By Sheila Menon

Even as many light-up to embrace the habit of smoking, over 1.3 million smokers stop each year. And whilst the health benefits are significant, it is estimated that 95% will slip back into the habit without the support of a solid cessation programme.

Breaking the smoking habit is both easy and difficult. It is easy because after 48 hours or so the physiological addiction to nicotine begins to wane. It is hard because just about everything you did as a smoker once, revolved around a cigarette.

Most people who smoke today, started out by experimenting or showing off in their teens. There are many reasons young people start smoking but it generally has to do with a rite of passage, portraying oneself as cool and grown up and maybe even popular. In fact, studies show that the popular kid at school was nearly always a smoker as well.

Of course everyone eventually grows up and the reason they started smoking, no longer applies. In fact, the reason most people smoke as adults is because they have developed a habit and a psychological dependency or simply find themselves stuck.

The associations are built up over time and can be extremely strong, leaving many people feeling that they cannot function, concentrate, socialise, talk on the phone or even go to sleep without a cigarette in hand.

Forget nicotine patches…

This is exactly where clinical hypnosis can help. By entering the deeply relaxed state called clinical hypnosis, the smoker is shown how to loosen the impact of the habit.

Clinical hypnotherapists use a number of different protocols. Some combine clinical hypnosis with medication or nicotine patches. Others offer a two- or three-session protocol. But the truth is you are either a smoker or a non-smoker and research published in the US recently indicates that just one session and a little bit of self-determination is the most effective way to break the smoking habit for good. This same research also states that clinical hypnotherapy is three times more effective than nicotine patches for their patient groups.

Most smokers can manage long haul flights without ever thinking about a cigarette. It is only when the flight ends that they become desperate for one. This is because the mind accepts that there is no option to smoke on the flight and simply forgets about the habit. This is exactly what clinical hypnotherapist can do in a much stronger and reinforced manner.

Helpful tips to quit for good

There are a few simple tips that anyone preparing to stop smoking can consider.

Accept that you enjoyed smoking but that you have made a decision to move on with your life. If you have tried before but failed, praise yourself. Studies show that people who have tried to quit previously are often more successful the next time round. This is especially true of people who reflect on their experience and learn from it.

Another equally important consideration is your own personal desire to break the habit. It is extremely difficult to remain motivated for someone else, no matter how much you love them.

Finally, write a list of all the reasons you want to quit and remind yourself of the benefits you will get every day if you do.

A clinical hypnotherapist helps by making the process of change faster and easier. The session takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and starts with a deeply relaxed state. The clinical hypnotherapist then concentrates attention of the decision to break the smoking habit and enhances the desire and motivation to become a non-smoker.

Most smokers reach for their cigarettes on autopilot or through unconscious action. Clinical hypnosis is not mind control, so the person can always pick up a cigarette again. What has changed is that the habit has been weakened and the act of smoking is returned to conscious control, making it difficult to lapse into old behavioural patterns.

The previous associations of pleasure and enjoyment are gently floated away. Some people even begin to remember the first time they smoked and how the smoke made them cough.

Out with the old feelings, in with the new

Just before the session ends your clinical hypnotherapist creates an imagined future where the client is already a successful non-smoker. Trying out the future experience in this way helps reinforce the reality of life as a non-smoker.

The therapist is also able to provide support for future anticipated difficulties such as coping with stressful situations, managing a night out without cigarettes or other temptations.

The patient also has the opportunity to try out life as a non-smoker, which helps reinforce their ability to succeed. Many people awaken with a deep sense of confidence and accomplishment. Most ex-smokers describe this feeling of personal pride as the best thing about being a non smoker.

For those who still need a nudge in the right direction, take comfort from those before you, who are on the path to recovery.

Naomi Campbell, 46-year-old queen of the cat-walk, announced recently, that she was ending her struggle with nicotine patches and heading out to find a clinical hypnotherapist. She is in good company because Matt Damon, Britney Spears, Samuel Jackson and many other Hollywood greats have used hypnotherapy with great success as can you if your heart is in the right place.

Sheila Menon is Principal of the London College of Clinical Hypnosis (LCCH Asia). You can visit the www.lcch.asia website; email [email protected]; or call 03-7960-6439 for more information.