What is an Addiction?
An addiction can be either a physical urge or based more in psychological issues.
It differs from ‘dependence’ as a person can become addicted to activities such as gambling or spending without this becoming such a problem physically that they are termed ‘dependent’ (in other words, if they don’t partake in the activity they will not necessarily suffer distress if they go without it).
A physical addiction is usually spawned from taking substances (like alcohol or drugs) that have caused physiological changes within the body and as a consequence, without these substances physical changes occur. Often this can manifest in shaking, nausea, bowel problems, headaches and sleeping disorders along with more subtle symptoms such as taste changes and irritability.
A physical addiction means that without the substance, physical reactions and symptoms will result.
A psychological addiction is usually described as the person wanting or needing to feel that ‘fix’ again and enjoy or require the high to function. There may be no physical symptoms but the mental agony of not being able to take the substance can sometimes be just as severe.
Physical dependence and addiction are agreed by experts to be two entirely different concepts and are managed very differently.
A person may be able to go ‘cold turkey’ with an addiction and come out the other side with no physical damage or effect whereas a person with a ‘dependence’ may suffer physically if their dependent substance is withdrawn.
The general public often misconstrue the two terms and use them wrongly and replace the word addiction with the word dependence which often sounds less severe and detrimental than an addiction.
If you are struggling with trying to decide if you are dependent on a substance or addicted, try working out whether you want the substance mentally or whether you need it to counteract other physical conditions like pain. Usually with an addiction the result from taking the substance or participating in the activity cause a better feeling than the current one. With dependence the feeling after the substance is not so much to give you a high as it is to carry on with normal daily activities.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is the induction of a mental state of ‘heightened awareness’. During this period of awareness the person is more susceptible to suggestions, ideas and behavioural management. They will experience a unique encounter that will allow them to feel much more open-minded, with free imagination and greater attention to details (especially when recalling events).
Sometimes described as a ‘trance’, a hypnotic state can induce deep relaxation and tranquillity reflected in physical attributes such as reduced heart-rate, breathing and metabolism. Changes in brain patterns have also been documented during trance states.
This altered state of consciousness allows the individual to have an increased ability to listen and communicate, and will allow them to be able to organise their thoughts more clearly.
How Hypnotherapy Helps In Addiction.
Before hypnotherapy will be considered as a treatment option, the individual must absolutely want to give-up their bad habit.
During hypnosis the therapist can help the individual gain control over their life in many ways. They can help them set out goals and targets, they can suggest ways in which behaviour can be modified by proposing ways in which existing practices are carried out and ways in which useful and positive targets can be met.
Positivity and the ability to succeed can be reinforced as can motivational techniques, body-image and self-control. Most importantly, the psychological and emotional issues surrounding the addiction can be addressed, such as in nicotine and cannabis abuse.
Many therapists will provide exercises to practice at home with the aim of inducing self-hypnosis and increasing self-control. By having positive thoughts, definite goals and a support network, success is more likely than by trying to kick a habit without an aid of some sort.
Counselling.
As with Hypnotherapy, counselling (or psychotherapy) can help an individual discover the roots of why and how their addiction began.
The therapist can aid the person in understanding their addiction with the aim that this will make quitting their bad habit easier. Behavioural therapies can give suggestions on how to manage the symptoms of withdrawal and how to overcome cravings.
The duration of the program needed is very variable and can range from weeks to years - it is highly dependent upon the addict’s requirements and needs.
These types of treatments are essential for overcoming addictions to shopping, gambling or even to sex and pornography. Addictions of this nature are far more harmful socially and personally than they are physically (unless in the case of unprotected sex) as family and friends will probably not understand the addiction and the addict may need assistance in understanding their compulsions themselves.
Choosing a Therapist.
In theory, anyone can qualify as a hypnotist even those with no mental health or medical training so you need to thoroughly research your chosen therapist to ensure they are qualified and experienced in the field of addiction management.
Many therapists specialise in certain areas, such as addiction, and can specialise further depending on the addiction. Therapists will vary greatly in training, expertise, costs, techniques and environment.
Sessions usually cost between £60 and £90, though sessions duration can vary from 30 minutes to over an hour. The length of treatment can vary depending on the individual needs or the techniques used. Occasionally only a few sessions are needed, sometimes sessions should take place on a weekly basis for an unspecified period of time.
Once an addict has made the brave step of deciding to overcome their addiction selecting an appropriate path of treatment is needed. For most addictions, there are many options available and particular choices may suit some more than others. As the recovery process for overcoming an addiction can be a long journey, it is recommended that a combination of treatment is sought as both the physical and mental aspects should both be treated equally.
Other Types Of Treatment Available.
Drug Replacement Therapy
This includes nicotine replacements and methadone. Not all addicts will deem this an appropriate choice as some think of it as having to give up a substance twice.
Smokers are harmed by the chemicals and tar in tobacco, yet it is the nicotine that is addictive so why put yourself through having to overcome an addiction to nicotine replacements? This sounds logical, but the truth is, nicotine replacement therapy dosages can be adjusted so the user can wean them self off on a gradual basis.
There is still a strong element of control needed, but for those who are heavy smokers, this is a very valid option. It must be noted however, that methadone is known to be extremely addictive and many people need the support of methadone for long-term use.
Cold Turkey
Some addicts feel they are strong enough to go ‘cold turkey’ thereby simply giving-up their habit without the support of external influences.
Choosing this route can be extremely challenging, hard-work and quite distressing. In certain circumstances, such as for those who drink alcohol very heavily, it can actually be very dangerous and should not be recommended. For others, it may be the only option available as all other routes have been explored and have not been successful.
Medications
Many addicts will need the help of their healthcare providers during the period of detoxification and withdrawal. Sometimes the symptoms of withdrawal can cause the addict to experience many unpleasant side-effects that will need treating by your GP.
Any addict wanting to give-up their addiction should explore all avenues closely before choosing an appropriate plan. Advice should be sought from a medical professional and from specialist groups to ensure all options are known.
Mental health disorders such as depression and addictions have an interesting relationship in that either can underpin the other. For a majority of people, their mental health suffers when they deal with an addiction. Conversely, mental health disorders such as depression are thought to be a risk factor that makes a person more susceptible to an addiction.
Overcoming Both Health Disorders
When a person is diagnosed with both – known as co-morbid – it can be particularly difficult to overcome the two problems. Each can worsen the other and in this way, they interact and make individualized treatment very important.
Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol
With common substances that are abused, the longer the user is abusing the drugs, the higher the likelihood of adverse mental effects from the substance. With alcohol, for instance, excessive use is known to affect cognitive functioning. It is estimated that up to a quarter of abusers suffer from major psychiatric disturbances.
Withdrawal Symptoms
While psychiatric symptoms can worsen when an addict is in the withdrawal phase, these symptoms will usually decline. The longer an addict abstains from the harmful substance, the better he or she can regain some of their mental health.
Increased Risks
In comparison with those in the general population, people addicted to drugs are approximately twice as likely to also be diagnosed with a mood or anxiety illness. As mentioned above with it being a two-way street, those with a mood or anxiety disorder are twice as likely to suffer from an addiction.
Drug abuse can trigger the symptoms of a mood disorder. What this means is that the symptoms of drug abuse can ‘bring out’ the symptoms of a mood disorder.
As one example, studies suggest that heavy marijuana use can trigger symptoms of psychosis. A person who suffers from a mental health disorder such as bipolar disorder might turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. In this way, the mood disorder can lead to addiction
Eating Disorders
Mental health disorders such as depression are statistically more prevalent in those who have later gone on to develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. The physical effects of eating disorders can significantly worsen mental health symptoms, making it challenging for successful treatment outcomes.
One positive finding has been that some antidepressant treatments can stimulate appetite and also treat the symptoms of depression. This has been important in treating anorexia nervosa in particular.
Genetics and Co-morbid Disorders
Researchers generally agree that there is evidence to support our genes being an underlying factor that can make us more susceptible to an addiction and another mental health disorder. There is, however, still much we do not know about the specific genes involved and how we can identify those at risk in the general population.
Treating Mental Health and Addictions
Ongoing research continues into how mental health disorders can be a risk factor for addictions and also how the two intertwine when co-morbid. Good quality therapy can sometimes address symptoms of both.
Where two or more medications are used, it can be difficult to predict exactly how the two will react together for the patient. Usually counselling will be a key part of any treatment program where addiction is present along with another mental health disorder. The key is to get treatment early on to help bring relief to the sufferer and prevent symptoms from worsening or leading to another mental health disorder.
Contraindications of Using Hypnotherapy for Beating Addiction
Hypnosis for treating addiction should not be performed until after the detoxification process is complete as concentration levels and susceptibility will not be optimal.
Hypnosis will not work if the candidate is highly unwilling, nor will it be effective if the person is under the influence of drink or drugs.
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