Is hypnotherapy effective in relapse rates of drug dependence and reducing withdrawal symptoms?

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to assess the effect of hypnotherapy on withdrawal symptoms and the relapse rates of substance use. In a clinical trial, 22 subjects at the detoxification stage who were eligible for the study were randomly assigned to the case and control groups. Each group similarly took part in the cognitive therapy sessions. Additionally, the case group took five sessions of hypnotherapy. After six months of follow-up, relapse rates of the two groups were compared. Also, in the case group, the effect of autohypnosis on symptoms of withdrawal was evaluated. By the end of the study, there were 40% and 73% relapse in the case and control groups, respectively. Subjective reports on positive effects of autohypnosis were 88% on insomnia, 80% on restlessness, 60% on pain, and 33% on autonomic symptoms. According to the findings of this study, autohypnosis has no significant effect on the relapse rates in opium users, but the effect was clinically prominent