Comparing Combined Behavioral Intervention and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Alcohol Addiction
Comparing the Efficacy of Combined Behavioral Intervention and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Addiction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Beykoz University
90 participants
Mar 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This clinical study is being conducted to compare the effectiveness of two psychological treatments for alcohol addiction: Combined Behavioral Intervention (CBI) and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH). The purpose of the study is to determine whether Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, a more personalized and indirect therapeutic method, is equal to or more effective than the gold-standard approach, Combined Behavioral Intervention, in helping individuals reduce their alcohol consumption and improve psychological well-being. Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that affects mental, emotional, and physical health. Many treatment options exist, but not all individuals respond in the same way. This study aims to evaluate two different types of therapy in a structured way, to better understand which works best, for whom, and under what circumstances. The study will include 90 adult participants diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) a group receiving weekly sessions of Combined Behavioral Intervention, (2) a group receiving weekly sessions of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, or (3) a control group receiving general educational materials about alcohol addiction. Treatment will last for 12 weeks, and all participants will be followed up three months after the last session to assess long-term effects. Throughout the study, researchers will measure changes in alcohol consumption, alcohol craving, mental health symptoms (such as depression and anxiety), quality of life, and motivation to change. The findings of this study may help improve the way alcohol addiction is treated by offering evidence on alternative approaches such as hypnotherapy.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Aged between 18 and 65 years
- Meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (mild to severe)
- Medically and psychiatrically stable as determined by a clinician
- Willing and able to participate in weekly sessions over a 12-week period
- Provides informed consent
Exclusion Criteria6
- Current diagnosis of a severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychotic disorder, bipolar I disorder)
- Significant cognitive impairment that would interfere with treatment participation
- Participation in another structured addiction treatment during the study period
- Current use of psychotropic medications that may influence outcome measures (as assessed by the clinical team)
- Unstable medical condition requiring immediate intervention
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period
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Interventions
The intervention includes 12 weekly sessions integrating Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and relapse prevention strategies. Techniques include enhancing motivation to change, identifying cognitive distortions, managing high-risk situations, and developing alternative coping strategies.
This therapy includes 12 weekly sessions involving individualized trance induction, indirect suggestion, therapeutic metaphor, and ego-strengthening techniques. The sessions follow Ericksonian principles and are delivered by certified hypnotherapists.
Locations(1)
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NCT06916754