“I want you to carry on drinking alcohol…. even go get drunk!”
Now I appreciate that sounds like a crazy thing to say to someone who is coming to see me because they want to stop drinking alcohol. It certainly puts a confused look on the majority of my clients faces when I say it to them! But there is logic behind it, and I’ll share that with you now.
Changing peoples relationship with alcohol is probably the joint second most common issue that I work with here at Cambridge Hypnotherapy, alongside food issues and right behind anxiety related issues. This means that over the past 12 years I have gained a lot of experience about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to changing those mindsets.
Many of those I have worked with have been to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, were everyone stands up and introduces themselves and admitting to being an alcoholic. They will more often than not say they have been winning their battle for the past how ever many years. Lets break that down. Firstly… what a label to give to themselves! Who said they were an alcoholic in the first place? Drinking alcohol is a behaviour and not their identity. Secondly…. If you’ve been battling something for that many years, in my opinion you’re not winning anything! You’re fighting something everyday which is exhausting and stops people enjoying their life they way that they should. Also, if you don’t ever drink again are you truly in control over alcohol? No, alcohol is still dictating how you behave in certain situations.
So, how would someone behave in an ideal way if they were in control over alcohol? How about these examples:
not instantly turn to alcohol as an escapism tool when stressed/upset?
not finish the bottle of wine they have opened just because there is some left?
to get drunk at a wedding, because its ok to do so knowing the event warrants the behaviour
have a glass of wine with a meal because it compliments it
These are just a few examples of the feedback we are given here from clients who successfully change their behaviour after working with us for no more than 2-3 sessions.
If you have something that you would like to change, and want your life to become as great as it deserves to be, why not contact us by clicking here or calling us on 01223720120 to arrange a complimentary initial consultation.
See you all soon,
Luke