Breaking Free: Redefining Smoking Cessation and Addiction Recovery

 

Having just recorded a podcast on addiction and smoking cessation, I’m here with a mind full of information to download onto a page. For a long time, I didn’t enjoy working with people to help them quit smoking. Typically, the stop smoking method for most hypnotherapists is a straightforward step by step programme that includes some chatting about the negative effects of smoking, some ways to break the habits associated with smoking, and some hypnosis with embedded suggestions to change your mindset and stop you wanting to smoke.

 

If my sole aim was to make money, and I wanted to keep away from too much depth and trauma, this is a brilliant way to do it. However, that isn’t me. I like exploration, I’m interested in the 5 Ws. So, for me, working with someone who wants to stop smoking has always felt a little boring. That was until I started working more with addiction – and my process took a turn.

 

 

Addiction or Habit

 

In my original hypnotherapy diploma, I learned to ask the question “do you believe you have a habit or addiction?”. The programme took us through various examples of the difference between a habit and an addiction. The general opinion is that a habit is a learned behaviour that can change with some willpower, while an addiction involves dependence that needs structured intervention or professional help to overcome.

 

A habit is something that you do regularly without thought. It might bring positivity to your life, it can also bring negativity, or simply slot somewhere in between. A habit may or may not. There is no physical or psychological dependence with a habit. Therefore, stopping it doesn’t cause distress.

 

An addiction, on the other hand, overrides rational decision-making, has a compulsive need, and often causes harm. Due to physical or psychological dependence, addiction is difficult to control. Most addictions have negative consequences on well-being and stopping the addiction often leads to withdrawal symptoms, whether physical or emotional.

 

I find smoking can fit into either category. However, the key thing for me is that the smoker seeking hypnotherapy to stop feels unable to stop without help. In my opinion, this takes us out of the habit bracket into addiction – which contrasts to what I learned as a trainee hypnotherapist.

 

 

Focus on the Detriment of the Addiction or the positives?

 

Addiction recovery focuses heavily on the detriment of the addiction. For example, what problems does it bring to your life and what harm does it cause your body? While the answer to these questions is always relevant, most addicts know the answers, it’s not new information, and it doesn’t help anyone stop. What I find helpful is to explore what the addiction brings to your life. For the smoker, an example of that is a regular break throughout the day. Possibly a social life, as they hang out in the smoking shelter during lunch breaks. My partner in podcast Angela, said smoking helped her career progress, as she made beneficial connections with other smokers. What does having the addiction bring to your life, and how can you keep those things in it without the addictive behaviour?

 

Recovery from Addiction or Recovery of the Person?

 

Another big word in addiction is recovery. Recovery in addiction usually means overcoming substance abuse or addictive behaviour. It means building a fulfilling, healthy and purposeful life. I like to think of it as recovering the person. An opportunity to grow and thrive, rather than survive. I believe recovery is about rediscovering your true self that you lost somewhere along the way. Your values, identity, purpose, and inner strength. Here are some ways to begin that recovery process.

 

Shift your focus: Recovery is a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. If you can spend time with a therapist to delve into your values, focus on who you want to be rather than what you want to void.

 

Reclaim your identity: Peel back those layers and reconnect with who you truly are. Use a journal to develop your introspection and get to know the real you.

 

Heal holistically: Explore your emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs. What did the addiction bring you? What is it you need in life that you were getting only from performing this behaviour? For some people, it is as simple as regular breaks in the day. How can you meet your emotional, spiritual and psychological needs without harmful destructive behaviours?

 

Find empowerment: As you recover yourself, you’ll regain control over your life and rediscover your potential. The more empowered you feel, the more confidence you’ll have in your own abilities to live independently in addiction recovery.

 

 

Help with Addiction Recovery

Welcome to my website, a space where I try to catch your eye, and explain the heart of my practice.

My journey over 16 years has taught me that true knowledge isn’t about the letters after my name or the timeline of my academic pursuits. It’s about the stories shared, the moments of vulnerability, and the human connection that transforms both you and me. It’s holding space, listening intently, and noticing the patterns within your words and emotions.

Together, we can navigate the complexities of life, embracing both the shadow and the light. So, if you’re seeking more than just a quick fix, and ready to make lasting changes, you’re in the right place. Let’s embark on this journey together. Read more about my approach here.