Another habit which often causes patients to seek hypnotic treatment is that of excessive smoking. A typical case was referred by her doctor as her nerves were in a very bad state owing to her habit. The well-meaning but unfortunate suggestion of her doctor did not improve matters. However, at the second session the patient was able to go into a light trance and suggestions were made to cure the smoking habit. Three weeks later she wrote, Well, after thirty years absorption I am very glad to be able to tell you that I appear to be completely cured.
Most people state that they smoke because it soothes their nerves .
Actually, nicotine is a nerve irritant. It has a temporary deadening effect on the nerves in much the same way as a dentist can deaden the nerves with an injection. Just as increased pain and soreness is felt when the injection wears off, so, as the deadening effect of the nicotine wears off, the nerves feel more irritable than ever. Thus the patient gets into the habit of smoking more and more, and may develop into a chain smoker. Exposed to Irritation of their tortured nerves which they do not know how to control, they are forced to give in and start their habit all over again.