A single-treatment method to stop smoking using ancillary self-hypnosis

Abstract

This report discusses the first 615 patient-mokera who have been treated with a single 45-minute session of psychotherapy reinforced by hypnosis. Technique of treatment, including rationale of approach, induction procedure, assessment of hypnotizability, and training instructions to stop smoking are presented in detail. & month follow-up study results are discussed. Of 271 (44%) patients who returned a questionnaire, 121 (20%) hard-core smokers (who had repeatedly tried and failed to stop smoking before) were able to stop for a t least 6 months. Another 120 (20%) persons reduced their smoking to varying degrees. These results of a l-session treatment compare favorably with, and often are significantly better than, other longer-term methods reported in the literature. They suggest that every habitual smoker who is motivated to stop be exposed to the impact of this procedure, or its equivalent, so that at least 1 of 5 smokers can be salvaged.