Common Questions about Hypnotherapy to Quit Smoking (and Answers)
Giving up smoking can be very challenging. The moment nicotine leaves your body, cravings can creep up on you. If you are a regular smoker attempting to quit, you might also be plagued by withdrawal symptoms. Those who only smoke occasionally are unlikely to be affected by withdrawal symptoms but may still get that perceived craving for soothing relief.
The emotional craving for cigarettes can, unfortunately, linger for years and this is exactly what causes many to fall back into this addiction. So how do you quit smoking for good?
Hypnotherapy can be useful for quitting smoking because it can strengthen your willpower, combat cravings, and change your perception of smoking. Let’s take a look at some of the questions you may be wondering about using hypnotherapy to help with smoking cessation.
How Many Hypnosis Sessions Are Required for Smoking?
The number of sessions required differs from person to person. It is easier for a short-term smoker to cease smoking but plenty of smokers, short or long-term, manage to quit after just one session, sometimes two sessions. Given that we are all different, sometimes more sessions may be required.
Additionally, other underlying factors may need to be addressed. For instance, a smoker may justify smoking because they have underlying trauma. For hypnotherapy to be effective, these issues (for example) will also need treatment. Therefore, treatment will take longer.
How long will Hypnotherapy be effective for quitting smoking?
Potentially smokers will quit smoking after hypnotherapy, and identify as non-smokers forever. This relies on the individual not justifying a cigarette for any reason whatsoever, forever.
Should a craving to smoke arise, it will subside in its own time but some will tell themselves they want to feel the calm sensation of smoking that they believe in, though their body knows differently, that cigarettes increase heart rate and blood pressure. When this dependent mindset happens, a follow-up session is recommended so you won’t fall back into old habits. Realistically, it takes most people about three months to quit both physically and mentally, in which time their brain has created new pathways of self-control.
What Makes Hypnotherapy Effective for Smoke Quitting?
There are a couple of things that make hypnotherapy so effective. The relaxing and soothing effects of hypnosis are one of them. Many regular smokers turn to their habit to deal with stress and anxiety. Hypnotherapy offers instant relief and will make you feel much more at ease. This will already suppress the desire to smoke.
Hypnotherapists also use the relaxed state of awareness that your mind enters, similar to a deep daydream, to make therapeutic suggestions. These suggestions can alter your attitude or perception about smoking and can help you feel more determined to achieve your goal of a healthier life.
When Should You Get Hypnotherapy To Quit Smoking?
Should you get hypnotherapy before you give up smoking or after you toss out the pack? When you are mentally prepared it’s wise to make an appointment. Some people may later experience withdrawal symptoms, about three days after they quit smoking. Since hypnotherapy can be so useful for overcoming these withdrawal symptoms, it is sometimes best to visit your hypnotherapist on day two or three after you quit smoking for ongoing support.
Smokers sometimes relapse after about three weeks. That is because the mental side of nicotine addiction starts to take true effect and you might start craving a cigarette more than ever. If this happens, it’s wise to see a hypnotherapist around this time.
The three-month milestone is another huge hurdle for ex-smokers. This is the time when the excitement of giving up the smoke has worn down. Life starts to calm down and you have more time to ponder on the challenges in your life. This triggers stress and may cause a relapse. It is always good to visit a hypnotherapist or to book an online appointment at this point, be it for cigarettes, marijuana, vaping, or similar.
The Final Puff
Hypnotherapy is highly effective for treating withdrawal symptoms and can help you stay positive on your journey. With a couple of sessions, you will be much more resilient and less likely to fall back into this unhealthy habit.
If you want to experience the power of hypnotherapy to quit smoking then we welcome you to book a session with Evolution Hypnotherapy. We offer in-person and online services to support you in a healthier, wealthier, and potentially longer future,