Hypnosis to Quit Smoking: A Randomised Trial
Oct 22, 2026The original paper
Carmody TP, Duncan C, Simon JA, Solkowitz S, Huggins J, Lee S, Delucchi K. Hypnosis for smoking cessation: a randomized trial. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2008.
Read the original paper on PubMed →
Summary
286 smokers were randomly given either hypnosis or standard behavioural counselling, both alongside nicotine patches.
At 12 months, 20% of the hypnosis group were confirmed smoke-free compared with 14% of the counselling group. The overall difference wasn't statistically significant, but hypnosis was clearly more effective for smokers with a history of depression.
Key finding
20% quit at 12 months with hypnosis vs 14% with standard counselling.
Why this matters
Habits are rarely just habits — they often carry an emotional job. When that underlying need is addressed, change is easier.
Research is summarised in plain language for a general audience. Hypnotherapy and energy healing are complementary approaches and are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.