Habits and Addictions

Addiction is not a sign of weakness. It’s a pattern of behaviour deeply rooted in how our brains work to manage stress, soothe emotions, or seek pleasure. Whether it’s smoking, alcohol, food, gambling, or even compulsive behaviours like scrolling endlessly through social media, understanding the why behind addiction is key to taking back control.

What's really going on in the brain?

Our brains are incredible problem-solvers. The intellectual part of our brain—the prefrontal cortex—is responsible for rational thinking, planning and making balanced decisions. But when life becomes overwhelming, our primitive brain (the amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus) can take over.

This primitive part of the brain is designed to protect us from danger. But it doesn’t know the difference between a real threat and modern-day stresses like work pressure, loneliness, or unresolved emotions. When this part of the brain is in charge, it can drive addictive behaviours, which the brain mistakenly thinks are helpful coping mechanisms.

How addiction forms

Addiction is often the brain's attempt to boost serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that help us feel good. In the short term, that drink, cigarette, or bet might bring temporary relief. But over time, these behaviours become habitual patterns stored in the subconscious mind, reinforced every time we repeat them.

The more we rely on these short-term fixes, the more the primitive mind takes over, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction, low mood, and even more craving.

What types of addiction can Hypnotherapy help with?

SFH is not about delving into your past or labelling you. It’s about helping you move forward, reconnect with your inner strengths, and imagine a future free from the behaviour that’s been holding you back. SFH has been shown to be particularly effective with:

• Smoking and vaping
   
• Food and emotional eating
   
• Alcohol dependency
   
• Gambling
   
• Compulsive habits (e.g. nail biting, social media overuse)
   

It’s worth noting that hypnotherapy is best suited for habitual and behavioural addictions. More complex or substance-based addictions may require multi-disciplinary support, but hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool within a broader recovery journey.

How does solution-focused hypnotherapy help?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines the latest neuroscience with tried-and-tested therapeutic techniques, including CBT, NLP, and guided relaxation. Here’s how it supports you:

It helps to rewire the brain

Thanks to neuroplasticity, we know the brain can form new, healthier pathways. SFH helps you literally reprogram the subconscious mind, reducing the grip of unhelpful habits and reinforcing positive behaviours.

It helps to reduce anxiety

By lowering anxiety, you regain access to the intellectual part of your brain, the bit that helps you make good decisions and feel in control.

It encourages future focus

We don’t dwell on the past. Instead, we help you imagine your preferred future—what life would look like without the addiction. When the mind can clearly visualise a positive future, it starts to work towards it.

If you are ready to do something about a bad habit or addiction then please use the contact form here or click on the telephone number or email below.

Telephone 07368 424525

Email better-brain@outlook.com