What evidence is there that hypnosis can help smokers to stop?
This is not an easy question to answer as different studies come to different conclusions. And each study decides for itself how long you have to stop for before it's considered a success.
However, research comparing many different studies of hypnotherapy has shown that on average smokers are over five times more likely to break the habit with hypnosis than by willpower alone. Hypnotherapy in general is also proven to be more than twice as effective as nicotine gum.
Below are a couple of useful articles I found on a trawl through the Internet in the autumn of 2011.
In case you haven't guessed (!) I didn't personally take part
in any of these studies. But I'm including them here as they
seem to be well referenced and to come from reputable sources. I've provided links, so you can read the originals, and
screen shots in case the originals are taken down. I'll add more
studies as I find them.
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According to New Scientist, 'Hypnosis is the most effective way of giving up smoking'.
Link to this Report 1 Screenshot 1 (New Scientist précis)
Link to this Report 2 Screenshot 2 (More complete version of article) -
Wiki Answers cites a variety of studies which used hypnosis to help with different topics and issues. The studies done with smokers identified up to a 90.6% success rate.
Link to this Report Screenshot
Although these results are very positive, hypnosis wasn't right for everyone who took part. As it says elsewhere on this site, hypnotherapy is not mind control or a magic wand. Choice is always part of the decision to quit smoking and you have to actively make that choice in order for it to be successful for you.
But If you really want to stop smoking, then one session of hypnotherapy could be all you need to help you.
To find out about about my four step support programme for those wishing to stop smoking, click HERE.