Chemsex addiction: how hypnosis may help you kick the habit

There has been a lot of stories in the press over the last few years about the increasing number of recreational drugs used for sex. In particular drugs such as crystal methamphetamine, also known as crystal, Tina, meth, ice and T to drugs such as methedrone; more commonly known as meow meow, MCAT and plant food, to GHB and GBL. The latter which has been implicated in a number of recent deaths. 

The underlining theme of these drugs is that they produce euphoria and lower inhibition, by making the user relaxed, talkative and boost their confidence and self-esteem. They can lead to ‘pushing’ the boundaries of sexual fantasy and sexual adventure hence the reason they are often to referred to as chemsex drugs. 

Whilst the chemsex drugs may give euphoric feelings which can last for many hours, the actual side effects of these drugs can outweigh the benefits. For instance, research has found that anxiety, paranoia, feelings of worthlessness and depression, are all side effects which may lead the user to use the drugs in order to relieve or cancel out these symptoms. Thus, a psychological and physical dependency can occur. Moreover, due to the fact that the drugs lower sexual inhibitions, it can lead the user to have sex with multiple partners, which further risks the users physical and psychological well-being, as they get caught up in this self-destructive cycle.

A recent report by the South London Councils of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham found that underpinning the emergence of chemsex addiction in gay men, were feelings of low self-esteem, low self-worth, lacking in confidence and being on a self-destructive path.

How can hypnosis help someone addicted to chemsex? Hypnosis can help by addressing the underlying issues which can be driving the addiction. For instance, feelings of inadequacy, shame, low self-esteem or feelings of self-destruction, may actually be the cause which hypnosis, through direct suggestions and hypnoanalysis (regression), may help by removing these feelings and building up self-esteem and resilience in order to kick the addiction.

The use of hypnosis for drug addiction is not new. Back in the early 1970s research in America by Hartman, looked at drug addiction (injectable opiates) and the use of hypnosis, in particular hypnoanalysis, and found how powerful it was for users to kick their drug addiction. However, Hartman found that the user had to be motivated to kick the addiction for hypnosis to be effective. 

Therefore, if you want to kick your addiction to chemsex, and are motivated to do so, then seek out a hypnotherapist to help you kick this destructive addiction and gain back control in your life.