Hypnosis for heroin addicts

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Permalink Reply by Scott Sandland on October 11, 2010 at 10:51am

I have to keep this very short, because I have a client who will be here any minute. a few important pieces:

- He needs some sort of structure/accountability resource. More than you can offer alone. Much more.
- Heroin tends to be a motivation away from drug used to silence or run from problems, guilt, shame, resentments, etc. so it can be different from more social drugs like coke or alcohol (this is a huge generalization with many exceptions, but it will do for a quick sketch).
- You are right about the physical component, which is why detox and withdrawal symptoms need to be addressed by a doctor. This should be done for all addictions.

Client is here. Gotta run,
Scott

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Permalink Reply by MaggieJO Jones on October 11, 2010 at 11:08am

Scott, I have suggested he seek medical help, he said he would, and he signed himself into a rehab today on my encouragement, but wants me to be there he says hypnosis helped him years ago with test anxiety, I did make it clear that anxiety is no where in the same ballpark as addiction, though anxiety contributes , I knew it was beyond other addictions, but just wanted to make sure I was heading in the right direction,. I told him he needed more then hypnosis could give him at this point in his recovery.
The others that I have had success with came with referrals from doctors, as an adjunct to their treatments. Thank you, your input means a lot, I printed it for him to view, he is so ready and willing to get clean and sober, thats a big part of a successful recovery

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Permalink Reply by David Sewell on October 11, 2010 at 1:41pm

HI Maggie,
Scott is right. You're friend must address the physical consequences of his habit and how it has effected his neurotransmitters. The nutritional aspects of detox and recovery is often overlooked yet is so crucial to success. Two great books to have in your library and to recomend to clients are End Your Addiction Now by Charles Grant MD and Seven Weeks to Sobriety by Joan Mathews-Larson. How this helps.

David

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Permalink Reply by Carol Sanders on October 11, 2010 at 1:49pm

cocaine, pot, alcohol are physical addictions too if they have gone past abuse and into addiction........herioin is the same...saboxone blocks the euphoric effect of opiates... if the client is on a theraputic dose and is NOT also using herion or additional opiates.....all addictions cause physical withdrawl symptoms.... herion and opiate withdrawl symptoms are severe and the time frame is longer then other drugs. ......Has he gone to a medication assitsted treatment program that uses methadone.. instead of Saboxone,, ...these programs make the client accountable and responsible while stabilizing them on methadone...its cheaper......once he is maintained on a theraputic dose... then i would attempt to use hypnosis for desensitization withdrawl....I am a counselor at a methadone clinic and have 56 opiate/herion addicts on my case load...refer the client to a hypnotherapist who specializes in drug addiction and has a psychololgy background/education....just suggestion...prays for you both........Carol

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Permalink Reply by MaggieJO Jones on October 11, 2010 at 1:53pm

Thank you David I will print and give to perspective future client, he isn't a friend but an aquaintance who got my number from someone I helped through their alcohol addiction, which he understands is entirely different, after all is said and done we may become friends who knows, but he asked and I seeked answers.. Somewhere inside I knew this was more then my expertiece could handle. Most of my work I do with any client I prefer referrals, or even a release, just for my own satisfaction of knowing I covered my bases. Thank you, your response was most appreciated.br/>

David Sewell said:

HI Maggie,
Scott is right. You're friend must address the physical consequences of his habit and how it has effected his neurotransmitters. The nutritional aspects of detox and recovery is often overlooked yet is so crucial to success. Two great books to have in your library and to recomend to clients are End Your Addiction Now by Charles Grant MD and Seven Weeks to Sobriety by Joan Mathews-Larson. How this helps.

David

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Permalink Reply by MaggieJO Jones on October 11, 2010 at 2:26pm

Carol thank you, He checked into a rehab today, I figured once he got going in the program they would guide him in the right direction, yes I am aware that the other abused drugs have physical affects also, I just knew that heroin abuse is major, not that drug abuse in general isn't but he really needed help, and I'm no Dr. and he needed one, but kept him on the phone till I felt he would seek one out, he had gotten saboxone from a friend, and was taking miniscule amounts because he was confused on what to do, he called and asked my advice, I told him that at this moment right now, hypnosis wasn't part of the answer but seeking a medical Dr was and they would guide him through all the proper channels, I gave him some names of Drs in programs for him to call , so he is in good hands as we speak. I really feel if hypnosis is a route he seeks, the program he has started will see him through. One can only hope. Thank you I appreciate your input

Carol Sanders said:

cocaine, pot, alcohol are physical addictions too if they have gone past abuse and into addiction........herioin is the same...saboxone blocks the euphoric effect of opiates... if the client is on a theraputic dose and is NOT also using herion or additional opiates.....all addictions cause physical withdrawl symptoms.... herion and opiate withdrawl symptoms are severe and the time frame is longer then other drugs. ......Has he gone to a medication assitsted treatment program that uses methadone.. instead of Saboxone,, ...these programs make the client accountable and responsible while stabilizing them on methadone...its cheaper......once he is maintained on a theraputic dose... then i would attempt to use hypnosis for desensitization withdrawl....I am a counselor at a methadone clinic and have 56 opiate/herion addicts on my case load...refer the client to a hypnotherapist who specializes in drug addiction and has a psychololgy background/education....just suggestion...prays for you both........Carol

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Permalink Reply by Carol Sanders on October 12, 2010 at 8:15pm

I am so very very pleased that he decided to go to rehab.....it surely was a blessing for you to be right there for him at that time and I am pleased you sought support and resources from your colleagues and freinds here at Hypnothoughts....!

MaggieJO Jones said:

Carol thank you, He checked into a rehab today, I figured once he got going in the program they would guide him in the right direction, yes I am aware that the other abused drugs have physical affects also, I just knew that heroin abuse is major, not that drug abuse in general isn't but he really needed help, and I'm no Dr. and he needed one, but kept him on the phone till I felt he would seek one out, he had gotten saboxone from a friend, and was taking miniscule amounts because he was confused on what to do, he called and asked my advice, I told him that at this moment right now, hypnosis wasn't part of the answer but seeking a medical Dr was and they would guide him through all the proper channels, I gave him some names of Drs in programs for him to call , so he is in good hands as we speak. I really feel if hypnosis is a route he seeks, the program he has started will see him through. One can only hope. Thank you I appreciate your input

Carol Sanders said:

cocaine, pot, alcohol are physical addictions too if they have gone past abuse and into addiction........herioin is the same...saboxone blocks the euphoric effect of opiates... if the client is on a theraputic dose and is NOT also using herion or additional opiates.....all addictions cause physical withdrawl symptoms.... herion and opiate withdrawl symptoms are severe and the time frame is longer then other drugs. ......Has he gone to a medication assitsted treatment program that uses methadone.. instead of Saboxone,, ...these programs make the client accountable and responsible while stabilizing them on methadone...its cheaper......once he is maintained on a theraputic dose... then i would attempt to use hypnosis for desensitization withdrawl....I am a counselor at a methadone clinic and have 56 opiate/herion addicts on my case load...refer the client to a hypnotherapist who specializes in drug addiction and has a psychololgy background/education....just suggestion...prays for you both........Carol

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