Updated October 2026
You have probably heard about hypnosis as a treatment for addiction and other mental health disorders. In this post, we explain the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy and what to consider before seeking hypnosis to treat alcohol addiction.
Hypnosis vs Hypnotherapy
The terms hypnotherapy and hypnosis are often used interchangeably; however, they are different processes. Hypnosis describes the trance-like mental state you enter when you are hypnotised. It is achieved by using tools, similar to how smell can trigger a memory.
Hypnotherapy combines hypnosis with psychotherapy to access the subconscious mind. When it is used for alcohol addiction, it should be delivered by a qualified therapist who is trained in hypnosis and experienced in treating alcohol or substance use disorder (SUD). Several scientific studies indicate that medical hypnosis is an effective treatment, although research is still limited.
In a hypnotised state, your mind becomes more focused and open to suggestion. This gives you an opportunity to gain insight into the thought processes behind your drinking.
During hypnotherapy, your hypnotherapist will introduce positive suggestions to your subconscious mind. These suggestions are designed to help you change the thoughts and behaviours that drive problems such as alcohol addiction. You stay conscious throughout, talking with your hypnotherapist and remembering your conversations.
During hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapist will introduce positive suggestions to your subconscious mind. These suggestions become integrated into your subconscious and are designed to help you change the thoughts and behaviours that lead to problematic issues such as alcohol addiction. You remain conscious throughout, speaking with your hypnotherapist and remembering your conversations.
Does Hypnosis for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Work?
Many people associate hypnosis with magicians and stage shows, so it is often considered a controversial treatment to help people stop drinking alcohol. However, using hypnosis to reprogram your subconscious mind can be genuinely useful, and hypnosis has several well-researched medical benefits.
Hypnosis for alcohol addiction is closely linked with techniques used in meditation. Both can relax the conscious mind, giving you more focus and control over your thoughts and behaviour. It’s important to remember that hypnotherapy is not a miracle cure for alcohol addiction, and it does not work overnight.
AUD is an extremely complex disorder and in most cases, you will need a medically assisted detox alongside intensive therapy such as dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT ). Hypnotherapy can then be a useful tool to support your overall recovery from alcohol addiction and help you maintain long-term sobriety.
Alcohol Use Disorder vs Alcohol Abuse
AUD is a medical diagnosis of alcohol addiction, characterised by the inability to control alcohol consumption. In contrast, alcohol abuse refers to regular and excessive consumption of alcohol that is still under your control. Without treatment, alcohol abuse will often develop into alcohol use disorder. This is a result of your body becoming tolerant to alcohol, leading you to consume more alcohol during a short period or drink more often.
Over time, you are likely to develop withdrawal symptoms when your blood alcohol level drops below the tolerance you have built up. When you stop drinking, your brain has to adapt to the absence of alcohol. Drinking to keep this discomfort at bay is known as physical dependence. Drinking to experience alcohol’s mental effects is known as psychological dependence. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so if you are physically dependent, speak to a doctor before you stop drinking.
AUD can range from mild to severe and, left untreated, can have devastating effects on your mental and physical health. Most people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder are both physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol, which is what is commonly called alcohol addiction. When you are living with alcohol addiction, it can feel as though you cannot function without a drink.
What Are the Effects of Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse over a long period, or even after a single binge-drinking session, can have serious implications on your health. Many people are unaware of the impact of short-term heavy drinking and its effects can be just as dangerous as abusing alcohol long-term.
Short-term effects of alcohol abuse
Some of the most common short-term effects of abusing alcohol include:
-
- Delayed reaction time
- Blurred vision
- Respiratory depression (difficulty breathing)
- Poor judgement
- Slow reflexes
- Lowered inhibitions
Long-term effects of alcohol addiction
Over time, alcohol abuse and addiction can damage your body’s vital organs. This may not be obvious at first, but your health will continue to decline, sometimes causing irreversible damage.
Serious long-term health conditions linked to alcohol addiction include:
- Neurobiological (brain) disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Increased risk of cancer
- Permanent vision damage
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular (heart) disease
Without treatment, these conditions can be fatal. If you are worried about your drinking, seek help as soon as possible to limit, or even prevent, the damage that alcohol addiction can cause.
How Does Hypnosis for Alcohol Addiction Work?
Hypnosis should only be used to treat alcohol abuse or addiction by a trained psychotherapist (hypnotherapy). A report on hypnotherapy conducted by the British Psychological Society (BPS) stated, “Enough studies have now accumulated to suggest that the inclusion of hypnotic procedures may be beneficial in the management and treatment of a wide range of conditions and problems encountered in the practice of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy.”
During a session, your therapist will talk with you about your relationship with alcohol and what you want to achieve. Before using hypnosis, they will explain the process, tell you what to expect and answer any questions you have. Once you feel comfortable and relaxed, they will ask you to close your eyes or focus on a visual aid, such as a flame or an ornament.
Your therapist will then guide you into a deeply relaxed state known as a hypnotic trance. While you are in this state, they will offer positive suggestions and ask you to visualise certain situations to encourage changes in your thoughts and behaviour. When the exercises are finished, your therapist will slowly guide you out of the trance.
When hypnosis is used for alcohol addiction, the aim is to replace problematic thoughts about drinking with positive ones. Over time, this can change your thought patterns and behaviours around alcohol.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Alcohol Addiction
Hypnotherapy offers an alternative evidence-based treatment for mental health disorders that does not require the use of medication. In addition to being used to treat alcohol addiction, it can also effectively treat:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Migraines
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Menopausal symptoms
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Risks Associated with Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy is considered a safe treatment for most people, but it may pose risks to those who suffer from other psychiatric disorders, psychosis and psychotic disorders. These risks include:
- Prolonged mental illness
- Seizures
- Dissociative episodes
- Severe anxiety
Additionally, hypnosis comes with the possibility of adverse reactions, such as:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Creating false memories.
The most successful long-term treatment for alcohol use disorder will involve a comprehensive approach that includes a range of therapies and access to aftercare. Before seeking hypnotherapy, you should speak with your doctor or a licensed mental health or addiction treatment professional.
If you or a loved one is concerned about an alcohol or substance abuse problem, we offer free advice and help. Please complete our online assessment form or call our freephone number (0800 170 1222) to discuss your treatment options with our friendly team.
FAQs
What happens to the brain during hypnosis?
During hypnosis, your brain goes into a trance-like state, where core awareness (consciousness) and activity are reduced.
Does the NHS offer hypnosis for alcoholism?
Hypnotherapy is not usually available on the NHS, however, there are some exceptions. To find out whether you are eligible for hypnotherapy treatment on the NHS, you can speak to your GP or your local integrated care board (ICB).
What are the signs of alcohol use disorder?
Symptoms of AUD can manifest in several ways. The seven most common signs of alcohol addiction are:
- Obsessing over when you can drink alcohol
- Planning events around alcohol
- Mood swings
- Craving alcohol
- Making excuses to drink
- Hiding your drinking from others
- Avoiding friends and family.
