Cannabis addiction affects thousands of people across the UK, creating a persistent cycle that can feel impossible to break. What if you could regain control over your choices, rather than feeling pulled towards that familiar ritual every evening?

Hypnotherapy offers a different approach to cannabis dependency, working with your unconscious patterns and deeply ingrained habits. Rather than relying solely on willpower, it addresses the underlying triggers and automatic responses that keep you reaching for cannabis.

Imagine waking up with genuine energy, thinking clearly through important decisions, or feeling naturally relaxed in social situations. Many people find hypnotherapy helps them rediscover these experiences without needing to alter their state of consciousness.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access your unconscious mind. During this naturally occurring state, your mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and new ways of thinking.

Despite what you might have seen in films, hypnotherapy isn’t about losing control or being made to do things against your will. You remain fully aware and can choose to accept or reject any suggestions offered. It’s more like a deeply focused daydream where your mind can explore new possibilities.

The process works by helping you access the part of your mind that governs automatic behaviours and emotional responses. This is where habits form and where lasting change can take root. Think of it as having a conversation with the part of yourself that reaches for cannabis without conscious thought.

A qualified hypnotherapist guides you through this process, helping you discover your own inner resources for managing cravings and stress. The experience often feels surprisingly natural and relaxing, quite different from the intense effort required by willpower alone.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy for Cannabis Addiction?

Cannabis dependency operates through both psychological and physiological mechanisms. Regular use alters your brain’s natural reward pathways, making ordinary activities feel less satisfying whilst cannabis use becomes increasingly compelling. Your nervous system also adapts, creating withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop.

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the unconscious patterns that maintain these cycles. Like learning to drive a different route home, it helps your mind discover alternative pathways to relaxation and pleasure. The deeply focused state allows you to rehearse new responses to triggers and strengthen your natural coping mechanisms.

Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis demonstrates promising results for addiction treatment. A 2019 study found that participants receiving hypnotherapy showed significantly higher abstinence rates compared to standard treatment alone. The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale studies also indicate that individuals with moderate to high hypnotic responsiveness often experience substantial benefits.

Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher, found herself smoking cannabis every evening for two years. After six hypnotherapy sessions, she began to notice that the automatic urge to smoke after dinner gradually weakened. Instead of fighting cravings, she found herself naturally choosing other activities.

The effectiveness varies significantly between individuals, depending on factors like motivation, hypnotic responsiveness, and the complexity of underlying triggers. Many people who struggle with drug addiction also discover that addressing related issues enhances their progress.

What sets hypnotherapy apart is its ability to address the emotional and psychological roots of dependency, not just the behaviour itself. This deeper work often creates more sustainable change than approaches focusing solely on stopping use.

What Happens in a Session for Cannabis Addiction?

Your first session typically begins with a detailed discussion about your cannabis use patterns, triggers, and goals. Your hypnotherapist will explore what situations, emotions, or thoughts typically lead to use. This understanding forms the foundation for personalised treatment.

The hypnotic portion usually starts with progressive relaxation techniques. You’ll remain seated comfortably whilst your therapist guides you into a state of focused calm. Many people describe this as feeling similar to the moments just before sleep, but with heightened awareness.

Once relaxed, your therapist might use various techniques. These could include visualisation exercises where you imagine successfully managing trigger situations, or suggestion work that strengthens your motivation for change. Some sessions focus on addressing underlying emotions or stress that contribute to cannabis use.

Throughout the process, you remain in control and aware of everything happening. If something doesn’t feel right, you can simply open your eyes or speak up. The experience should feel safe and collaborative, never forced or uncomfortable.

Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes, with the hypnotic portion comprising roughly half of this time. Your therapist will often provide you with self-hypnosis techniques or recordings to practice between sessions, reinforcing the work you’re doing together.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Many people worry they’ll lose control during hypnotherapy or be forced to reveal embarrassing secrets. In reality, therapeutic hypnosis is quite different from stage hypnosis entertainment. You remain fully conscious and can choose what to share or explore.

Another common myth suggests that only weak-minded people can be hypnotised. Research actually indicates the opposite – those who respond well to hypnosis often have strong concentration abilities and active imaginations. Intelligence and hypnotic responsiveness frequently go hand in hand.

Some believe hypnotherapy works like magic, providing instant cures without effort. Whilst some people notice changes quickly, most find that progress develops gradually through consistent work. Your commitment to the process significantly influences the outcomes you experience.

Perhaps most importantly, hypnotherapy isn’t about suppressing or fighting your desire for cannabis. Instead, it works by helping you understand and transform the underlying patterns that drive that desire.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Cannabis Addiction?

Most people working with cannabis dependency benefit from 6-10 hypnotherapy sessions, though this varies considerably based on individual circumstances. The length and frequency of your cannabis use, underlying emotional factors, and your responsiveness to hypnosis all influence the timeline.

Initial sessions often focus on building your hypnotic skills and addressing immediate cravings or withdrawal discomfort. Middle sessions typically work on deeper patterns and triggers, whilst later sessions reinforce progress and develop long-term coping strategies.

Some people notice shifts after just 2-3 sessions – perhaps sleeping better or feeling less anxious about stopping. Others require more time to address complex emotional patterns or co-occurring issues that maintain their cannabis use.

Your hypnotherapist will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. This might include exploring issues with emotional regulation if they’re contributing to your dependency. The collaborative nature of this work means you’ll have input into pacing and focus areas throughout.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Hypnotherapy works best when you genuinely want to change your relationship with cannabis, rather than feeling pressured by others. If you’re curious about exploring your unconscious patterns and willing to engage actively in the process, you’re likely to find it beneficial.

Consider hypnotherapy if you’ve tried other approaches without lasting success, or if you suspect emotional or stress-related factors maintain your cannabis use. People who enjoy visualisation, meditation, or similar practices often respond particularly well to hypnotic techniques.

It’s worth noting that hypnotherapy complements other forms of support rather than replacing them entirely. If you’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or mental health concerns, combining hypnotherapy with medical supervision or counselling often provides the most comprehensive approach.

The most important factor is finding a qualified practitioner you feel comfortable with. Trust and rapport significantly influence how effectively you can engage with the hypnotic process and achieve your goals.

Explore more about hypnotherapy for Anxiety & Phobias.

Is Hypnotherapy as Effective Online?

This session can be conducted online from anywhere in the world—research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility from your own comfortable environment. 

Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them relax more deeply. 

If after that initial session you feel hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue. 

Book your introductory session and discover whether this approach resonates with you.