In recent years, the potential of clinical hypnosis as a therapeutic modality has gained increasing attention, with experts highlighting its ability to address a wide spectrum of physical and mental health challenges. This growing interest culminated in a discussion that explores how hypnosis—often dismissed as a pseudoscience—can be a viable treatment option for conditions such as pain, anxiety, and even alcohol use disorder. The discussion is fueled by the fact that clinical hypnosis, rooted in the principles of guided relaxation and focused attention, has a long history as the oldest form of Western psychotherapy, yet remains underutilized in mainstream medicine.
Dr. David Spiegel, a leading authority in the field and associate chair of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, emphasized the potential value of hypnosis, particularly in addressing the complex psychological and physiological aspects of alcohol use disorder. According to Spiegel, the therapeutic process involves inducing a state of deep relaxation and heightened concentration, which makes the mind more receptive to new ideas and perspectives. This state allows for the reinforcement of positive behaviors and the dismantling of unhealthy habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption.