Habits and Addictions

And how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you break free

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.

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 (like a polar bear!) and modern-day stress—work pressure, loneliness, or unresolved emotions. When this part of the brain is in charge, it drives survival responses: anxiety, anger and depression. And here’s the important bit: it can also drive addictive behaviours, which the brain mistakenly thinks are helpful coping mechanisms.

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.

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 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 SFH is best suited for habitual and behavioural addictions. More complex or substance-based addictions may require multi-disciplinary support—but SFH can be a powerful tool within a broader recovery journey.

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:

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.

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.

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