AN EVALUATION OF HYPNOSIS IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLICS
STANLEY ABRAMS PH.D.1
1 Camarillo State Hospital, Camarillo, Calif.
In an attempt to determine the effectiveness of hypnotic techniques in the treatment of alcoholism, the literature was reviewed. The findings regarding the value of a hypnotically induced conditioned aversion reflex indicated that considerable success had been attained with this method. Moreover, less risk was involved and conditioning was reported to be instilled more deeply in the hypnotic in contrast to the drug induced conditioning.
The findings regarding the degree of success were definitely equivocal. Some therapists reported that no treatment of the alcoholic was complete without the employment of hypnosis, while others indicated that it was of little value.
Further investigation is needed to clarify these findings and to determine the value of hypnotic methods in the treatment of the alcoholic patient.
