Open Your Mind--and Your Lungs--to the Idea of Hypnosis

Smoking cigarettes used to be viewed as a glamorous activity that was essential at social functions. Perhaps some of you remember, or at least have seen, the live commercial spots that would run during prime-time television programming when cigarette companies sponsored our favorite shows. The dashing leading men on the big screen always had a cigarette in hand when they flirted with an attractive woman or confronted their evil nemesis. Hollywood celebrities would be photographed for the cover of magazines while deeply inhaling their favorite brand of smokes.

All of these images worked to convince us that cigarettes were an essential accessory to success, beauty, and wealth. Now, of course, we have the scientific research to know differently. When you allow nicotine and tar into your lungs and bloodstream, you are increasing your chances of cancer, heart disease, a weakened immune system, decreased physical endurance, and harm to others around you. In fact, tobacco use is responsible for thirty percent of all cancer deaths. There is no upside to being a smoker.

Even when armed with the knowledge of the negative effects of smoking, I know that it is terribly difficult for an addict to quit the habit. Cigarettes quickly create one of the strongest physical and psychological dependencies from their users. And, as anti-smoking campaigns have increased their efforts over the last generation, tobacco companies have actually increased the amount of nicotine in cigarette smoke to keep you tied to their product. Did you know that nicotine, and the multitude of carcinogenic toxins it contains, reaches your brain within ten seconds of taking that first puff? The brain then releases dopamine, which gives the smoker a euphoric sensation. With this high lasting no more than thirty minutes, the continuous need for more nicotine means that an addict is quickly born.

Most people who are addicted to cigarettes want to stop smoking, but haven’t found a method that works for them. Going “cold turkey” is great, but can be nearly impossible without the essential support and accountability that is required. Nicotine replacement may work for some, but you still are not releasing yourself from the need to rely on a foreign substance to keep your body and mind happy. Others cut back their daily tobacco use or limit smoking to certain occasions. However, the deadly chemicals are still being absorbed into their body, just to a lesser degree.

I would like to suggest hypnosis to anyone who is struggling with an addiction to cigarettes. With a trained hypnotherapist, you will learn relaxation techniques that will open the unconscious mind. You then will imagine yourself as a non-smoker, and your unconscious mind will accept this vision as truth. It is that simple! You are not put into a trance or any type of comatose state. Hypnosis is safe and effective and has proven results not just in smoking cessation, but also concerning weight loss, anger issues, and a variety of other barriers to a better quality of life. There is a great deal of research available on the treatment of addictions with hypnosis. I hope you will take the time to learn about the techniques and then give them a try in your own life. Your health and happiness depend on it.