According to Kneeshaw (1969), hypnosis is a valuable treatment for addictions
because it helps to get at the root causes of their issues which the addict is
unable to deal with without resorting to their addictive behavior. He also
recommended that hypnotherapy should be used to help in the early stages of
recovery to help deal with triggers from the activity or substance that people
are struggling with. Also, Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy as an addiction treatment
is gaining credibility in the medical and psychiatric community (DARA, 2008).
When carried out under the watchful eye of a highly qualified addiction
counselor, this treatment can help those who have already come through the
initial stages of rehabilitation cope with cravings and stave off relapse. Along
these lines, addiction is better to be cured by hypnosis rather than another
treatment.
For instance, hypnosis works well in curing drug/alcohol
addiction. Because hypnosis can
help remove physical barriers to recovery, such as the body's symptoms of
withdrawal, anxiety, muscle tension, spasm and pain. Along with reinforcing the
commitment to sobriety or abstinence (Harrison, 2004). In a research study on self-hypnosis for relapse prevention
training with chronic drug/alcohol users, participants who were about 261
veterans admitted to Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment
Programs (SARRTPs). individuals who used repeated self-hypnosis "at least
3 to 5 times a week," at 7-week follow-up, reported the highest levels of
self-esteem and serenity, and the least anger/impulsivity, in comparison to the
minimal-practice and control groups.(From American Journal of Clinical
Hypnotherapy (a publication of the American Psychological Association)
2004 Apr;46(4):281-97)
Another method that can be used for alcohol/drugs addiction
beside hypnosis is Medications. Because Medications can be used to help with
different aspects of the treatment process and it offer help in suppressing
withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. However, Medications do not work
that well, it medically assisted detoxification is not in itself
"treatment"—it is only the first step in the treatment process. It
means that patients who go through medically assisted withdrawal but do not
receive any further treatment will show drug abuse patterns which are similar to
those who were never treated. For example, Topiramate, one of methods approved
for treating alcohol dependence is showing encouraging results in clinical
trials. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding
effects of drinking and in the craving for alcohol. It reduces relapse to heavy
drinking and is highly effective in some but not all patients—this is likely
related to genetic differences. Acamprosate is thought to reduce symptoms of
protracted withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and dysphoria
(an unpleasant or uncomfortable emotional state, such as depression, anxiety,
or irritability). (NIDA, 2009)
In addition, Williams
(2009), a pharmacy editor, stated that Topiramate has other side and harmful
effects for some people. For example, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness,
loss of coordination, tingling of the hands/feet, loss of appetite, bad taste
in your mouth, diarrhea, and weight loss may occur. Those occur because this
medication can rarely cause a serious metabolic problem (high amount of ammonia
in the blood), especially if patient also taking valproic acid. Mental problems
such as confusion, slowed thinking, trouble concentrating or paying attention,
nervousness, memory problems, or speech/language problems may also occur. The unlikely
but serious side effect such like kidney stones can also occur. Besides, Williams
(2009) indicated that a small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any
condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression,
suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. She also mentioned
about another rare but serious side effects like rapid breathing,
fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, bone pain, broken bones, or loss of
consciousness also occurred in some cases. Rarely, topiramate may cause a very
serious eye problem, generally within 1 month of starting treatment. If
untreated, this eye problem can lead to permanent blindness. Lastly, Williams
(2009) also stated that a very serious allergic reaction to this drug is also
occurs, even though it is kind of rare.
Despite the fact that hypnosis works well for treating
addiction, addiction to barbiturates and dexedrine is particularly susceptible
to hypnotic treatment, according to Bryan (1967). Bryan (1967) states that
withdrawal symptoms can be curbed by direct suggestion and the judicious
administration of medication. Hypnoanalysisis needed to eliminate the
underlying neurosis, but the prognosis in these cases is good. The results with
the use of hypnosis for addiction to the hardcore opiates (morphine, heroin,
pantapon, etc.), on the whole, have been poor. Although the result is not going
very well, Bryan reports that the failure is not always occur, which means the opposite
results could also happen. He concluded that the treatment will go well if these
following five things are provided: the patient himself must be well motivated
in order for him to have any lasting benefits; the patient must be under
constant supervision; the drug supply must be completely and permanently shut
off from the patient; an extensive hypnoanalysis must be done to uncover every
significant neurosis and direct suggestion must be given which will afford the
patient new escape valves to replace the use of the opiates; and this is the
most important, the patient must be seen a minimum of one or two hours daily
until a complete cure is effected and then hypnotic suggestion should continue
until one is positively assured that recurrence is unlikely.
Based on those facts, Hypnosis is
a very effective way to combat all types of addictions including prescription
drug addiction, and the results can
be seen within days and weeks instead of months and years. Additionally, instead of using
drugs to cure ‘drugs’ addiction hypnosis is way much safer because it rarely
shows bad effect. Then, in fact, hypnosis will work much effectively if the
patients have strong will from the bottom of their mind to stop their own bad
habit.
References:
By: Nanda Rani H.
Academic Argumentative
No comments:
Post a Comment