Does anyone have experience of or could recommend a hypnotherapist for drug addition in London/Essex area?

[UpsyDaisyDo]

A dear friend of mine is struggling quite badly at the moment with cocaine. I think eventually it may be a case of checking into a rehab programme however I wondered if hypnosis might help in the meantime. If anyone has any experience of this type of treatment or could recommend someone I'd be really grateful. Thank you.

I think it depends on what stage the friend is at - my ex had/has a crack addiction and did (I think!) go to a couple of hypnotherapy sessions. No result. The thing is with any therapy, the addict has to really want to stop. They are not a magic cure in my opinion.

I totally agree. He said he desperately wants to stop before he loses wife, kids house, business etc. however I'm not convinced he's really committed to doing whatever it takes.

has he been to any counselling service? eg www.addaction.org.uk/ it could be a start. They would also have info on possible therapies, I believe they offer some kind of acupuncture.

He did have some counselling quite a while back which wasn't particularly successful. Thanks for the link. I'm printing off loads of stuff so I'll add it to the bits I've got already. Acupuncture might be an idea too. I think he's just trying everything to avoid a full residential rehab at the moment although I think it might be inevitable if things carry on the way they are at the moment.

good luck with that. In the meantime, are his family aware of the situation? If he really wants to get off drugs I think he needs to talk to his wife, if he hasn't already. At some point, he will probably be lying to her/engaging in risky behaviour or possibly stealing from them. I think the deceit is what really destroys trust and relationships and if she knows what is going on at least she will be prepared, able to protect herself and play some sort of role in his recovery if that is what she chooses to do.

Thank you. Unfortunately, the lies/deceit/risky behaviour are already a big part of the equation. His wife did know he had a problem however thinks he is dealing with it by attending bi-weekly meetings (he's just using the time to do more gear.) He's admitted to me that he's become extremely good at hiding the obvious signs from her already (not sniffing/blowing his nose constantly, take sleeping tablets to relax afterwards he's been on it etc). It's all a horrible mess to be honest with you and I don't know what the answer is.

Oh, I understand why you're talking about lack of commitment then... It sounds as though he has a naive idea he can go away and get cured and then come back and everything will be all right. I can't see a way forward until he comes clean with his partner. Addicts can still play a role in family life but it's hard if those around them aren't aware of what's going on. The chaotic behaviour can be really upsetting and damaging to kids, at least if the wife really understood she could manage this side a bit.

TBH, I think a Cocaine Anonymous meeting - if he's willing to go anywhere - would be a lot more effective. There should be one online, I know Narcotics Anonymous (also fine for your friend, if its nearer) has its own website.

i met a medical hypnotist in essex who had good results for smoking cessation. not sure if he's applied his skills to other recreational drugs. do you want me to dig out his details for you?

lucharl, you've got it absolutely spot on.

Thanks Elibean, I'll look up local CA/NA meetings for him as well.

bundle, if its not too much trouble the details would be great thanks.

good luck UDD, you're a good friend! off to pick up from nursery now.

Thanks for your support. I'm trying but what help I can be I don't know. x

have foudn it udd - CAT me

Just did. Thanks