Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
Choosing Therapy Logo

Newsletter

  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • How Hypnosis WorksHow Hypnosis Works
  • Does It Work for Alcoholism?Does It Work for Alcoholism?
  • What to ExpectWhat to Expect
  • Risks & ComplicationsRisks & Complications
  • Finding a HypnotherapistFinding a Hypnotherapist
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • ResourcesResources

Hypnosis for Alcoholism: Does It Work?

Headshot-Austin-Rausch-LPCC-LICDC

Written by: Austin Rausch, MS, LPCC, LICDC

Heidi-Moawad-MD-Headshot

Reviewed by: Heidi Moawad, MD

Published: May 12, 2023
Headshot-Austin-Rausch-LPCC-LICDC
Written by:

Austin Rausch

MS, LPCC, LICDC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD

Evidence suggests that hypnosis for alcoholism may help clients stop drinking when employed in a clinical setting. Hypnosis can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth, and trained clinicians may use techniques to access the subconscious mind to explore memories, traumas, and past experiences. Seeking hypnotherapy can allow patients to better understand and overcome their emotional issues tied to their drinking habits.

Ria Health: Effective, Evidence-Based Alcohol Treatment 100% Online

Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, Ria Health members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Ria Health.

Visit Ria Health

How Does Hypnosis Work?

Hypnosis directly influences the conscious and subconscious minds by leveraging the power of suggestion. A hypnotic state is a relaxed and focused state of clarity, allowing someone to bypass the superficial mind and access deeper levels of being. After clients achieve this mindset, hypnotherapists make suggestions to create positive changes in the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The types of hypnosis include:

  • Authoritative hypnosis: Clinicians typically utilize a confident and authoritative tone, which helps the client feel relaxed and open to suggestions.  Clinicians are clear, direct, and straight to the point, sometimes using scripts throughout sessions. For example, a client suffering from alcoholism may be told, “You will no longer crave alcohol.”
  • Permissive hypnosis: Permissive hypnosis encourages clients to explore their minds by guiding them into a relaxed and meditative state. Clinicians use visual storytelling, metaphors, and open-ended questions to prompt clients into exploring their inner thoughts and feelings without judgment.
  • Self-hypnosis: Self-hypnosis refers to inducing a hypnotic trance one oneself without the help of a professional. Individuals may use guided meditation or progressive muscle relaxation techniques. However, working with a trained clinician who can guide you in self-hypnosis is recommended, as it may not be for everyone.

What Conditions Can Hypnosis Treat?

Hypnosis can only be achieved when you are receptive to the process and fully committed to your transformation. While a therapist may facilitate hypnosis, your willingness to be hypnotized is critical to its success. Hypnosis may effectively treat several concerns for patients invested in a positive outcome from their hypnotherapy sessions.

The wide range of conditions hypnosis can treat include:

  • Anxiety
  • Pain management
  • Confidence
  • Weight loss
  • Performance enhancement
  • Improving learning and memory
  • Phobias
  • Boosting creativity and motivation
  • Exploring past traumas
  • Addiction

Does Hypnosis for Alcoholism Work?

Hypnosis for alcoholism (now known as alcohol use disorder) can be effective when combined with other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. A recent study suggests some individuals can experience better outcomes after one year of a combined approach than those who only receive therapy for their drinking.1

However, hypnosis may not work for everyone suffering from alcohol use disorder. Hypnosis will not magically erase the desire to drink but will shed light on thinking and behaviors contributing to excessive drinking. Further factors can impact effectiveness, including the client’s support system, the therapeutic alliance, and external conditions causing triggers and cravings. Think of it as a recipe–you can’t make a cake with only sugar.

What to Expect From Hypnosis for Alcoholism

One of the most crucial factors in hypnosis for alcoholism is choosing a practitioner. Only work with qualified clinicians found through reputable sources such as the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Finding a practitioner who is a certified mental health professional is beneficial.

Consider “trance” as a mild meditation or level of focus, but do not expect Hollywood portrayals of hypnosis where you lose consciousness and have no memory of what was discussed. You are always in control and aware of the process throughout hypnotherapy sessions.

Steps for using hypnosis to stop drinking include:

Step 1: Discussion of Goals

In this step of hypnosis for drinking, you establish the current level of motivation and commitment to change. You and your clinician will identify potential roadblocks or triggers making it difficult to stay sober. Together, you set goals to help you address your alcoholic tendencies and facilitate progress.

Examples of goals you might set for your hypnosis for alcoholism session may include:

  • Reduction of cravings
  • Increase in motivation to stay sober
  • Introducing new coping skills,
  • Improving self-esteem
  • Overcoming past traumas and negative beliefs

Step 2: Overview of the Process

It is important for you to completely understand the process when discussing the steps of treatment.  The general process of hypnosis for alcoholism should include a proper assessment, goal setting, induction, suggestion, association, training, and maintenance.  Other modes of treatment are often recommended throughout your addiction recovery, such as group therapy, support groups, intensive therapy, and medical intervention.

Step 3: Relaxation & Breathing Exercises

Most hypnosis sessions utilize relaxation and breathing exercises to facilitate a sense of calm and control. Your clinician teaches you tactics to help cope with stressful situations that trigger your desire to drink, such as progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness meditation, or guided visualization. Often, these exercises encourage you to pay close attention to sensations within the body.

Step 4: Mental Imagery

Deep focus amplifies the imagination, allowing you to play out future scenarios where you would be triggered to drink. While imagining these scenarios, the hypnotherapist can encourage you to successfully respond to triggers. The mental imagery process may utilize vivid descriptions and sensory details, often repeating these scenarios from session to session to reinforce change.

Step 5: Suggestive Statements

Hypnotherapists frequently use positive affirmations, motivational statements, skill-building statements, and externalizing techniques as key elements of hypnosis for alcohol use disorder. Those in hypnosis are more receptive toward addressing negative self-talk and recognizing their addiction as a separate entity.

Help for Alcohol Use

Ria Health: Effective, Evidence-Based Alcohol Treatment 100% Online Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, Ria Health members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health


Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by  Ria Health and  Sunnyside.

Risks & Complications of Hypnosis to Stop Drinking

Hypnosis is not dangerous. People do not lose control during sessions or perform actions that contradict their typical behavior. However, clients should consider and discuss certain risks before starting hypnotherapy for addiction. Under the proper professional care, hypnosis for alcoholism is typically a safe and complementary addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction, where clients can receive the best of hypnosis and other evidence-based treatments suiting their personal needs.

Potential risks of hypnosis include:

  • False memories: There is a difference between repressed and suppressed memories. Suppressed memories are remembrances voluntarily blocked by an individual. In contrast, repressed memories are unconscious and unwanted. Hypnosis for alcoholism may involve recalling past traumas or events that may be accurate or inaccurate, leading to confusion.
  • Emotional instability: Some individuals may struggle with the intense emotions brought up by hypnosis for alcoholism. For example, those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or trauma may experience emotional outbursts or relive traumatic events without proper guidance.
  • Increased suggestibility: Some individuals are more suggestible than others, making them more susceptible to a hypnotherapist’s influences. In the wrong hands, increased suggestibility could make them more vulnerable to an unethical or harmful experience.
  • Psychiatric illness: Hypnosis for alcohol misuse is generally not recommended for individuals with certain psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia or severe bipolar disorder, as it may worsen symptoms or lead to unpredictable reactions.
  • Failure to follow through: Some participants may find the positive changes they experience during hypnosis do not translate to everyday life. This belief could be due to stress, a lack of motivation, or other factors making the person more susceptible to triggers and relapse.

How to Find a Hypnotherapist for Alcoholism

Finding a hypnotherapist for alcoholism requires careful research and consideration of various factors. Before starting your search, determine your goals for treatment, decide if you are truly ready to stop drinking, and ask around for referrals. Hypnotherapy for alcohol use disorder may not be for everyone, so exploring your options before choosing a clinician is important.

Below are tips for finding a hypnotherapist for alcoholism:

  • Clarify your goals: What does successful hypnosis for alcoholism look like? The answer to this question will help you find the right hypnotherapist matching your personal needs and goals.
  • Seek referrals: Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or talk to family and friends who have undergone hypnosis. Professional associations like the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy, and the International Society of Hypnosis provider directories may suggest located professionals in your area. You can also use an online therapist directory to find a hypnotherapist who meets your needs.
  • Check credentials: Look for licensed and certified hypnotherapists who practice hypnosis for addiction treatment. Hypnotherapists should be trained in clinical hypnosis and hold a counseling or mental health license.
  • Read reviews: Feedback from previous clients can help you learn more about a hypnotherapist’s experience and reputation working with clients for hypnosis for addiction. Make sure the professional provides safe, client-centered, and science-supported interventions.
  • Interview potential hypnotherapists: Schedule a consultation with potential hypnotherapists to discuss their treatment approaches and expertise. Ask any questions necessary to assess their experience and suitability to your personal preferences.
  • Evaluate the cost and insurance: Confirm your hypnotherapist accepts your insurance (if applicable) and compare prices among professionals who offer the services you need. Discuss payment and insurance options upfront, as many insurances may not cover hypnotherapy.

In My Experience

I wish I could tell you hypnosis is as magical and miraculous as it looks on tv and stage shows. If someone told me I could change anything about myself by simply following their voice and watching as they swung a pocket watch in front of my eyes, I’d pay a pretty penny (by the way, the watch thing does not happen. Sorry to disappoint!).

Hypnosis can be a beneficial addition to treatment, but it should not be the primary treatment. I have worked with many clients who suffer from addiction, and the biggest predictor of success was not the hypnotic process or even my expertise–it was their motivation to change. Think of recovery from addiction as a utility belt–hypnosis can be a beneficial addition to the belt, but it is only one tool. The real change lies within you.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Alcohol Treatment – Cut Back or Quit Entirely

Ria Health – Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health

Drinking Moderation

Sunnyside – Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz

Treatment for Mental Health Conditions That Coexist With SUD

Talkiatry – Get help from a doctor who can treat the mental health conditions that commonly lead to or coexist with substance use disorders. Take our online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Take Assessment

Online Drug & Alcohol Program Covered By Insurance

Lionrock – Want to get help for a drug or alcohol problem without checking into Rehab? Lionrock’s online recovery program fits into your way of life. You keep your work and family commitments while you get help in our accredited online recovery program. Most private insurance plans are accepted. Free Consultation

Addiction Newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by addiction. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Ria Health, Lionrock, Sunnyside, and Talkiatry.

For Further Reading

  • American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
  • The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
  • The International Society for Hypnosis
  • Meditation Vs. Self-Hypnosis 
  • Hypnosis for Stress

Stories You Might Like 


The Relationship Between OCD and Addiction

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addiction both involve strong urges to repeatedly engage in activities that interfere with one’s goals, values, and ability to function. This raises other important questions about the potential relationship between the conditions. For example, does addiction involve obsessions and compulsions? Are people with OCD addicted to performing their compulsions? We surveyed the latest research and talked with in-house experts here at NOCD to address these questions and more. Here’s what we learned. Read More

OCD and Alcohol: Why You Should Not Mix Them

It’s no secret that alcohol appeals to many people for a number of reasons. Primarily, the sense of euphoria, relaxation, and giddiness that one feels when alcohol acts on the brain is its siren call. For many people who suffer from OCD, the feeling of calm and elevated mood is a welcome reprieve from the nagging fear of the intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors that burden them. However, that momentary relief often culminates in more severe symptoms. Read More

This content is sponsored By NOCD.

Hypnosis for Alcoholism Infographics

Does Hypnosis for Alcoholism Work?   Steps for Using Hypnosis to Stop Drinking   How to Find a Hypnotherapist for Alcoholism

Sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Shestopal, I., & Bramness, J. G. (2019). Effect of Hypnotherapy in Alcohol Use Disorder Compared with Motivational Interviewing: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment, 18(3) 169-175. doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/ADT.0000000000000170

Show more

Recent Articles

Caffeine Addiction
Caffeine Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Caffeine addiction may occur when individuals consume caffeine heavily and for prolonged periods. Generally, caffeine is not psychologically addictive,...
';
Cocaine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Cocaine Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
People struggling with addiction may become physically, mentally, emotionally, or socially reliant on cocaine. Cocaine addiction is treatable, often...
';
Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse How It Works & What to Expect
Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse: How It Works & What to Expect
Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic method that was developed to increase someone’s readiness to make a change by helping...
';
Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Marijuana addiction is a pervasive medical condition in which one becomes reliant on marijuana. Individuals addicted to marijuana continue...
';
is suboxone addictive
Suboxone Addiction: Signs & Symptoms
Suboxone is an opioid partial agonist that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. It is generally prescribed to treat opioid...
';
Sober October Benefits, Tips, & More
Sober October: Benefits, Tips, & More
People who celebrate Sober October abstain from drinking for the entire month. Everyone is welcome to try this challenge,...
';
  • How Hypnosis WorksHow Hypnosis Works
  • Does It Work for Alcoholism?Does It Work for Alcoholism?
  • What to ExpectWhat to Expect
  • Risks & ComplicationsRisks & Complications
  • Finding a HypnotherapistFinding a Hypnotherapist
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • ResourcesResources
Choosing Therapy Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2023 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.