drinking

[Unregistered]

I am experienced with self hypnosis. I want to apply it to a drinking issue. Considering using aversion suggestions. Any thoughts.

[skip]

It has been my experience that the mind trends towards pleasure.

Using strictly avoidance will mean the mind will go towards ...

Thats the point, you dont know, and it could be worse.

Why dont you try asking yourself what you would prefer to do instead of drinking, or if it can achieve what it achieves with drinking, in some other way, and use your self hypnosis for accomplishing that.

skip

[Don]

I agree with Skip.

Assume that your adversion self-hypnosis works. All the time spent drinking (many minutes or hours a day?) is now empty. What are you going to do during that time.

If you don't have a behavior to replace an undesired behavior, it is common, unfortunately, for the undesired behavior to remain or return no matter the aversion.

So what should you do during that time? I dunno. That's up to you. Read? Exercise? Drive? Go for walks? Learn to play the tuba? Play golf? It's up to you.

In fact, if you figure out what you'd really like to do and focus on that, you may actually have more success than if you spent time with aversion.

[Unregistered]

so instead I should just suggest a replacement. For example I now read instead of drink and find reading much more satisfying. maybe.

[Hibbitty]

How about both?

[Don]

I think Hibbity is closer, but not quite there.

People who don't have a problem with drinking don't worry about or think about drinking. People who do have a problem with drinking are often thinking about that. I don't know if that is your situation.

I would respectfully suggest that rather than focus on aversion the focus be on freedom. Then fill that free space with actvities you desire.

You might even have more success if you find a specialist who can aid you in this process.

[Merlin]

Hello,

While I find a towards strategy gives better direction, away from is often a better motivator.
Question, is the drinking recreational, towards 'fun'
Or is the drinking away from, maybe a painful memory or experience.

If towards, then a new towards may be enough. But if the drinking is away from, a simple towards may not be sufficient.

[Simple Guy]

Dear Guest,

You've gotten some nice information from the others. Allow me to add that
you'd probably find it most helpful to utilize the self-hypnosis skills that you
do have in conjunction with the assistance of a therapist experienced in
working with this issue. The external support, skills and impartiality that
such a person can provide can be invaluable.

[Unregistered]

Just saying thanks for your input folks. If anyone is interested I will post my results. Have a good one.

[Simple Guy]

You're welcome. I, for one, am interested in your posting your results. Best wishes
to you.