Self-Hypnosis Relapse Prevention Training with Chronic Drug/Alcohol Users: Effects on Self-Esteem, Affect, and Relapse

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a self-hypnosis protocol with chronic drug and alcohol patients in increasing self-esteem, improving affect, and preventing relapse against a control, a transtheoretical cognitive-behavioral (TCB), and a stress management (attention-placebo) group. Participants were 261 veterans admitted to Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (SARRTPs). Participants were assessed pre- and postintervention, and at 7-week follow-up. Relapse rates did not significantly differ across the 4 groups at follow-up; 87% of those contacted reported abstinence. At follow-up, the participants in the 3 treatment conditions were asked how often they practiced the intervention materials provided them. Practicing and minimal-practicing participants were compared against the control group for each of the 3 interventions via MANOVAs/ANOVAs. Results revealed a significant Time by Groups interaction for the hypnosis intervention, with individuals who played the self-hypnosis audiotapes "at least 3 to 5 times a week" at 7-week follow-up reporting the highest levels of self-esteem and serenity, and the least anger/impulsivity, in comparison to the minimal-practice and control groups. No significant effects were found for the transtheoretical or stress management interventions. Regression analyses predicted almost two-thirds of the variance of who relapsed and who did not in the hypnosis intervention group. Hypnotic susceptibility predicted who practiced the self-hypnosis audiotapes. The results suggest that hypnosis can be a useful adjunct in helping chronic substance abuse individuals with their reported self-esteem, serenity, and anger/impulsivity.

Eating Disorders, Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

“…While the use of hypnosis has been investigated in a large number of RCTs in smoking cessation, only one RCT of its use in abstinence from substance use has been published (Pekala et al, 2004). While the use of hypnosis has been investigated in a large number of RCTs in smoking cessation, only one RCT of its use in abstinence from substance use has been published (Pekala et al, 2004).…”

“…Relapse was assessed at the end of the intervention and again at 7 weeks where no difference was found between groups (Pekala et al, 2004). Study interventions involved the provision of four 1-h sessions.…”

Self-esteem and Its Relationship to Serenity and Anger/Impulsivity in an Alcohol and Other Drug-Dependent Population: Implications for Treatment

“…Participants from two AOD treatment units within which they were matriculated, and as part of a study on relapse prevention (reported elsewhere, Pekala et al, 2004), completed a variety of questionnaires upon matriculation in the study. These included the SSES, SOCRATES, and RAI.…”

“…Although AA and NA (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1976;Nace, 1992) attempt to foster serenity through participation in self-help groups and alignment with a spiritual perspective and readings associated with AA/NA, interventions targeting the fostering of serenity via training protocols such as self-hypnosis training (Pekala et al, 2004), meditation (Kabat-Zinn, 2003), prayer (Zeiders & Pekala, 1995), pranayama (Iyengar, 1981), and related practices may also be important avenues for future research.…”

Effect of Hypnotherapy in Alcohol Use Disorder Compared With Motivational Interviewing: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The most recent and well-designed study included three control groups: attention-placebo (stress management), cognitive-behavioural trans-theoretical intervention and no additional intervention group (Pekala et al, 2004). The abstinence rate in all groups was between 85 and 90% at two-month follow-up.…”