alternative behaviors to replace the desire to reach for a cigarette. The cost of hypnosis is usually about $60 an hour.

However, there aren’t many conclusive studies that suggest that hypnotic suggestions can effectively curtail the urge to smoke. There was one study that showed that about 23 percent of regular smokers who underwent hypnosis were able to quit smoking. But Agency for Health Care Policy and Research indicated that although people quit smoking after the hypnotic session, they get back to the habit after a year or so.

Benefits of using hypnosis

A major benefit of using hypnosis to quit smoking is that it does not involve any medications. Hypnosis is highly helpful for people who lack willpower to give up smoking. Most of the times, just one session is enough to address the addiction. But there are also people who require more sessions.

Hypnotic sessions can either be conducted in a group or individually. A one-on-one session may usually last for an hour or so while a group session may take several hours. The success rate is usually higher for one-on-one session.

The disadvantages of hypnosis

A major disadvantage of hypnosis is that it is expensive. Also it does not teach smokers how to methodically quit the habit or handle highly tempting situations. Besides, there are no solid proofs that suggest that hypnosis produces long term results as it doesn’t really address nicotine addiction.

A few frequently asked questions:

How does it work?

In a hypnotic session, a few suggestions that help you quit smoking are placed in to the subconscious mind. The suggestions usually placed are, that you have no longing for tobacco, you are not missing anything because you are not smoking, you have no irritability or bad temper, and you do not have to opt for any substitutes.

Is it possible to hypnotize everyone?

Yes. Any person, who wants to be hypnotized, and is not under the influence of any sort of drug or alcohol at the time of hypnotizing, is susceptible to hypnotic suggestions. But hypnosis would not work if anyone is pressurizing you to do it.

Is hypnosis harmful?

No. This is used to bring a positive change, and it can in no way harm you. Even when you are being hypnotized, your subconscious mind will never accept any suggestions that are unacceptable to you. So, no one can make you do anything that you do not wish to do even in a state of hypnosis.

Will I be made to do things that are really silly?

No. A false idea that many have is that the hypnotist can make you do things during the session that you normally do not do. No hypnotist can ever make you say or do things that go against your moral code as you are in complete control of yourself during the session.

Are there chances of losing control during the session?

No. Throughout the session you are in complete control of yourself. During the hypnotic session, you will have increased awareness and therefore you will be completely aware of everything and can hear all that is being said. All that happens during the session is that the hypnotist, through different suggestions, assists you to be in full control of your life.

What if I fail to ‘come out’ of hypnotic state?

You will sure come out of hypnotic state. As you are in complete control of yourself, you can end the session whenever you wish to. You can end it just by opening your eyes.

What will be my feelings after the session?

There are people who feel exceptionally happy after a successful hypnotic session. Others feel highly relaxed and sleepy. The day after the hypnosis, almost everyone feel highly energetic.

Is there any better way than hypnosis?

Subliminal suggestions for giving up smoking is a method that is almost similar to hypnosis. Combining hypnosis with other effective methods like medication or smoking cessation programs is a good idea. This way, you can address both nicotine withdrawal and subsequent behavioral issues.

You may find it a bit too difficult to find a reputed hypnotist because there are no accrediting agencies for such professionals. A good idea is to invite suggestions from friends or acquaintances who have previously availed the services of such a professional. Hypnotists are not usually physicians as hypnotism is not part of the curriculum in most of the medical schools.