All sorts of treatment had been tried without success, and his wife was in despair. The patient was a charming man and very sincere in his desire to overcome his habit, which was ruining his life. Being intelligent and co-operative, he was easily hypnotized at the first attempt. Only a light stage of hypnosis was induced, thus illustrating once more that a deep state of trance is not necessary for medical purposes. There has been no relapse in spite of severely trying conditions over a considerable period of time, and his wife reports that he is a better man, mentally, morally and physically.
Alcoholics usually make good subjects when they are sincere in their desire to give it up.
Those who are dragged along by their wife or relatives and who secretly have no desire to be cured make difficult subjects. Often they say they will co-operate, but do everything possible to resist. However, if the patient is sincere, hypnosis is remarkably successful. Most alcoholics secretly hope that they will be able to drink sociably like other people. It should be explained that this is impossible for them, and that they have become sensitive or allergic to alcohol in the way in which some people are allergic to various articles of food.