Addiction is something that affects not just the body, but the mind and heart too. Whether it’s smoking, alcohol, gambling, or substances like cocaine, addiction can quietly take hold, often leaving people feeling powerless, ashamed, and stuck in a cycle that’s difficult to break.
Hypnotherapy can be a powerful support for those looking to regain control and move towards a healthier, more balanced life.
Understanding Addiction from a Hypnotherapist’s Perspective
Addiction isn’t simply about willpower or poor choices. More often than not, it stems from unmet emotional needs, trauma, stress, or even learned patterns of coping. Over time, the brain forms strong associations between the addictive substance or behaviour and a sense of relief or escape.
What hypnotherapy offers is a way to go beyond the surface—to gently access the unconscious mind, where these patterns are stored, and start to shift the emotional and mental connections that fuel the addiction.
The unconscious mind works for the well-being of the individual. When the addiction behaviour pattern started, the individual would feel better following the activity. However, the unconscious mind is unable to determine that continued use of the habit is likely to have negative consequences for the individual, be they physically, mentally or emotionally or all three. It continues to encourage the behaviour pattern of use as previously it made the individual feel better.
So, How Does Hypnotherapy Help?
When someone is in a relaxed, focused state (the hypnotic state), the mind becomes more open to suggestion. In that state, we can work with powerful techniques that:
- Identify the emotional root of the addiction—whether it’s anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, or unresolved grief
- Break the cycle of automatic behaviour, helping the brain “pause” before reacting with addictive habits
- Reinforce positive beliefs, like “I am in control” or “I can handle stress without…”
- Build motivation and confidence to stay committed to recovery
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms, tailored to the person’s needs
Hypnotherapy is never about control or manipulation—it’s about empowering someone to connect with their inner strength and make changes from the inside out.
What Does a Session Look Like?
In our sessions, we always begin with a calm, open conversation about your experience—what you’re struggling with, what triggers you, and how you want life to be different. There’s no judgement here—only compassion, curiosity and authenticity with the understanding of an ex-smoker who took 10 years before successfully quitting for good.
From there, I guide you into a relaxed state (you’re always aware and in control), and we use gentle, tailored suggestions to begin shifting thoughts, habits, and responses. For addiction, we might also use visualisation, inner child work, or regression, depending on what feels helpful for you.
It’s common to leave a session feeling calm, lighter, and more optimistic about your progress.
Addiction Recovery Is a Journey
Hypnotherapy isn’t a “quick fix”—but it can be an important part of your recovery toolkit, especially when combined with other forms of support like counselling, support groups, or medical care.
I’ve worked with people who have tried everything else, and hypnotherapy has finally helped something click. And I’ve also worked with people early in their journey who just need a space to explore their addiction safely and begin to believe that change is possible.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re struggling with addiction and feel ready to explore a different approach, I’m here to walk alongside you. Hypnotherapy offers a path that’s compassionate, empowering, and deeply personal.
You are not broken. You are not beyond help. You deserve to feel free.
With care,
Sue
Evolve Talking Therapies