The Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy in Relapse Prevention, Reduction of Impulsiveness, and Decrease of Craving in Treated Stimulant Users

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of hypnosis therapy in relapse prevention, reduction of impulsivity, and decline of craving in treated stimulant users.
In a semi-experimental design, a 40-patient group diagnosed by drug dependence was selected via convenience sampling method. They had undergone the detoxification stage and referred to addiction treatment centers. Then, they were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received five 45-minute sessions of group hypnotherapy. The participants were evaluated through morphine test, Barratt Impulsivity Scale, and Drug Craving Scale before and after the end of group therapy. The control group did not receive any training and just awaited treatment.
The results showed that hypnotherapy training was effective in relapse prevention, reduction of impulsivity, and reduction of craving for drugs.
Hypnotherapy training can be used as an alternative treatment along with other psychological interventions in the treatment of drug dependence.