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How Hypnotherapy Helps Clear the Path to Recovery

What do you picture when you think of hypnosis? 

You might not realize that hypnosis has therapeutic applications. It can even help with addiction recovery. Some rehabs use hypnotherapy during inpatient treatment. Here’s how it works.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, puts you into a brief trance-like state1 to help you relax and concentrate. And it’s not the way you’ve seen it on TV. In a lot of media, hypnosis makes people reveal their deepest secrets, or do things against their will. But in reality, you’ll be fully in control the whole time. For most people, hypnosis feels like a state of deep rest,2 but without falling asleep.

This treatment is no substitute for other, more traditional methods. However, combining hypnosis with talk therapy3 helps some people move past mental barriers. By facing your deeper thoughts and feelings, you can gain new insight. This helps some clients heal from serious mental health issues. 

Find Your Inner Ability to Heal With the Ericksonian Technique

There are a few different types of hypnotherapy. The central idea of Ericksonian hypnosis4 is that everyone can solve their own problems. In treatment, your therapist tries to harness the natural creativity of your subconscious mind. Then, they’ll help you use that creativity to build a healthier outlook.

Erikson hypnosis uses a lot of guided imagery.5 While you’re in a trance, your therapist uses metaphors to talk about issues you’re currently facing. For example, they might ask you to imagine approaching a path with a fork. Each option represents a real life choice. By noting how you feel about each path, you’ll gain clarity about what you want to do outside of therapy.

This treatment invites you to look at your life in a new way. But researchers still need more information about it. Because this approach is so personal for each patient, it’s hard to study the effectiveness of Ericksonian treatment.6 

Cognitive Hypnotherapy Combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Hypnosis

For a more evidence-based approach, you might consider cognitive hypnotherapy. This treatment uses traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods in combination with hypnosis.7 Rather than simply attending a CBT session, your therapist will first induce a hypnotic state. Then, once you’re in this focused frame of mind, they’ll guide you through traditional CBT exercises.

CBT teaches you to change your thought patterns8 and practice healthier coping strategies. When you’re in a hypnotic state, you’re more open to those suggestions to change. Much like the Ericksonian approach to hypnotherapy, experts are calling for more data about this type of treatment.

Self-Hypnosis Can Be Self-Care

In most hypnotherapy methods, a trained hypnotherapist acts as your guide. But if you’d like to use these methods outside of therapy sessions, you can learn self-hypnosis.

It’s important to learn this technique from an expert before you try it alone. First, your therapist will teach you how to safely enter a hypnotic state9 by yourself. They’ll also teach you what to do when you’re in hypnosis, and how to re-alert yourself out of the trance-state when you’re ready. 

After you have this training, you can practice self-hypnosis on your own, whenever or wherever you need to. This coping strategy can empower you to take control of your own healing process.   

Using Hypnotherapy in Mental Health Treatment

Therapists rarely use hypnotherapy by itself.10 More often, they’ll have you engage in other treatments while you’re in a hypnotic state. This strategy can help you stay open to other therapeutic techniques. 

Treating Anxiety

Several types of hypnosis can treat anxiety.11 Research shows that self-hypnosis gives you a greater sense of control.12 In one study, this reduced the frequency of patients’ panic attacks. This method can also help with the chronic symptoms of anxiety, like insomnia.

Because Ericksonian hypnosis relieves stress,13 it can also treat these conditions. It’s especially helpful for people with generalized anxiety disorder. This treatment is relaxing and rejuvenating. It even helps some people stop procrastinating.

Healing From PTSD

Some therapists treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with hypnosis.14 People with a history of trauma often benefit from cognitive therapy. Treatment can relieve flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories.

However, hypnosis can sometimes be triggering.15 You might even re-experience a traumatic memory during a trance state. Because of this risk, it’s important to work with a trained hypnotherapist, instead of trying self-hypnosis. They can help you work through painful experiences, and move past lingering triggers.

Managing Chronic Pain

Studies show that hypnotherapy decreases chronic pain.16 This method might be even more effective than physical therapy. This might be a viable treatment for people who developed an addiction due to chronic pain.17 By improving your physical symptoms, hypnosis might replace drug abuse as a healthier coping mechanism. 

Hypnotherapy for Addiction Recovery

Some studies show that hypnosis can aid in addiction recovery. This treatment may increase patients’ self-esteem and lower their impulsivity, making it easier to stay sober. Experts have used hypnosis to treat several different types of addiction:

However, there’s significant controversy about hypnotherapy as a mental health treatment.  Some authorities on addiction science, like the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), say that there is little to no evidence that hypnotherapy treats addiction.21 As research continues, this treatment may gain support from the medical community. But even now, there are ways you can safely incorporate hypnosis into your recovery.

How Does Hypnosis Help With Treatment?

Hypnotherapy can be a valuable part of addiction treatment, but it isn’t right for everyone.22 If you have certain diagnoses, it might even be dangerous. Hypnosis is not an appropriate treatment for people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or seizure disorders—just to name a few. 

If you want to try this therapy, it’s important to get your doctor’s opinion in advance. And if it turns out hypnosis is a good fit for you, there are a few ways it can support your recovery. 

Learn to Sleep Soundly 

Many people in addiction recovery experience sleep issues23 long after they start treatment. And this isn’t only exhausting; it can also get in the way of your continued healing. Research suggests that hypnosis can alleviate some sleep disorders,24 like insomnia and sleepwalking. 

Relax During Recovery

Recovery is a stressful process. And experiencing a lot of stress can increase your risk of relapse.25 You can use hypnotherapy to find deep relaxation26 during rehab. Even if it’s not a formal part of treatment, you might practice self-hypnosis to unwind at the end of the day. Over time, it can even become part of your self-care routine. 

Hypnotherapy Can Support Long-Term Healing

Hypnotherapy is an adjunct treatment. In other words, it’s no replacement for rehab. But it can support other therapeutic methods. And as you prepare for life after treatment, you can use it as a coping strategy. Because you can practice it on your own, this approach can be empowering in every stage of recovery. 
Search for a rehab that offers hypnotherapy and learn about their treatment philosophies, complementary therapies, housing options, and more.

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How Fitness Supports Us in Addiction Recovery and Beyond

It’s no secret that exercise makes you feel good. These positive feelings are thanks to endorphins released during and after physical activity. It can also be an important part of healing your body from the effects of addiction, trauma, and stress.

Recovery is all about building a sustainable, healthy routine, and exercise can help you get there. Because of this, many addiction and mental health rehabs focus on fitness, and have amenities to help you stay active during your care. 

Why Exercise is Good For You

Exercise helps physical and mental health,1 and can improve the following:

  • brain health
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • sleep
  • focus
  • confidence

One study found that “People who exercised had about 43% fewer days of poor mental health.”2 

Exercise Lowers Stress Levels

Exercise reduces stress3 by lowering stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Rhythmic activities like walking clear the mind, helping you relax naturally. 

Stress makes people more prone to relapse,4 so learning to manage it is crucial for recovery. A regular fitness routine decreases the likelihood of falling back into familiar coping patterns.

personal training the banyans
An exercise physiologist designs individual exercise plans for each client at The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia.

Physical Fitness Helps Treat Depression

Studies show that exercising is effective in treating depression.5 On the flip side, not exercising is a risk factor for developing depression. When you work out, your brain releases serotonin, a hormone that improves your mood. (Antidepressants relieve depression by increasing serotonin levels.)

Even just a few minutes of physical activity per day can make a big difference in your mood. One study compared people who exercised with those who didn’t. Researchers found that 1.25 hours of walking per week lowered the risk of depression by 18%.6 This decreased by 25% with at least 2.5 hours per week.

Regular Exercise Reduces Anxiety

Research shows that physical activity is associated with less anxiety.7 It can help distract you from anxious thoughts. Instead, you’ll focus on something positive, like finishing a workout or achieving a goal—even if that’s just walking for 20 minutes. 

Exercise Improves Your Overall Well Being

By trying new activities and overcoming challenges, your confidence will increase.8 You’ll start to feel better as your immunity, sleep, and energy levels improve. And your risk for disease and health complications goes down as your body repairs the damage caused by substances and prolonged stress. Drugs and alcohol aren’t kind to your body, but the good news is that damage is usually not permanent. Exercise can be the first step in working towards better health—and a better outlook on life.

Exercise and Addiction

Studies show that exercise facilitates recovery from substance abuse9 in these ways:

  • decreases the likelihood of relapse
  • lessens drug-seeking behavior
  • reinforces positive change

People who exercise are less likely to use drugs.10 It’s likely that its ability to reduce stress, and therefore regulate emotions, is a factor. You can see the effects in animal studies, too: opioid-dependent rats took morphine less often when they swam consistently.11 Rodents dependent on cocaine were less likely to use the drug when they had access to an exercise wheel.12 A fitness routine adds structure to your day, allows you to explore new interests, helps you build community, and even overcome addiction.

A New, Healthy Hobby

Physical activity can become a new way to spend time outside of substance abuse. It can even become a new hobby. You might realize that you love spending time at the gym or running outside. Or, you may return to an old interest: maybe you used to shoot hoops for hours or play volleyball every weekend with your friends.

Regardless of the role fitness has in your life, it’s important to find activities you enjoy doing while sober. These can replace the time that you used to spend using drugs. Remember that recovery can—and should be—fun.

cycling white river manor
Cycling at White River Manor in Mpumalanga, South Africa

A Way to Meet Other Sober People

Physical fitness can give you a way to connect with new people, both in rehab and after you leave. During rehab, you can bond with people over similar interests in a specific activity, like rock climbing or dancing. These new relationships can be instrumental in your recovery process: it’s important to have people to talk to when you’re feeling down. It’s especially helpful to surround yourself with others that have had similar experiences. They can empathize with, and truly understand, what you’re going through.

Exercise Rewires Your Brain

Exercise releases dopamine in your brain. This hormone is responsible for “good” feelings, and can even have pleasurable effects similar to those you get from drugs. This is because exercise and substances activate some of the same reward pathways.

Exercise also prevents further brain damage from substance use13 and promotes cell regeneration. And forming a new habit can actually change your brain. “Neuroplasticity” is the brain’s ability to create new connections. You can use this to your advantage by introducing exercise into your own routine. If you continue to exercise consistently in a way that’s fun and sustainable, it can become a healthy habit that you genuinely enjoy. 

Luxury Rehab Fitness Amenities

You’ll have an array of fitness options at different luxury facilities, from fun activities to personal trainers. Remember that it’s important to choose something you like doing. Studies show that you’re more likely to stick with an exercise routine14 if you enjoy it. So if you already love yoga, you can choose a center like Veritas Detox that offers classes. Or if you’ve always thought that boxing looked fun, you can check out a facility like SOBA New Jersey.

Gym Amenities

Many rehab facilities have fitness centers. At Sierra Tucson, clients can take advantage of their many fitness amenities. Soak up views of the Santa Catalina Mountains from their outdoor swimming pool or work out in the fully equipped gym. You can even learn how to rock climb on their indoor rock wall.

At Hollywood Hills Recovery, clients have access to a personal trainer, as well as group or private fitness classes.

Sports Opportunities

Social support is an important factor in sticking to an exercise routine.15 Team sports are a great way to foster new relationships. Futures Recovery Healthcare is an ideal facility for sports lovers. Challenge another client to a game of tennis, basketball, or volleyball on one of their many courts.

Rehab Facilities for Athletes

If you’re an athlete, you may want (or need) to continue training while in treatment. All Points North’s specialty program for athletes was created by professional athletes. Their center provides top-tier amenities to support your needs, like an indoor lap pool and personal trainer. 

At Soberman’s Estate, clients work with fitness coach Carl Hargrave. Once an NFL coach, he now helps clients find healing through fitness and prepare for the “field of life.”

Outdoor Activities

Recreating in nature provides many benefits—and some rehab facilities offer adventure therapy activities, like hiking and biking. For example, Lions Gate Recovery provides recreational outings to the nearby Zion National Park. Colorado is world-renowned for its outdoor opportunities, and All Points North Lodge in Vail is no exception. Clients can hike, paddleboard, or mountain bike in the summer, and go snowshoeing, snowboarding, or skiing in the winter.

Spending time in nature positively affects mental health.16 For example, researchers found that people who were outside for at least 2 hours per week had better overall well-being. This averages out to just 15 to 20 minutes per day. When you combine this with exercise, the effects are twofold: you reap the benefits from both physical activity and time in green spaces.

Find Joy on the Other Side of Healing

No matter your age or ability, even small amounts of exercise provide important mental and physical benefits. While physical activity is only part of your recovery journey, it plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
See our curated list of rehabs with exercise programs to view fitness amenities, activity options, compare prices, and more.