We can help you break free of habit forming substances

Whether mild or severe, dependency on habit forming substances usually consist of several components. The physical dependency is possibly the best understood and easiest to deal with as the effects are actually quite short lived.

Then there's the conditioning, the craving response to certain triggers which is often the most emotionally compelling driver. The most important and unique aspect of our strategy is using EMDR and other bilateral stimulation techniques to clear the conditioned responses that cause the cravings cravings and urges.

There’s also the habit, the inertia of behaviour, that is more subtle and can often persist for a much longer period but is relatively easy to resist once one is conscious of it. To complicate the issue further, these dependencies often mask a deeper cause, a natural human need that is not being met. This can often lead to psychological associations which result in an emotional attachment. To overcome unhealthy dependencies in the short and long term it's essential to understand and tackle each of these maintaining elements at the same time.  Otherwise the chances are that the client will eventually relapse. 

Another important feature of our approach, is to install a positive habit to replace the the destructive one, so we don't leave a vacuum in its place. Ideally the new habit will address any unfulfilled natural needs in a healthy way. However if this is not possible we may also need to explore other ways to meet the client's basic needs, such as the need for rest or the need for social interaction.

At Growth Hypnosis we have a structured process to identify and address all the components of the substance abuse, and using hypnosis as a catalyst for change, this process can be made relatively quick and painless.