Can Hypnosis Help Treat Gambling Addiction?
Published:
Oct 14, 2025
,
10:47 a.m.
ET
There are multiple treatment options when it comes to gambling addiction, and the utilization of hypnosis is becoming more common when treating addictive behaviors in general. Despite limited research, hypnosis has been found to help individuals access thoughts, feelings and memories that may help them overcome addiction. In addition, it can be used as a form of relaxation that allows some individuals to enter a state of calmness and openness that may be beneficial during counseling sessions.
History of hypnosis in therapy
The concept of hypnosis can be traced back to ancient civilizations and was often intertwined with religious ceremonies. In the late 18th century, a German physician Franz Mesmer introduced using hypnosis to treat patients in both Vienna and Paris. While Mesmer believed that he could balance magnetism in the human body, called animal magnetism, it was later rejected as having no scientific basis.
Other physicians were intrigued by Mesmers’ idea and Scottish ophthalmologist James Braid coined the word “hypnosis,” which originates from the Greek word for sleep. In the mid 19th century, Australian physician Josef Breuer famously used hypnosis to treat a patient by the name of Anna. By recalling repressed memories from her childhood, Anna’s symptoms were reduced through hypnosis.
The most commonly recognizable name in hypnosis is Sigmund Freud, who was a colleague of Breuer. Freud discovered the unconscious mind through hypnosis on which he based his treatment of patients. Milton Erikson is the most prominent leader in modern hypnosis, further developing its use by helping patients release mental defense mechanisms to reduce symptoms. The research and development into hypnosis in therapy has continued to progress throughout the 20th century and into modern day.
Hypnosis in Gambling Addiction treatment
Gambling addiction treatment can involve a variety of different techniques depending on an individual's needs and the severity of their addiction. One study separated 49 participants into two groups, one of which used waking self-hypnosis in addition to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat gambling addiction symptoms. Both groups reported significant reduction in gambling related behaviors after treatment and at a six month follow up. Results showed no notable differences between the interventions in abstinence, therapeutic compliance, fulfillment, and satisfaction. However, data suggests that self-hypnosis reinforces treatment and can be a supportive technique for future interventions.
Jodie Hlavachek, a certified counselor for Birches Health, has used hypnosis in certain cases with some clients. She explains its potential benefits in some individuals, “There are several ways hypnotherapy can be used to help individuals with gambling addiction, and its specific use depends on the individual's personal story, goals, and needs. Long-ingrained maladaptive beliefs and thinking patterns tend to underlie gambling addiction. Talk therapy can identify these patterns, while hypnotherapy can release and change these patterns through accessing the subconscious states where these limiting beliefs and thoughts are held.”
“As the addiction develops, habitual and impulsive behavior patterns emerge through neurobiological pathways forming. A great deal of effort is required to weaken these neural pathways and develop and strengthen new ones through behavior therapy and psychotherapy approaches. Though these approaches can lead to a successful recovery, there is evidence to suggest that hypnotherapy can expedite this process by enhancing neuroplasticity and forming and strengthening new neural pathways associated with healthy, adaptive patterns. This is typically done through the use of guided imagery and suggestions incorporating the client's personalized goals and language.
“Further, there is strong evidential support for the use of imaginal exposure in treating gambling addiction. Using hypnotherapy to provide imaginal exposure therapy can help by deepening an individual's brainwave state and further desensitize the individual to gambling-related environmental cues. The individual is guided into a deeper state of relaxation than a more standard imaginal exposure approach.
“Additionally, many individuals with an active gambling addiction are experiencing a dysregulated nervous system. Hypnotherapy can offer a deep state of relaxation with stress reduction and the cultivation of coping skills. During the session, the nervous system relaxes by activating the parasympathetic system and moving the individual out of a dysregulated state and into feelings of safety and calm. Tools are provided that can be utilized outside of session to learn and develop self-regulation strategies and increase resiliency.”
Take the first step toward recovery by scheduling a consultation with Birches Health today. Or call 833-483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com.
Hypnosis to treat other addictions
In addition to gambling, research has found that hypnosis can be a useful technique in treating the symptoms of other addictions as well. One study showed that intensive hypnosis sessions, provided daily for 20 days, were effective in treating alcoholism. There was a 77% success rate in reduction of alcoholism behavior at a one year follow-up. Another study used hypnotherapy to treat opioid use disorder and 100 percent of participants were off drugs in six months and 78 percent at the two year mark. Using hypnosis to treat addictions can help:
Lessen withdrawal symptoms
Reduce pain
Alter addictive behavior
Improve emotional wellbeing
Hlavachek further details: “Hypnotherapy alters brainwave states to access deeper states of subconscious awareness. Most with addictive disorders enter treatment with conscious knowledge that their addictive patterns are unhealthy and with a conscious desire to change. Many report that they cannot understand why automatic impulses continue to take over and prevent change.
“Accessing alpha-theta brainwave states through hypnotherapy allows access to the subconscious and lower brain regions. This relaxed state in which the conscious mind recedes allows for high suggestibility, increased clarity, and nervous system regulation. Moreover, this brainwave state has been shown to enhance neuroplasticity, through which the brain can reorganize itself to develop new neural pathways associated with healthy behaviors and thoughts.
“Clients who have chosen to try hypnotherapy have reported many benefits, including a newfound sense of lasting inner peace, improved mental clarity, reduced gambling urges (many report a complete elimination of urges after several sessions), overall reduced desire to gamble or engage in healthy behaviors, more positive self-talk, an increased desire to engage in healthy behaviors, improved emotional and stress management, reduced impulsivity, and a restored connection to their authentic self.”
Options for Gambling Addiction Treatment in the U.S.
Gambling Addiction treatment in the U.S. can vary depending on the individual severity of behaviors or symptoms. Care plans do not entail a one-size-fits-all approach. Someone who is struggling with gambling addiction can benefit from specialized care that can in select instances include forms of hypnosis with licensed professionals.
Birches Health offers virtual one-on-one therapy for those suffering from gambling addiction. Birches Health improves access to care by providing therapy anytime, anywhere. You connect with Birches by:
Calling 833-483-3838
Emailing help@bircheshealth.com
